Imagine fearing you’ll never find your dream career.

Then you join a group being led by a wise woman who helps people do just that.

The other participants are popping with ideas.

But you… no clue.

Then at the final meeting, you spy a National Geographic magazine on the coffee table.

On the cover is Koko, the gorilla who learned to communicate with humans using American sign language.

Suddenly you come alive! “I LOVE gorillas!”

“Great!” says the wise woman! “We can work with that!”

Of course you’re immediately skeptical. It’s not like you can make a living at it or anything.

But the wise woman says, “of course you can dear.”

That very 1978 National Geographic featured Koko’s teachers at the Gorilla Foundation.

Years later the grateful gorilla lover would tell the wise woman…

I had no idea where to start, even where I wanted to go. I only knew I loved gorillas, and you persuaded me to learn everything I could and get involved with the Gorilla Foundation.

Everyone told me I was foolish and I was afraid they might be right, but now I work with gorillas every day in one of the biggest zoos in America!

I’ve been to Borneo twice working with the apes, and I’ve even helped raise baby gorillas.

The wise woman would go on to tell countless others that their crazy dreams were possible too – mine included.

That wise woman was, of course, the uniquely gifted Barbara Sher.

Photograph by Mindy Stricke

And so it is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Barbara died on Sunday, May 10th.

For the woman who helped birth thousands of dreams to leave us on Mother’s Day seems fitting.

An early pioneer in the career coaching world, Barbara not only assured us we could create the life we want but offered us a path to do it.

Her first book Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want (and still my personal favorite) sold millions of copies.

In 1988 I too was searching.

So I organized a weekly Wishcraft group using our answers to the exercises to brainstorm options and create action plans.

It was an informal forerunner of what would later become another of Barbara’s signature contributions – Success Teams.

From that group came the idea for my first business – a line of humorous greeting cards which I drew, had professionally printed, and got into stores in New York, San Francisco, Hartford, and elsewhere.

It wasn’t a big money maker.

But the very act of doing it gave me the confidence to do what entrepreneurs do – try, try again.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Five years later I got another bright idea: Create a newsletter for other burned out cubicle dwellers.

After just one issue I realized it needed more voices than my own.

By 1994 Barbara had written her second book, I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was.

Would she be willing to be a contributor?

I got Barbara’s home number through her publisher (ah, the good old days).

Caught off guard when her answering machine picked up (remember those?!) I stumbled through my message…

Hi Barbara… you don’t know me but…

I’m starting a newsletter for people who want to follow their own road.

I know you’re really busy, but I’m a huge fan of your books and wondered if you’d contribute. You can reach me at this number…

She didn’t call back.

I was disappointed but hardly surprised.

Come on, Valerie. She’s a big author. Why would she want to be in your little newsletter?

Like the Rolling Stones said, you can’t always get what you want.

“Isolation is the Dream Killer”

Five weeks later on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I’m sitting alone in my kitchen close to tears. At that point, I had maybe 20 paying subscribers.

It was a dumb idea. I should have known it would never work. Who would want your stupid newsletter anyway?

When the phone rang I let it go to my machine.

After the beep, I hear a cheery voice apologizing for taking so long to get back to me.

It was Barbara Sher!

She was just getting caught up after her big book tour and would be delighted to contribute to my newsletter.

I nearly broke a leg lunging for the phone!

This experience taught me two things.

First, sometimes we need to ignore our “logical, practical” self – the one that assumes no one wants to work with or help us.

Second, even though being a solopreneur makes you both the head coach and the only player on the field, entrepreneurial dreams are still a team sport.

Does that mean everyone you ask to be a part of your team will say yes? Nope.

Barbara could have just as easily declined.

I would have been disappointed and a little (ok, a lot) down. But not deterred.

Because Barbara taught me that there are plenty of other people out there who really are willing and eager to cheer us on from the sidelines.

That you don’t need to believe in yourself, or love yourself, or have a positive attitude to get what you want.

You just need to find people who want you and your crazy idea to succeed.

Barbara’s mantra became, “Isolation is the dream killer.”

A concept she explains brilliantly in this 10 minute clip from one of her recent workshops.

If you’ve never read her work, I suggest you start with Wishcraft.

Then if you’re what Barbara called a “scanner,” a person who loves so many things, you can’t pick one, then read Refuse to Choose: Use All of Your Interests Passions and Hobbies to Create the Life and Career of Your Dreams.

When I think of Barbara, mostly I think of the regular people who, thanks to her, are living their dreams.

Monkey Business

When Barbara’s friend and assistant Patty Newbold told me of her death, I mentioned how moved I was by the gorilla story.

Patty assumed I was talking about primate artist, Robin Huffman!

“Wait,” I said, “you mean, there’s another gorilla story!!?”

How many career coaches have the distinction of being the catalyst for not one, but two people turning a love of apes into a whole new life?

Here’s how Robin tells the story on her site…

I fell in love with a monkey… a fragile, frightened blue-faced infant, who fit in the palm of my hand. Her name was Maasai.

It was 2007 and I was volunteering for the first time at Ape Action Africa primate sanctuary in Cameroon. My job was to care for her. When she looked up at me, I knew life would never be the same.

At the time, I’d spent 29 years as an interior designer and project manager in a global firm.

I took three months off from hectic New York City to volunteer at an ape and monkey sanctuary in the jungle.

Deforestation and exploding human populations are wiping out the non-human primate families in the world’s last rainforests. For these vulnerable displaced creatures orphaned due to escalating bush meat hunting and the illegal pet trade, sanctuaries provide rehabilitation, care, and a safe haven.

During that transformative summer, I not only raised three infant monkeys, I painted signs for the sanctuary.

The manager asked if I could “paint a monkey.”

Despite having no formal training in painting, I rendered colorful Maasai. My primate portrait career – and my calling – were born.

I’ve been caring for them, painting them, and beautifying sanctuaries ever since. Once I learned first-hand of their plight, I left my career and shifted my focus to help, with a profound sense there was no time to waste.

It All Began With Barbara Sher

Naturally, I had to know more about Barbara’s role in all of this.

Robin told me she met Barbara in 1998 at a Learning Annex workshop in New York.

Like me, she’d been moved by the story of the woman who became a surrogate gorilla mother at the Bronx Zoo.

Six years later Robin went to Barbara’s first ever Scanner Retreat on the Greek island of Corfu.

Did it help? I’ll let Robin tell you:

“Even though I talked about running a B&B, Eleanor of Aquitaine, renovating medieval castles in Europe, and animal massage, everyone said to me, ‘Wow. You really love gorillas, DON’T you!’ I thought, if that’s what I’m broadcasting, I’d better pay attention.”

A week later she wrote her ideal job description.

The details were fuzzy, but it involved something to do with animal protection or cultural preservation in Europe, the UK, or Africa.

Notably, Robin said she also, “wanted to work for a hero who sought an adjutant to help brainstorm and implement projects.”

Then she said, “I had an epiphany that the place I could get closest to gorillas will never be the Bronx Zoo. It would be where it’s a desperate situation, where some donations and sweat equity meant something.

I Googled ‘gorilla orphan’ and ‘gorilla rescue’ and up popped a photo of Rachel Hogan at Ape Action Africa with two baby gorillas on her hips and a headline that read, ‘Do you want to volunteer?’”

She raised her hand and nine months later was in Cameroon, working at Ape Action Africa and living her dream job description.

Of course, no dream comes without sacrifice.

Robin returned to her job for a year before resigning and selling her condo to fund what would turn out to be 3.5 years in Cameroon, nine self-funded trips, and another year and a half volunteering at sanctuaries and an environmental research/lemur center in Africa and the US.

Patty told me, that in between Robin slept on a lot of friend’s couches in New York working just long enough to afford the next trip.

Today, Robin is a self-taught painter specializing in large scale close-up portraits of apes and monkeys.

Robin and the woman who encouraged her were bonded for life.

Barbara with Yoda at Robin’s first ever art exhibition in 2016 at her former design firm (never burn those bridges!).

