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September 3, 2014
Barbara Winter's Joyfully Jobless News
Dear Barbara,
Perhaps the best reason for having calendars and for marking life in years is that the cycle itself offers hope. We need fresh starts and new chances, the conviction that beginnings remain available, no matter how many we've blown. And the yearly clock can start anywhere along the line. 
~ Loudon Wainwright 
In This Issue
Postcard From Barbara
8 Steps to Launching A Fresh Start
A Fine Fresh Start
Further Explorations
Live in Colorado?
Barbara Online
Buon Viaggio Blog
 
The theme this month is
Postcards from Barbara
POSTCARD FROM BARBARA
Dragons in Vegas

You may have noticed that I've been quiet lately. While I haven't been idle, it was obvious to me that I needed a break. I also realized that if I was ever going to finish some of the less-than-exciting-but -necessary personal projects staring at me, I'd need to shift gears temporarily. Our long hot summer proved the perfect time to do just that.

 

One of my favorite perks of self-employment is the ease with which a bit of time off can be negotiated. I am happy to report that I'm caught up and refocused on some creative projects that I'll be rolling out in the near future. 

 

I also wanted to be ready for the annual celebration that occurs around September 1. After years of heading back to school when autumn was on the horizon, I still think of it as the New Year. It's also the anniversary of my business which was born when my daughter headed off to kindergarten. 

 

Even though I've been self-employed much longer than I ever worked for someone else, I head into each new year with excitement and enthusiasm for new projects as well as vintage profit centers that have not lost their charm. Happiest New Year!

8 STEPS TO LAUNCHING A FRESH START

Sometimes a fresh start simply involves a new project.  Other times, it may be more dramatic with big changes in direction. Either way, you'll make progress more quickly and keep your inspiration high if you take these steps. 
 

1. Sharpen your focus. 

A change of scenery may be helpful. Step away from your ordinary life and go to a quiet place where you can contemplate without distraction.

 

Don't just think about the form your new idea will take. Identify the essence of what matters to you. Essence includes the nature of the thing, its qualities. Are you longing for more joy? Laughter? Serenity? Simplicity? When you are clear about the essence, your options expand dramatically. 

 

2. Take inventory.

What's getting your time and attention now? What would you like to eliminate? What distracts you from where you really want to go or be or do? Eliminate the nonessentials. This might involve canceling regular activities that waste your time. Or it might involve rearranging your schedule with higher priorities being given more attention. Remember that it's difficult to move forward if you aren't clear about where you are now. 

 

3. Do your homework. 

New projects involve new learning and discovery. Take a class. Locate others who are doing what you'd like to be doing. Build your own resource center. While this is an on-going part of your project, at the outset be committed to laying down a firm foundation. 

 

4. Begin with the end in mind.

Steven Covey's advice on getting a clear vision of your final destination is critical to your success. You probably wouldn't go to the airport and say, "Send me somewhere." You'd maKe that decision first. Same is true with any new adventure.  

 

5. Make friends with your mistakes.

Of course, you'll make them. As the old saying goes if you aren't willing to make mistakes, you can't make anything. The trick is to see them as your teachers, not your enemies. 

 

6. Give it a name.

Putting a title on your project is magnetic. After all, a party is just a party until you give it a theme. Then your imagination gets busy. Same is true for all sorts of new endeavors. 

 

7. Gather evidence.

Want to travel the world? Get a current passport. Physical evidence reminds you that you're serious about succeeding. Give yourself credit for even the tiniest steps. You could even start a new journal to record your progress. It's a visible reminder of the action you're taking day by day. 

 

8. Celebrate victories.

Send yourself a congratulatory card. Invite a supportive friend out for lunch. Take pictures of yourself moving forward. This may be more challenging than you realize, especially if you were raised to downplay your achievements. Remember that celebrations are meant to be fun. Wasn't that why you wanted to embark on a new endeavor in the first place?
A FINE FRESH START

If you live in Minnesota and attend the annual get together known as the State Fair, you probably have encountered Sweet Martha's cookies. Recently, CBS Evening News did a story about this teacher-turned-entrepreneur. It's a terrific story. Take a look.

 

Sweet Martha (Click to watch) 

FURTHER EXPLORATIONS

This autumn finds me returning to two of my favorite places.

 

null On September 26 & 27, I'll be back at Colorado Free University in Denver. If you haven't participated in one of my programs there, this IS your last opportunity to do so in 2014. Click HERE for details.

 

A month later, I'm back in Las Vegas on October 23-25 for another visit to UNLV. I'll be teaching Self-Employment as Your Next Career, I Hate Marketing and Making a Living Without a Job. Here's the scoop. 

LIVE IN COLORADO?
I'm so excited that the Chihuly Exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens will still be on when I return. I'd like to organize a field trip on the evening of September 25. If you'd like to join me, send me an email at barbara@joyfullyjobless.com and I'll get details out when they're available.

Buon Viaggio,

 

Barbara Winter

Barbara Winter 

 

P.S. On occasion, I may receive a commission or compensation when you participate or purchase a product or service I recommend. That being said, I strive to always offer useful content and resources in each issue of Joyfully Jobless News.
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