You can shoot from the hip and have random successes OR you can follow this self-question checklist for a direct approach to successful personal and professional change.

1. Reassess values ? What are your most important values at this time? Will this change be a value-added benefit to your life?

2. Review passion and vision ? As you imagine your future without this change, do you experience a sense of loss if this dream is unrealized? Do you experience a deep satisfaction and enthusiasm as you imagine the change coming to fruition?

3. Look for big picture fit ? Where does this change fit with your overall purpose in life? (For more on Purpose, one useful source is the book, The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work, by business consultant, Richard Leider).

4. Clear and prep the field ? What or whom do you need to let go of in order to make room for this change? What safeguards do you need to put into place now to address possible saboteurs before they become obstacles? (A few to watch out for are: procrastination behavior, poor finances, lack of training or inexperience, no support structures in place and a backlog of uncompleted projects).

5. Assess readiness ? Are you willing to take all necessary action steps at this time? What parts of this project or process will you delegate to others?

6. Establish support team ? Do you have a mentor, coach, financial or legal advisors, or other necessary professionals and technical support staff lined up to advise and assist you?

7. Review timeline and set smaller goals ? When is this goal to be accomplished? Working backwards from the deadline, what is the order of priority you have set in your timeline for each step of the process?

8. Get going ? What will you accomplish today, this week, and next week, to move your goal forward till you reach completion?

Laurie A. Sheppard 2006 All Rights Reserved

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