Making Dreams Happen

There was another Barbara who moved me to escape from cubicle life — Barbara Winter.

In 1990 I attended her workshop in Hartford — three years before her wildly popular book Making a Living Without a Job.

By 2000 the Changing Course newsletter featured reprints and excerpts from both Barbara’s.

Over time my dreams got bigger.

In 2003 I asked “the Barbara’s” to team up for a four-day workshop and retreat called Making Dreams Happen.

I’d do all the work if they’d show up.

After all, it takes no more effort to think big than it does to think small.

Happily, it was an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Here’s a few photos of the three of us in Boulder, Colorado.

(Nice to finally work with people my own size!)

The second photo is thanks to Kimberly Stewart, pictured below.

Kimberly was among Barbara’s early Success Team leaders and later went on to train with me to be a Profiting from Your Passions coach where I encouraged her to launch her business Be Weird Make Money.

As Kimberly and the other 56 attendees will attest, it was a magical experience.

I personally count Making Dreams Happen among the top three experiences of my life.

I’m clearly biased, but I happen to think the very best of Barbara’s brilliance was on full display over those four days.

I’d read all of her books.

And more recently, I watched several of her videos on YouTube.

But here I got to witness the force of nature that was Barbara Sher.

Because she wasn’t just giving talks. She was helping to lead an interactive, roll-up-your-sleeves workshop.

Over the four days, Barbara led the group through exercise after exercise.

One helped people deal with the inevitable critics and naysayers.

Another involved a fun way to figure who was (and wasn’t) potential buyers for our future businesses

Attendees had all sorts of dreams including…

…create a support network to help families dealing with mental illness

…run tours to off-the-beaten track places in France…

…be a sports marketer…

…start an invention incubator for women inventors

…open a combination theater, café, bookstore…

Barbara expertly guided the group through multiple Idea Parties using her signature Wish-Obstacle model.

It begins with the phrase I wish I could… but I can’t because.

Seventeen years later the one that still sticks in my mind was the attendee who’s wish was to start a pool exercise program for overweight women, but couldn’t because she had no pool, no money, and no experience.

Guess what?! We helped her see a way!

Since Barbara’s passing, I’ve gone back to listen to her portions of the workshop.

It scares me to think how I almost didn’t tape it.

I was not exactly flush with cash and it costs thousands to have an AV person on-site to record professionally four very long 10 and 14-hour days.

And since back then recordings were on CDs, the post-production costs for editing, producing, and packaging 24 CDs would be many thousands more.

But sometimes you just have to trust your gut.

I’m glad I did, especially after many Facebook friends spoke of how much they loved hearing the recordings.

In honor of Barbara Sher, I’d like to share with you the first of her eight sessions.

Click here now to listen to Finding Your Hidden Gifts.

This is first and foremost a tribute to my friend Barbara.

So a huge part of me was hesitant to even mention that the option still exists to get the entire Making Dreams Happen series.

But after listening again I realized it would be selfish not to share this treasure. And also, that doing so would be a way to give back.

In honor of the impact she’s had on the gorilla lover who wound up working at the Bronx Zoo, Robin, me, and the millions of others who Barbara moved to action, from now through Labor Day a portion of any sales will go to one of Barbara’s favorite charities — Ape Action Africa in Cameroon.

The British statesman and novelist Benjamin Disraeli wrote, “Most people die with their music still locked up inside them.”

Barbara Sher was not most people.

Rest in peace, my friend.

For the full story of Barbara’s journey from single mom on welfare to a best-selling author and career change legend click here.

I look forward to reading your own tributes to Barbara and how she inspired you to follow your dreams.

Notice to My Valued Readers: Since 1995 I’ve kept the Changing Course Newsletter ad-free. However, I do need to keep the lights on. So some pre-screened resources I review or promote may result in a referral fee. That said maintaining my 24+ year reputation means far more to me than making a few bucks promoting stuff I don’t believe in. Be assured that I only endorse products, people, or resources I know to be of value to my readers and never recommend anything I either have not or would not personally use myself. As an Amazon Associate, Changing Course earns from qualifying purchases.

In an interview late in his life, famed psychologist Sigmund Freud was asked to expound on what he felt were the most important constituents of life.

His answer? “Liebe und Arbeit.” Love and work.

This is hardly surprising.

After all, for most of human history, the meaning of work and the meaning of life intersected at survival. Work was life.

When cheap energy and mechanization started us down the path of staggering increases in productivity, some philosophers and visionaries began speculating about how we would use the extra “leisure time” we would gain from all this productivity.

The reality has proved much different than projected. How do we spend the “extra time?” We work.

Yet for most, work that we’d call “meaningful” remains elusive.

We can’t always pinpoint what’s missing or what it is that would give our work lives meaning.

Finding Your Genius

Ultimately, meaning isn’t about where you work for or even whether you work for yourself.

For some, meaning has to do with how closely the work you perform is in alignment with what author Dick Richards labels “your genius.”

In his book Is Your Genius at Work?

Richards uses the term to mean that unique intersection between what you are good at (your gift) and what you love to do (your passion).

Richards believes we all have this one genius, this positive talent that can be described in a two-word phrase such as “engaging the heart,” or “optimizing results.”

To me, this notion that if we can find our one true genius, our one true calling is a trap that causes people to endlessly search for the work equivalent of their soul mate.

The fact is we all have multiple gifts and talents. And we can all get better at things that don’t come naturally to us.

Still, Richard’s bigger point stands.

Once you get clear on your gifts, interests, and the skills you actually enjoy it’s a matter of then connecting the dots between what you enjoy doing and an “unmet need” in the world.

By engaging in the simple act of identifying and labeling your genius, Richards says, you’re better able to see how you might help meet those unmet needs so someone will actually pay you for your gifts.

Once your heart gets into alignment with your work says Richards, suddenly work feels more like play.

Work vs Play

Will you be happier when you quit your soul-sucking job to do work you enjoy? Absolutely!

But here again, I differ on this notion that when you find work you love that it will always feel like play.

Why? Because sooner or later the work you do is going to feel like… well, work.

Suddenly you realize you have to get a website or ask someone to hire you or attend meetings or do any number of things that for you, may feel nothing at all like play.

At which point you decide it must not be your genius after all… and you abandon what could what might have been a perfectly wonderful livelihood.

I speak from experience here.

As a professional speaker, I get to travel the world talking to interesting audiences about something called impostor syndrome.

In the last three months alone I’ve had engagements in Denmark, Switzerland, San Francisco, southern California…

(Here’s a photo of my side trip to the Swiss alps. Yes, I walked across those two peaks at 10,000 feet!)

And I’m blessed to be paid good money to do it.

But there are parts of the speaking business that definitely don’t feel like play, like…

• arriving home in the middle of the night because of a flight delay
• going through TSA
• dealing with contracts or the sometimes staggering amount of “administrivia” that goes into getting set up in the company or a university or an entire state’s new supplier/vendor system
• staying on top of the constant plagiarism of my work

The thing is, you have to do the joyless parts in order to do the parts you DO love.

For me that’s…

• standing on a stage speaking to hundreds of people at organizations like Google, Boeing, Microsoft, the National Cancer Institute, NASA, and MIT
• meeting interesting people – sometimes sitting next to me on a plane
• getting to visit interesting places like Japan, Portugal, Oxford, England, and many others
• reading emails or book reviews from people who took the time to say that my work matters

Since no work feels like play all the time then maybe what we should be searching for instead is meaningful work.

Of course, this, begs the question: What does “meaningful” mean?

The answer, of course, is different for everyone.

For one person that could mean cleaning carpets or landscaping.

For others that could mean training dogs or deftly dealing with customer complaints or teaching or cooking the perfect meal.

One way to find the answer for yourself is to apply the Alarm-Clock Test.

If the alarm clock rings and you’re already out of bed getting ready for work because you feel good about whatever it is you’re doing.

When that happens, chances are pretty good that you’re somewhere near that sweet spot.

One of my very favorite things to do is brainstorm.

More specifically, I love connecting the dots between what someone loves to do and how they can make money doing it.

