Strategies will put you back in control of your career

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By KATHLEEN CALDWELL Where are you taking your business and career in 2007? What an interesting question. Many people instead ask themselves, "Where is my career and company taking me?" As a result, they feel they are at the mercy of their business. The experience for many is that their early career and business choices have them trapped. Now they end up feeling tired, disillusioned, and frustrated about the career and business they once loved. I say it doesn't have to be that way. As an executive coach, I have trained and helped businesspeople by implementing the following five strategies: 1. Dream big and create an exciting intention around your life and business in 2007. I am not talking about New Year's resolutions. I suggest instead getting clear about what you really want, and why you want it. What would you like to do, be, or have in 2007 and beyond? It takes courage to think out of the box and dream about what's important to you, your values, your gifts, your passions, and the quality of your life. Take the time to write down your answers to the following questions: * What makes me the happiest in my work? What do I want more of? * What do I want less of? * What are my dreams? * What am I willing to do to make my dreams come true? 2. Begin creating plans and strategies to accomplish these intentions and goals. What are the top things you would like to accomplish in 2007? What are the things that you always wanted to do but were afraid to? Also, ask for help. Hire a business coach, find a mentor, ask a trusted partner and/or your spouse. Do whatever it takes to find an "accountability partner," a person who you trust who shares your vision and will support you and hold youaccountable for making it happen. 3. Be in action and get velocity about your goals and plans. Why do 95 percent of the people that set New Year's resolutions never follow through? They don't create realistic steps to fulfill the goal, and they lose confidence and give up. I suggest breaking down your goals into small, reasonable action steps that can make the difference in achieving success. Ask yourself frequently, "What is the one thing that I can do this hour, today, and this week to move myself forward?" We are looking for progress not perfection here. Measure and keep track of your results. Celebrate when you see that you are achieving success and gaining momentum; this process will keep you inspired, confident and on track. 4. Network with other business professionals. Participate in your local chambers of commerce, professional, civic, and religious organizations. The experience of networking and volunteering will connect you with other professionals that are committed to making a difference. Being active in your community and being in service will transform your passion and purpose for your profession ... and your life. 5. Learn new skills and continue your education. Successful businesspeople all will agree that continuing education is an important element in remaining competitive and passionate about their work. Read the latest business books and trade publications, and attend workshops and professional meetings to become the best you can be. It is important to not only work on yourself professionally, but personally. Are you taking the time and making the effort to be the best communicator, listener, manager, salesperson, or chief executive officer that you can be? On a related note, are you trying to be the best spouse, parent, friend, son/daughter, mentor that you can possibly be? Also, having a balance between your work and home life is absolutely critical to living the life you were meant to live. Making the commitment for change and taking action are the keys to having the business and career you want in 2007 and beyond. * Kathleen Caldwell is an executive business coach and the president of Caldwell Consult-ing Group LLC of Woodstock. She can be reached by e-mail at kathleen@consultcaldwell.biz.