Turns out I’m not alone.

So sometime in the near future, I plan to re-open my highly popular program teaching other “idea people” how to get paid to brainstorm like I do.

If you’d be notified when that happens, click here to add your name to the list.

If you think it’s not possible to live and work on your own terms… to do work that’s both personally rewarding and helps others… think again.

I recently shared how I went from doing just ok, to earning six figures in six months.

I’m not the only one to see remarkable success in a short period of time.

Thousands of lives have been forever changed by New York Times best-selling author, business and product launch expert, and I’m proud to say, my friend Jeff Walker.

Jeff has perfected a way for everyday people to start or grow a business online.

People with an astonishing array of interests…

From training dogs to helping people understand fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or coaching people to overcome money blocks…

From empowering women in Africa by teaching them about real estate…  to teaching yoga or painting, even teaching people how to scream…

As a result of Jeff’s training they were able to quit their day job… buy a first home… get out of debt… travel the country in their RV… grow a struggling business into a thriving one…

…and most importantly, like me, they’re now able to enjoy the freedom of living and working on their own terms.

And isn’t that what we all want? If so, read on…

Step 1: Find the Real Life Story That Makes You Say, “Wow!”

Scan through the list of case studies.

Look for the story or stories that most spoke to you. Why? Because the universe is trying to tell you something.

At the end I’ll share how you can listen to these inspiring self-bossers tell their story in their own words.

I’ll also share how you too can benefit from Jeff’s once-a-year product launch training before it closes tonight at midnight.

From Hobby to Six-Figure Business… in One Year
Anne LaFollette was close to retiring from her longtime corporate job… and then she was laid off. She signed up for Jeff’s product launch training, turned her pattern-making hobby into a business – and is about to cross the six-figure line just a year after her first launch.

Foster Dad’s Discovery Has Helped Thousands of Families
Jeff Noble teaches people about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), which are the leading cause of developmental disabilities. Even though he’s not a doctor or therapist, he’s used launches to turn his passion into a global mission, and now travels the world to teach people how to cope with this misunderstood health condition.

First Launch $2k, Second Launch $90k… Teaching Yoga in Italian
Max Guidi teaches yoga courses online for the Italian market. After planning and executing his Seed Launch in just a week (and making a respectable $2,000 for his effort), he launched his course again… and it brought in around $90,000. Max now helps to train both students and yoga teachers all over the world and is currently developing an online yoga school.

She’s Made Millions Training Dogs (and Their People, Too)
Susan Garrett was already a successful business owner, traveling the world teaching people how to train their dogs. But her schedule was exhausting and unsustainable. When she bought Jeff’s product launch training, she was hoping to make enough to pay it off before the credit card statement came in and her husband found out. Her first launch made $27,000… but she didn’t stop there. Susan now does million dollar launches in the dog training niche.

Overcoming All Odds to Do Her Own Thing
After she was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, Gabriela Pereira decided she had to leave her dream job. Then she found Jeff’s product launch training, and used it to create a business helping writers master their craft. Being in control of her business means she can operate on her own schedule, even on days when her health is a challenge.

Improving Life for Women in Zimbabwe and Beyond
Thembi Bheka arrived in Canada with just $5 in her pocket after leaving an abusive relationship in her native Zimbabwe. She knew nothing about online marketing when she discovered Jeff’s training, and launched her first course in just six months. Now she’s empowering women in Africa and teaching people about real estate investing. And she recently celebrated her first six-figure launch!

From Living in a Tent to Earning $400,000 Helping People With Chronic Pain
Before she discovered Jeff’s training, Elisha Celeste had been living in a tent. One year later, she’d collected a massive $400,000 from two launches – and moved into a house. Her specialty is helping people get rid of chronic pain… and she has far more impact, and income, from going online than she did after years in private practice.

Thirty-Something and Making Seven Figures Per Launch
Dylan Frost and his partners built a successful business selling physical products on Amazon. They developed a system for wholesaling products, and started teaching their method to other sellers. Then they started using what they learned from Jeff and their first launch brought in $147,000 and each of the last four launches brought in more than $1 million. Dylan anticipates crossing the $10 million mark this year.

Starving Artist? More Like Seven-Figure Artist
Nicholas is a fine-art artist who has led offline workshops to teach people how to paint. Then he used Jeff’s training to bring his workshop online – he started from scratch and his first launch did over $400,000 in sales. And he followed that up with another launch that made around the same. (I got to meet Nicholas a few years ago and can tell you, no one was more surprised than him to bring in that kind of money from painting!)

Designing Fabric… and $342,000 in Her First Launch
Bonnie Christine’s story is one of the most amazing. Her market is designing fabric and wallpaper… and her first launch did $342,000! With that kind of success right out of the gate you can bet Bonnie, didn’t stop there!

Six Figures from Teaching People to Scream
David Wu and Sean Johnson are passionate music fans who knew they enjoyed teaching, and knew their audience wanted something cool and unique. So they spent 3 months learning how to scream… and then created a training product to teach others. Their launch brought in six figures… and they’re just getting started.

Teaching others how to make historically accurate corsets
Cathy Hay has a membership site where she teaches people how to make beautiful, historically accurate corsets. She started the site long ago, and sales were OK… but not really growing. And then she started using Jeff’s product launch training … and the results were dramatic.

Musician Making More (and Working Less) as a Stay-at-Home Dad
Keyboardist Michael Walker loved touring and interacting with his audience… but he wanted to be home with his bride and start a family. Now he helps other musicians grow their fan bases and tour profitably. Starting with no list, Michael now has a sales funnel that has made $30,000-$50,000 a month – every month – since he started 18 months ago. And he has plenty of time to enjoy his toddler son.

Helping People in the Bedroom – From Her Own Living Room
Vanessa Marin had a sex therapy business where she worked with clients on a one-on-one basis. She had a thriving business, but she thought she could help more people with an online business. She and her husband discovered Jeff’s training… and they’ve never looked back. Their first launch brought in $15,000… and their results grew from there. Their next launch did $45,000 and the one after that did $105,000.

Helping the Growing Latin Market
Luis Carlos Flores and his wife are psychotherapists who help Latin American parents become great parents. They put together their first launch in just 3 weeks, netting 130 new students in 10 days. Six-figure launches are now the norm, even though their Latin American market doesn’t usually buy online. But the best part is the daily thank you notes from happy clients…

Launching Her Way Around the World
Polly Alexandre is a coach who helps people with their “money blocks.” Her first launch brought in over $51,000 dollars… which snowballed into another launch and then a mastermind event. From just one launch Polly made an astounding $531,170… all while globetrotting between London, Ibiza, and Los Angeles.

Teacher Launches While 7 Months Pregnant – $300k in 4 Months! Busy mom-of-four Kayse Morris planned her first launch while she was 7 months pregnant. She met her launch goal of $25,000 in just a few hours… and her first two launches brought in more than $300,000 in less than 4 months. Kayse’s market? Showing teachers how to sell their lesson plans online.

After an Accident, He More Than Replaced His Income
Barry was a very successful entertainer. Then he had a mountain biking accident that left him unable to perform… and his business (and income) were dead in the water. Then he found Jeff’s product launch training and it changed everything in his business…

Accountant Quits His Job and Makes $220,000
Erik was not sure what he wanted to sell at first… but he knew he was ready for something different after 26 years as an accountant. He found a surprisingly hungry audience and did his first launch, bringing in $10,000 before even creating his product. In just 10 months after starting his online business, Erik made $220,000 in revenue (and is already planning his second launch).

Her Paintings Sell for $12,000 Each – and Her Courses Are Always Full Mary Gilkerson is a painter who decided to take her experience teaching college-level art and use it to create an online course. Before Jeff’s product launch training, she brought in a pretty respectable $12,000… but afterward, her launch brought in $54,000. Now Mary’s online art courses are consistently full, and she’s selling more of her own work than ever before. AND she’s using the same formula to sell her paintings for up to $12,000 each!

Parenting Blogger Helps Others and More Than Pays the Bills
Dayna Abraham started a parenting blog with the hope she’d be able to earn enough to pay for a box of wine. But by using Jeff’s training, she’s made more than enough for that wine – she’s raked in enough to fulfill her dream of opening a school! Her first launch made her over $16,000… her next one brought in $71,000… and the one after that brought in a staggering $209,000.

From $5,000 to $68,000 – for the Exact Same Product!
Bill O’Hanlon had a very nice business – but it was unleveraged. He was traveling three or four times per month, and his lifestyle suffered from his grueling travel schedule. So he created an online course to give himself time freedom. That course made $5,000. Then he got Jeff’s training program and did a $68,000 launch with the very same course… and he was just getting started.

A Year’s Worth of Seafood Sales – in a Week As a farmer, Blaine Hitzfield wasn’t sure if Jeff’s training would work for his family’s business. But his wild-caught fish launch brought in $38,000 in 7 days – double the amount the farm would normally make on seafood in an entire year. He thought it was a fluke… until he did a launch for his grass-fed and pasture-raised beef… and the numbers were just as crazy.

Stable Cash Flow for Her Seasonal Business
Shelley Brander had a successful brick-and-mortar yarn store… but it suffered every year with the seasonal swings of the market. Then she started selling online and credits Jeff’s product launch training with changing everything in her business (and her life).

Doctor Sells Physical Products While Traveling in Her RV
Dr. Karen Leggett helps women keep their hormones balanced. Burnt out from long hours and paperwork, she did her first Seed Launch with no list and no product. Now she makes $30,000 a month selling her physical products – and she loves launches. Karen has another doctor manage her busy private practice, while she runs her online business and travels with her husband in their RV.

B2B Launch and Seven Figures from a Tiny Email List
Renee Fink has a B2B business in the “employer records” industry. Faced with an ill business partner and the company losing money fast, she turned to Jeff’s product launch training. Renee’s second launch led to a seven-figure contract… from an email list of just 1,000 names that she’d built from scratch, without spending any money on advertising.

First She Launched… Then She Bought a House
Kara Andretta helps cake decorators run successful home businesses. She had a blog that got lots of readers, but very little revenue. In her first launch, Kara more than doubled her list and made $91,000.

The B2B Launch – $700k (and $400K More in the Pipeline)
Craig Peterson is a computer engineer who sells very high end B2B networking and computer security hardware, software, and services. He recently sold $700,000 from his launch… with another $400,000 in the pipeline.

Exponential Gains with Every Launch (and 8900% More Opt-ins)
An urban farmer, Stacey Murphy was passionate about bringing healthy foods to the world. To expand her reach, she created an online course but couldn’t get much traction with her audience until she found Jeff’s product launch training. Her first launch brought in 3x the revenue of her solo launch. She doubled that with her second launch, and her opt-ins have increased by an incredible 8,900%.

He Put His Non-Profit in the Black… For Good
Rob Schwarz runs a non-profit that trains therapists and healers. Despite having a ton of great assets and trainings, the non-profit was struggling. And facing his second straight year of losses, he wondered if he would have to close the doors and shut down the business. Then he discovered Jeff’s training and put it to work. He’s done $1.2 million in launches since 2015… impacting thousands and securing a bright future for his non-profit.

$11,500 for a Product that Didn’t Exist (Yet)
Kat and Jason O’Neill are in the cannabis industry. Their first Seed Launch brought in $11,500… and that was technically before their course even existed, which means they got paid to create the course! Now after doing their Seed Launch, they know so much more about their audience, and they’ve got ideas for a bunch of cool new products.

126% of Her Launch Goal – In the First Hour
Sylvie wasn’t sure what she wanted to launch, so she did a launch for her painting instructor. She beat her goal of 30 sales, making 68 sales in just the first hour of the launch – and eventually pulling in $200,400. Sylvie is already planning her next launch.

Single Mom Multiplies Her Income by Staying Home
Tanya Charlotte Targett had a great income, but her business was unleveraged. She had to travel constantly – her health suffered and she was away from her daughter far too much. Then Jeff’s product launch training transformed her business…

Former Fitness Skeptic Makes $94,000 from Her Health and Wellness Launch
Oonagh Duncan runs a business called Fit Feels Good. She’d been making offers every month for more than a year to a dwindling list. She was starting to get worried about business sustainability when she came across Jeff’s training. Her most recent launch is on track to generate $94,000, and her clients are not only losing weight… they’re going out into the world and transforming their lives.

Surpassing His Goal with a Seed Launch – and Broadening His Impact
Eric Goll had figured out how to help his family navigate daily life with his sister’s disability… but would it sell? Eric did a Seed Launch to find out – and starting with no list or product, he surpassed his goal by 65%. His new goal? Helping 100,000 families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities live life to the fullest.

Doubling in Size with Every Launch
Feng shui expert Patricia Lohan had already launched on her own and saw modest results… but then she Jeff’s product launch training and her numbers really took off. The first time she used it, she brought in the equivalent of her annual salary at her last job. These days, Patricia is nearly doubling her list and her profits with every launch.

Launching Online Grew Her Brick-and-Mortar Business
Dr. Julie Helmrich practiced psychology in a traditional setting. She wondered if she could take her mental health training online. Her first launch brought in $17,000 – and her second launch, three times that. An unexpected bonus? Her brick-and-mortar practice is stronger than ever.

One Launch… 180 people… $15,000
Ross Grant teaches actors about high performance… he had a blog, but he wasn’t making any money. In fact, he was losing money with his blog every month. Then he did a launch using what he learned from Jeff and made $15,000 from a list of 180 people…

Tiny Niche + Tiny Market = Six Figure Launches
Des and Micheal O’Neill have a business consulting practice with accountants in Ireland. Their first launch using Jeff’s training did 180,000 Euros and completely transformed their business… and that’s just the start of their story.

Launching Her Artwork from the Road… in an RV
Debbie Arambula is the “Heart Artist” – she paints hearts, and she’s very successful at it. This is how she uses Product Launch Formula to sell her paintings and prints while traveling in an RV.

Former Technophobe Turns Serial Launcher, Making Tens of Thousands
Kami McBride started from scratch (a few years ago she didn’t even have a cell phone), and she’s now done four launches in the last year – and three of them have done more than $10,000 in sales…

10X the Sales with Product Launch Formula
Jason Miles and his wife Cinnamon had a very small business selling doll clothes – then they used Product Launch Formula to multiply their results by 10x…

His Membership Site Went from Stagnating to Skyrocketing…
Troy Dean had a successful membership site, but was frustrated because his business was stuck – and he couldn’t figure out how to grow it. Then he got Jeff’s product launch training and put it to work – and four launches later he’s built his business to the seven-figure level…

Then There’s ME!
In 2005 I created a program to train idea people to be career coaches for people who want to make a living without having to rely on traditional jobs. Since then I’ve has done numerous launches for different products… consistently bringing in $50,000 to $90,000 every time.

Step 2: Dive deeper

So, where there one or two stories that really spoke to you?

Where you found yourself saying, “Wow! I’d like to do that!” Or, “How did they do that?!”

If so, I recommend you do a deeper dive to better understand what they did and how.

You can hear each of their stories for yourself here.

Step 3: ONLY if you’d like to learn how to launch or grow your own online business, product, service, course, or member site …

If your answer is yes… or even maybe, then it’s only fair I tell you that registration ends TONIGHT at midnight – which means today is your last chance to get train with Jeff.

This training course has literally changed the Internet Marketing world – it’s been responsible for over a billion dollars in sales in virtually every niche you can think of.

Jeff’s program has been off the market for a full year…

It’s available NOW… but it’s coming off the market TONIGHT at midnight.

Everything you need to make an informed decision is here.

P.S. One more thing – Jeff has added three extra bonuses to the mix… check them out:

1. A full-blown course on how to build and profit from a list – this is his “Launching Your List” course.
2. A complete course on Product Creation that will take you from start to finish and get you your own products.
3. A full-out 3-day LIVE WORKSHOP with Jeff… this is a high-end in-person workshop led personally by Jeff. This is one of the most powerful events in the industry… you walk in with an idea, and you walk out with a launch plan.

You get these extra bonuses if you register, but you need to do it now.

Notice to My Valued Readers: Since 1995 I’ve kept the Changing Course Newsletter ad-free. However, I do need to pay the bills. Some pre-screened resources I review or promote may result in a referral fee.  That said maintaining my 24+ year reputation means far more to me than making a few bucks promoting stuff I don’t believe in. Be assured that I only endorse products, people, or resources I know to be of value to my readers and never recommend anything I either have not or would not personally use myself.

Is it really possible to come up with a great idea on Saturday, be in business by Monday, and hit the $1 million mark in the first year?

You can if you’re willing to ditch a lot of lame rules that hold most people back.

That’s what serial entrepreneur Maria Elena Ibanez did.

It all began at her hairdresser’s when she struck up a conversation with another woman who had a background in the Latino food business.

The chance meeting stimulated Ms. Ibanez’s hunger — not for food – but for opportunity. In that instant, she decided to become a player in the Latino food business.

That was in 2002.

By the end of year one, her business, Intermark, had $1 million in sales from four food products. Today her brand, El Latino, carries 256 products.

Ms. Ibanez did have a background in business. In fact, she’d already launched two successful international computer distribution businesses and sold one.

So, starting a business was nothing new.

But this new enterprise was in an entirely different industry.

In fact, she knew absolutely nothing about the food business whatsoever.

Despite a lack of knowledge, Ms. Ibanez leapt at the opportunity!

What can you learn from this “weekend business launcher” that can help you jumpstart your own entrepreneurial dreams in a matter of days? Plenty!

Lesson 1: Find People Who Know More Than You Do

Stop thinking you need to know everything before you can begin. As Woodrow Wilson once said, “I use all the brains I have and all that I can borrow.”

There are lots of ways to tap the expertise of other people.

You can partner with a subject matter expert, you can apprentice with an expert, or you can pay someone to consult with you from time to time.

Lesson 2: Create Your Own Crash Course

You don’t need to get an MBA or have worked in a field for 20 years to figure out the basics. Ms. Ibanez ordered a couple cases of books on Amazon and spent a few weeks creating her own crash course in the food and grocery industry.

Pretend your boss told you to put together a three-month self-paced training program on how to make money growing irises in your backyard or how to get a syndicated sports radio show.

You’d figure it out, right?

So why not do it for yourself?!

Make a list of what you need to know to move your dream forward.

Then create a plan for how you’ll find the information, skills, and/or resources you need.

Lesson 3: Trust Your Instincts

Humans tend to make things more complicated than they need to be.

For example, Ms. Ibanez built her brand by going into an under-served niche in the Latin food market — dairy foods.

How did she know to specialized there? By walking the aisles in the supermarket.

How many times have you seen a solution right under your nose only to second guess yourself because it’s too “obvious”?

That’s why you need to trust your instinct.

If your gut is telling you to DO IT you need to pay attention because, within seconds, another voice will chime in.

That other voice is the one you mistakenly think of as your more “practical” or “logical” side.

“Well, if cheese for the Latin market is such a great idea, someone else would have thought of it, right”?

The thing is, this so-called “logical” side is usually the far more emotional and fearful side.

If something looks like an opportunity and acts like an opportunity and your heart is saying, “Yes, go there!” then pay attention.

Lesson 4: See Problems as Opportunities

Opportunities often come disguised as problems.

Rather than pull back during the slow economy Ms. Ibanez capitalized on it.

Cheaper rent and more available brainpower looking for work are just two reasons why she says an economic downturn is the best time to start a business.

What problem can you capitalize on right now?

If you lost your job, can you use the extra time between job hunting to read a book on marketing or create a small profit center?

If you have no idea what you want to be when you grow up, can you invite a group of friends to dinner and ask them what they think you should “be.”

[Warning: Only invite friends who are entrepreneurially minded… otherwise your brainstorming session will probably lead you back to working in a glorified cubicle.]

Lesson 5: Take Action

Notice Ms. Ibanez did not spend days, weeks, months or years locked in analysis paralysis.

She made a decision, and two days later was in full-blown action mode.

So fast in fact, that the Latino food expert she met at her hairdresser’s on Saturday reported to work in Ms. Ibanez’s home office on Monday!

She didn’t even have time to tell her husband.

Fifteen years later, Amazon announced a partnership with El Latino to offer foods from every country in South and Central America in its Miami deliveries.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to run out and start an empire tomorrow.

But imagine what you could do if you just dove in and started somewhere…. anywhere!

Will you make mistakes along the way?

I certainly hope so. Because if you’re not making mistakes, you’re not learning anything.

Will you go from 0 to a million in a weekend?

Not unless you’re doing something illegal. What about a year?

Ms. Ibanez’s story proves that some people do. But this is definitely the exception.

Does that mean you shouldn’t start? Not at all.

It took me about seven years before I became an “overnight success!”

If I’d understood these five simple lessons at the outset, I could have cut that time by more than half.

There are lots of ways you can profit from your own passion.

Lots of ways to turn interests into income.

Lots of ways to make money on your own terms.

Lots of ways to go from having a boss to enjoying the freedom and satisfaction of being your OWN boss.

Use all five lessons, and there is no reason why you too can’t get your own entrepreneurial dream in motion in a weekend.

Why waste another moment when you can take the first step creating the life you really want?

When you picture a successful entrepreneur, you probably imagine someone with an outgoing, talkative personality. The kind of person who loves to socialize and meet new people.

The person you probably don’t picture is someone who is quiet, becomes overwhelmed and exhausted by noisy environments, or avoids spending too much time around other people, especially large groups.

So where does that leave the shy, socially reserved introvert who wants to start a business?

Better off than you think!

For starters, most experts see introversion/extroversion as a spectrum with few people at the extremes. Instead, most of us fall closer to the middle.

What about you?

Take the Quiz

• Do you feel exhausted after an evening out with a lot of people (like at a party or networking event)?
• Do you find you really need quiet time alone, for example, just reading, meditating, listening to music, or watching TV?
• Do you tend to prefer to socialize in a very small group (just a couple close friends)?
• Do you find it difficult to initiate a conversation with a stranger?
• Do you label yourself (or do other people label you) as shy or quiet or socially inept?
• If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, you’re probably closer to the introvert end of the spectrum.

But that doesn’t mean you’re not cut out to start your own business.

Hugely successful entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, or Warren Buffett are not the kind of guys you’d find chatting it up at a party.

And there are plenty of famous actors, professional speakers, and other performers who can “do” extrovert but are in fact quite introverted – myself included.

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s important to know yourself and where your energy lies.

In fact, think of your energy like a battery; if you are an extrovert your batteries are charged by social interaction, if you are an introvert your batteries will be drained.

That means you need to play to your strengths and get help in the areas where you’re weaker.

So, if you are an extreme introvert, you may prefer to run a home-based business rather than founding a company that requires you to interact with employees.

Or, if you really do want to build an empire like Zuckerberg, Gates, and Buffet, then just know you’ll probably need to partner or hire an extrovert who is good at the more social parts.

25 Money Making Ideas for Introverts

As an introvert, it’s important to find the right business for you.

For instance, an online business can be a great fit for introverts because it allows all the freedom, control, and income of self-bossing with less of the frequent people contact that you find so draining.

Another benefit to a web-based business is you get to use your online interactions and presence to determine the persona the world sees.

So you can be reserved Rachel or Raphael at home and Rock Star Rachel or Raphael in your business!

But selling online is the only way to generate income. Here are 25 other ideas that are well suited to people who enjoy solitude:

1. Webmaster or IT consultant
2. Artist
3. Graphic design
4. Blogger
5. Copywriter (using words to sell a product or service or to promote causes)
6. Fiction writing (romance, novels, etc.)
7. Travel writer (see how-to info below)
8. Genealogy
9. Social media consultant
10. Editing and/or proofreading
11. Web designer
12. Craft-related businesses
13. Creating patterns: Sewing, knitting, woodworking
14. Creating software or apps
15. Woodworking
16. Cooking/baking
17. Clothing maker
18. Working with animals
19. Growing and selling flowers, vegetables, and/or herbs
20. Errand service
21. Translating
22. Bookkeeping
23. Fixing things: Cars, appliances, clothes alterations, broken pottery, antique clocks/watches, appliances
24. Making things better: Custom cars, motorcycles, campers, etc.
25. Building things: Furniture, boats, decks, etc.

Finally, you may be an introvert but if you want to be your own boss then you still need to stretch yourself now and then.

Join a Toastmasters club to conquer your fear of public speaking. Or if you must attend a networking event set a goal of talking to just three people.

To this last point, you may even choose a business precisely because it pushes you to talk to strangers.

For example, International Living magazine editor Jen Stevens, says one of the many great things about travel writing is it gives introverts a built-in excuse for initiating conversations with owners of inns, shops, cafes and others along the journey who can add value to your article.

(And if you do love to travel and like the idea of making money while you do it, I highly recommend The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program.)

For even more ways to make money without a job-job, check out the Cool Jobs and Ideas page at Changing Course.

With so many ways today to communicate with clients and customers and to make business connections without ever venturing into public, you don’t need to be an extrovert to become your own boss.

Instead, be true to yourself, find the right business for you, and then take action!

In my 24 years at Changing Course I’ve grieved the premature death of hundreds of perfectly viable business ideas.

Ideas which were totally possible – some even brilliant.

Ideas which, if acted upon, could have sprung their owners from job jail… and made a difference in the world as well.

But sadly their owner let them perish.

There are two main ways to kill a dream.

Death by Discouragement

For starters, you can believe the life-long cubicle dwellers who love to tell you that being your own boss is just a pipe dream.

Or, you can become so overwhelmed with the thought of acting on your great idea that all you want to do is zone out in front of the television.

Or you can become consumed with the “what ifs.”

• What if no one wants my art, repair service, writing?
• What if I fall flat on my face?
• What if I don’t know enough to be a [fill in the blank]?

That’s what happened to Dave.

Today Dave has a corporate job. But as a child he spent time in foster care

Dave’s dream was to open a sports camp just for kids in foster care.

Family and friends had lots to say about Dave’s dream.

“Never work.” “Too much liability.” “Where would you hold it?”

Sadly, Dave became so discouraged, overwhelmed, and fearful about what might happen if he failed, that he never paused to consider what his life and the lives of the campers would be like if he was successful.

Death by Silence

The most common way to get away with murdering your dream is to keep it to yourself.

After all, if no one ever knows about your big idea they can’t possibly judge it… or you.

If you don’t share your business plan… then no one will know that you didn’t lift a single finger to get it off the launch pad.

If you never let your idea see the light of day, never show your art or share your writing or perform your comedy act… then no one will expect anything from you.

In other words, when you’re accountable only to yourself, then there’s no real consequence for failing to follow through.

Or is there?

When you murder your dream you’ve made the decision to spend the rest of your life in job jail.

If you think that price is too high, then you have a choice.

You can continue to slowly starve your dream to death through sheer neglect.

Or you can decide to get off the misery-go-round.

If you wisely chose the latter, here are two simple steps you can take right this very minute.

Step 1: Publically Declare Your Intention

For five years I produced a fabulous two-day workshop called Work at What You Love which I co-led with my friend and author of Making a Living Without a Job, Barbara Winter.

At the end, I’d ask each person to publicly declare an intention.

One by one upwards of 150 people rose, microphone in hand, and declared their dream to a room full of people.

“I’m going to spend summers living on a river barge in the south of France.”

“I’m going to write the biography of my grandfather’s life.”

“I’m going to open a bike repair shop.”

Your Turn

The ground rules of a public declaration are simple:

• It must be summarized in one sentence.
• It can’t begin with “I’d like to…” or “Maybe I will…” or “It would be great if I could….” Instead, your declaration must begin with the words “I’m going to___”
• It must include a commitment to act.

So you have a choice. You can murder your idea and no one will ever know.

Or you breathe life into your dream by going on to social media or emailing your closest friend and making your own public declaration now.

Step 2: Do your homework

In the beginning, you don’t have enough information to be excited or scared.

You need information.

Who else is succeeding at the thing you want to do? After all, if someone else is doing it, then there must be both a need and a way.

Had Dave done a search for “summer camps for foster kids” he’d have found many examples of thriving enterprises.

A simple online search for “camp insurance” would have led him to dozens of companies that offer quotes for sports and non-sports camps.

As for how to begin, this is just one of many “how to start a summer camp business guides” Dave could have found to get the ball rolling.

Take five minutes now and see just how much you can find out about your dream business.

Step 3: Find people who want to see your idea succeed as much as you do

The forces of fear, self-doubt, and overwhelm are mighty.

That’s why you need a team of people who want to see you realize your dream as much as you do.

People who will be there to support one another, to hold each other accountable for making slow steady progress, to offer new ideas and solutions, to help one another overcome the inevitable setbacks, and to celebrate the wins big and small.

Left on your own and you can feel hopeless.

But when you’re in a group of supporters you feel empowered.

You become almost “bigger” than you usually are.

You feel a confidence that’s sometimes impossible to muster on your own.

Yet with this network of supporters cheering you on, you’re inspired to go on… to plow ahead with a certain audacity that you might not normally feel you have in you.

As importantly, your productivity will soar.

With a dream team behind you, you will get more done in six months than you would otherwise accomplish in six years!

The people on your dream team can be friends, like-minded co-workers, even total strangers. You can meet in person or via conference call.

Regardless of who’s in your group or how you communicate the key is commitment.

After all, a dream is a terrible thing to waste.

Some of the best business ideas come out of personal experience or crisis.

Kate watched several family members go through some rough medical times in their later years.

From that experience came a burning desire to start a business that served people 60 years old and older.

FYI, Kate had gone to nursing school – but she hated it. So she had no interest in working on the medical side.

In fact, Kate was really specific with her coach about what she did – and didn’t want – in a business.

It had to:

• be a business she can run alone
• not involve direct medical care
• potentially involve teaching and helping
• not be too expensive to start and generate income within a short time
• involve some time working alone and some time with others
• involve no driving
• ideally, include research and problem-solving
• not require more education
• not involve the insurance industry
• potentially use her gift for writing
• not involve running errands for people

30 Money-Making Ideas for Working with Seniors

There are SO many ways to serve the booming senior market. Here are just a few that meet Kate’s criteria:

1. Internet research specialist
2. Product/service reviewer (nursing homes, senior discounts, etc.)
3. Family relationships/connections
4. Senior webzine
5. Memoir author
6. How-to guides for seniors (ebook author)
7. Senior stories videographer/photographer
8. Matchmaking services
9. Helping family find housing options for seniors
10. Website for 60+ regarding health issues
11. Online dating coach or profile writer
12. Career coaching
13. Employment agency for seniors
14. Handywoman services
15. Social event organizer
16. Fitness consulting
17. Personal organizer / mover
18. Tour guide / trip planner
19. Computer consultant
20. Antique appraisal
21. Meal planning & delivery
22. Dog walking or sitting (check out Rover.com)
23. Delivery service
24. Household manager
25. Mediator
26. Spiritual advisor
27. Home Stager
28. Online store owner
29. Patient advocate
30. Vacation or travel companion

And if Kate tapped Barbara Winter’s brilliant concept of having multiple income streams, several smaller enterprises could add up to a nice livelihood.

The point is, there are SO many ways to turn your interests into income

All it takes is a little creative thinking!

Need help coming up with your own money making idea?

Isn’t It Time to Profit From Your Passion?

Still don’t know what you want to be “when you grow up?”

Know what you love to do but have no idea how to make money doing it?

Have so many ideas you don’t know where to begin?

The answers are closer than you think! And once you have a direction, doors will open you never knew existed.

Click here to learn how to schedule a personal Work at What You Love career coaching session with me or one of my licensed Profiting From Your Passions ® career coaches today.

Every guidance counselor, career coach, or academic advisor talks about skills assessments, resumes, and job searches.

But you hear far less about another element that is essential to any successful career change – namely, gratitude.

Researchers already know the benefits of a positive, appreciative attitude including:

• greater success in work
• greater health
• peak performance in sports and business
• higher sense of well-being
• faster rate of recovery from surgery.

So imagine what gratitude could do for someone like you who wants want to break out of job jail and do your thing?

I think the reason gratitude is an overlooked key to career change is because it requires you to focus on the present.

And when you hate your soul-sucking job or your lousy commute or micro-managing your boss, your mind is naturally going to be yearning for your future freedom versus being mindful of those blessings, however small, that you have right now.

The thing is, living life from a perspective of gratitude is not just an exercise in happy thinking.

It goes much deeper than that.

Perhaps Melody Beattie said it best:

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity…It turns problems into gifts, failures into successes, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. It can turn an existence into a real life, and disconnected situations into important and beneficial lessons.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Gratitude Cheat Sheet 

If you’re having trouble finding things to be grateful for then ask yourself a few simple questions:

• What do I take for granted?
• What moves me?
• What would give me daily joy if I’d just notice it?

Here are ten ideas to get you started…
1. The senses. Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. If you have these daily miracles, gratitude is in order.

2. The plant world. From the productivity of a late-summer tomato plant to the delicate unfurling of a fern to new growth on a house plant, nature’s exuberance and tenderness is something to behold.

3. Young children. They serve as wonderful models of important elements of changing course like curiosity, resilience, and playfulness. If you don’t have young children in your life right now, stop to notice them at a playground or even on YouTube. 

4. Beauty. What do your eyes feast on? What splendor makes your soul rejoice? It is all around us every day. Make it a point to spend a moment to just drink it in.

5. The ability to learn. There is no age limit on learning—period. When we stop learning, we really stop living. And when it comes to changing course, information truly will set you free!

6. Color. It’s all around you – and it’s free. Sunsets, Gauguin paintings, the green and reds in your super market’s produce section, blue eyes or deep brown ones. Imagine a world without color and be grateful if you can see it.

7. Music. Music has the ability to inspire, motivate, and lifts our mood. What does it for you? Is it African drumming, violin concertos, Rock & roll, show tunes, gospel, Latin music? Or perhaps for you it’s the sound of a nightingale, a chick cry of the loons?

8. Opportunity. Our steady companion, opportunity is always ready to take us down a path yet unknown. (Hint: We have to say “Yes!”) A quick check of past posts will open your eyes to just how many opportunities there are to make a money without a job-job.

9. The ability to give. Every act of generosity benefits the giver as much as the receiver. Changing course is as much about giving support as it is getting it. Helping someone else see creative ways to profit from their passion, can help you see options for yourself. 

10. Change. It’s unavoidable; the only constant. Change can be unsettling or challenging. But the mystery of it and what lies beyond it can keep us young at heart. Instead of fighting it, be grateful that you have the capacity to change yourself and your life.

Like most healthy habits, gratitude can be difficult to sustain.

So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives.

And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just something we practice at Thanksgiving.

We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit. And that can take some time.

Super Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense.

When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.

• Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.
• Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.
• Practice gratitude around the dinner table, start your day texting what you’re grateful for to a friend, or make it part of your nighttime routine.
• Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.
• When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.
• Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude.

As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.

As always, I encourage you to go after your dreams.

At the same time, life is too short to put off happiness until you’ve achieved it.

In other words, with a dream, as with life, the journey is just as important as the destination.

As you enjoy a drink of clean water, a warm bed, or the company of a loved one today and every day, pause and be grateful for what and who is in your life right now.

Go after that better future full of freedom and joy… but also be here now and savor the journey.

Author’s content used with permission, © Claire Communications

Let’s face it — making a big decision can be tough.

Which is a big reason why far too many people follow through on their longing to change course.

For starters, whether you dream of opening a bakery or relocating halfway around the world, dreams require a big GO-NO-GO decision.

Assuming you say yes, then you’re faced with quite literally hundreds of other decisions…

What to name your business… where to find good freelancers… which way to get the word out about what you have to offer… where to live… to name a very few.

You probably have your own way of making decisions.

Maybe you carefully consider the pros and cons.

Or you consult with experts.

Or you ask a trusted friend, colleague, or family member what they think you should do.

If none of that has worked so far, there are more creative methods you can try.

As you read through the list, check off the ones you’d like to try.

1. Flip a coin

When faced with the decision to act on your dream or to maintain the status quo, your rational mind will do its best to protect you from the unfamiliar.

A fool-proof way to override that protective mechanism is to flip a coin.

Then pay close attention to your gut response to the outcome. Are you relieved or disappointed?

Either way, there’s your answer.

2. Use a dartboard

Like with the coin flip, the point here is to tune into how you feel when the dart hits its mark – or misses.

If you discover you unconsciously try harder to hit a bulls-eye when thinking of going with option A over option B – pay attention!

(Bonus of using a dartboard is you can do it over a beer at the pub 🙂 )

3. Role-play

Let each person or thing represent a different aspect of the decision.

What does each perspective have to say?

What would your pet tell you to do? Einstein? A wise tribal leader? A historical or contemporary figure you admire?

To make it even more interesting, imagine what perspective a thing might bring to the decision.

What might a flowering plant or a far-off planet say?

Would the constant waves of the ocean see your decision differently than a say a still lake or a raging river?

4. Meditate

When you quiet your mind, the answer may bubble up easily. We know this is true.

Yet we rarely quiet our minds long enough to allow the answers to come.

Instead, we run from friend to friend, or we hop on social media to get everyone else’s take.

When, much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz discovered, often the answers are right there in your own emotional backyard.

5. Make a drawing or collage

Even if you’re not visual by nature, consider each option pictorially.

Your most attractive option may become obvious.

And don’t worry whether you’re creative or an “artist.” You can also cut images out of a magazine to create simple collages.

Stick figures drawn at different scales and using different colors can reveal which path to take just as well as any Rembrandt.

6. Sleep on it

Before you go to sleep, write out the issue you’re grabbling with.

When you awake, consider any dream to be an answer to your query—or the question behind the question.

Make sure you have something to record your dream on right next to your bed and make sure you capture even the essence of your dream before you get up.

7. Dance each option

If you’re the kind of person who responds to things physically then this approach may prove helpful.

Trying to decide whether to move near the ocean or a bustling city? Or whether to become a speaker, a chef, or a tour guide?

Which feels better in your body? Which flows through you more fluidly?

8. Sing

Make up a song about the decision.

Before you discount it as silly, you might also be really surprised by what comes out of your mouth.

You can do this while you’re in the shower or driving alone in your car or on a walk. And as with drawing, don’t fret about writing a Top 10 hit.

Instead, go for something you’d sing to a three-year-old.

What matters is how each song tells you about what you truly think and feel about your decision.

Deciding Not to Decide

You may be so terrified of making the “wrong” decision, that you do nothing.

Deciding not to decide, IS a decision.

My friend Suzanne Evans says indecision is a form of self-abuse. 

Think about that for a moment.

Few decisions are irreversible.

When it comes to changing course, often a single decision is the first step to a whole new life.

You don’t have to use all eight creative decision-making techniques. But one of them just might lead to the exact right decision for you.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

I’m not used to being called names. But this time the guy doing it was absolutely right.

Let me explain.

Every guru on the planet touts some so-called “secret” to success.

Larry Winget takes a different approach.

There is no secret to the core message that runs through all of his books: You’re responsible for your life.

Larry has written five New York Times best-sellers with head-turning titles like Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life, to Your Kids Are Your Own Fault, and You’re Broke Because You Want to Be.

To Larry there is no secret to creating the life you want, writing:

“Your thoughts, your words, and your actions created the life you are living. You create your results — no one else.”

Nor is he a fan of wishing and hoping that the Law of Attraction will get you where you want to go.

Instead Larry says, “What you think about, talk about, and get off your ass and do something about, comes about.”

My favorite Larry Winget book is, People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It.

In it, Larry looks at the kinds of things we humans constantly “say” we want.

We say we want to be healthy…

We say we want to have more money….

We say we want a good relationship…

We say we want to lose weight…

But our ACTIONS say something very different.

I’m certainly no exception.

When I saw the inscription Larry wrote in my book I laughed out loud!

It read simply, “Valerie — Don’t be an idiot!”

Guess what? I’m taking his advice!

For starters, I NEVER EXERCISE IN THE MORNING!

But the day after Larry wrote that inscription, there I was in Phoenix going for an aerobic walk at freakin’ 6:30 am!

Sometimes you just need to hear something said in a different way to get off of your duff and take action.

For me that something was the distinction Larry made between being “ignorant” or “stupid” and being an “idiot.”

If you are ignorant about the dangers of smoking or that a high fat, high sugar diet leads to obesity…

Or if you were never taught how to handle money responsibly…

Or you’re ignorant to the fact that there’s a fabulous conference out there that could be the key to you doing your ideal work…

…then you can’t be held responsible for the outcome.

BUT once you are informed… once you KNOW the danger of acting or not acting…

Once you KNOW what’s out there or what to do…

…and you STILL fail to change your behaviors – then you’re an idiot.

The fact is, I KNOW I need to get more exercise.

And by not taking action I WAS BEING AN IDIOT.

So I’ve stopped with the excuses…

No time, too tired, too dark, too early, too late… bla, bla, bla.

Do I fall back on old habits? Of course — we all do.

The key is getting back on track.

How to Stop Being An Idiot About Your Dreams

It’s the same with changing course.

Few of us grew up knowing there were alternatives to having a job-job.

And even fewer were ever tuned into my friend Barbara Winter’s liberating notion of multiple streams of income.

Which means most people are ignorant about the unlimited opportunities there are to make money doing what you love… on your own terms.

But if you’ve followed my newsletter at all over the last 23 years – or you’re reading it today for the very first time — then now you know.

And if you SAY you want to create the life you really want…

If you SAY you want to have more freedom and flexibility in your life…

…but you take no steps to do it – then like Larry says, that makes you, well, stupid.

So what about you?

What’s one thing you SAY you want to do – but somehow never seem to act on?

What’s one thing you KNOW you need to change?

What needs to happen for you to not continue to be an “idiot”?

What kind of support do you need to get out of your own way?

What kinds of simple things can you do to get yourself moving?

For me, it’s the simple act of putting on my sneakers in the morning.

If I say I need to go for a walk, by brain hears, “That would be nice but why don’t you just have another cup of coffee and watch the news.”

But if I tell myself, “I’m just going to put on my sneakers,” then “I’m just going to step outside…”

That’s enough to get me out. Even if it’s just 20 minutes. I’m moving my body.

And that my change seeking friend, is what Larry – and I — would call smart!

Hop down to the comment box to post your answers

I’m sure Larry would agree.

The simple act of putting it in writing is itself a great first step to not being an idiot.

And if you need help getting going, then ask me and your fellow dreamers for what you need.

One thing we all need sometimes is a kick in the behind.

A few years ago I did a fun interview with Larry. I left “smarter” and more inspired to continue to take steps in the direction of my own dreams. I am confident it will do the same for you.

Click below to listen or download to your device. That way you can listen while you’re on your new exercise program!

Last week you discovered how conferences are a fun and easy way to learn how to make money doing what you love from experts and people who are doing it.  

It’s also a place to: 

– scope out entrepreneurial opportunities 

– find potential clients/customers 

– find vendors

– meet potential joint venture partners

– or even a possible business  

Every year hundreds of thousands of conferences large and small happen all over the world – some even in your own backyard. 

Click here to learn about conferences for romance writers, beer lovers, early American history buffs, dog lovers, and bloggers.    

Here are six more don’t miss conferences — plus tips on how to find the right conference for you and your unique interests.  

2019 Will Be Here Before You Know It   

Larger conferences start advertising a year ahead. 

And 2019 will be here before you know it!  

After all, conferences happening in January open registration in the fall. 

This gives you time to: 

• do some research about your new career path/business opportunity 
       
• start saving for the registration fee and take full advantage of any early bird pricing 
        
• get a credit card that gives you airline or hotel points 
         
• and otherwise prepare to take maximum advantage of your conference experience 

Horses and Healing  

Love horses and serving others? You’re not alone!   

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association sprang out of the growing movement to use horses to help disabled children, veterans and others suffering from post-traumatic stress, and others to learn, heal, and grow. Their 2018 conference is over – but the agenda is still available. 

That way you can get an idea of what it’s all about and get on the mailing list so you’re ready for next year’s event.  

Furniture Making 

The Furniture Society conference happened earlier this year as well.  

But you can still view the agenda from the 2018 conference, to get a feel for what it’s all about. 

If you’re like me, you may be surprised by both the range of topics and how many speakers were women!  

Senior Movers  

As people age or become widowed they often look to downsize to smaller homes or over 55 communities.

Those who can no longer live on their own, will move to assisted living or nursing facilities.  

Packing up a lifetime of belongings is daunting at any age. All the more so for seniors and their adult children who may not live nearby. 

If you love organizing and enjoy working with seniors, you need to know about the growing field of helping seniors who willingly or reluctantly are facing relocation. 

The 2018 annual conference of the National Association of Senior Movers is over. Fortunately, you can purchase the conference recordings.  

That way you’ll be well prepared when you go to the 2019 event in San Diego. 

If you’re more curious than committed, for $59 you can purchase an overview of the specialty via a 45 minute webinar.

Beading 

Would you love to learn how to craft and sell exquisite glass beads? 

The International Society of Glass Bead Makers has regional chapters in the US and Canada as well as Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Australia. 

The site also offers books and other educational information including links to members and organizations that offer classes. 

The annual US conference is next April in Las Vegas. 

Or for a far more international experience, head to The Borneo International Bead conference.  

How to Find the Right Conference for You 

The quickest way is to do a search for [your interest] and the word conference.  

If you don’t want to travel far, start by searching more locally either by state/province or region. 

It may take some digging.  

For instance, when I typed in New England organic farm conference I found an association with outdated event listings from 2012. 

Turns out though, that there is a Northeast Organic farmer. 

Once you reach any association site look for a link that says events.  

My own 2-minute search uncovered a fabulous conference happening six miles from my house! 

If nothing comes up, start looking specifically for associations. Then click on their event tab. 

With minimal effort you could find your tribe, gain valuable education and connections, and launch a whole new life doing what you love!  

Still Trying to Find Your Calling?

Since 1995 I’ve helped thousands of people go from confusion to clarity. 

If you’re still trying to find a way to connect the dots between what you love to do and how you can get paid to do it, schedule one of a limited number of Work at What You Love consultations today. 

To find out if a Work at What You Love consultation is right for you call 413-203-9754 eastern. 

Outside the US send an email to Valerie@changingcourse.com with your Skype ID and I’ll get back to you with a meeting time. 

Whether you want to make an extra $500-$1,000 a month or replace your paycheck, it all begins with a great idea! 

Regrets are an inevitable part of life. Fortunately, not all regrets are created equal.

Some regrets are minor.

You regret buying those too tight shoes just because they were on sale….

Or picking up the phone as you were trying to leave the office….

Or ordering the fish when everyone in your party is raving about the pasta.

The good news?

Regrets like these (often referred to as “First World problems”) are ones we can learn from and hopefully, minimize the chance of repeating.

Utmost regrets, on the other hand, are more problematic because the consequences are so much bigger.

Utmost regrets, are also more difficult – and sadly, sometimes even impossible to reverse.

I’m referring to the kinds of things you’d absolutely hate to know would one day be etched on your headstone.

Vivian could have been a great writer, if she’d tried.

Sam could have changed a lot of lives, if he’d had the courage to act on his idea.

Ordering the fish is one thing. Bailing on your dream of helping unadoptable kids or entering a writing contest is quite another.

Elizabeth Berg learned a lot about dreams. However, she learned even more about regrets while working as a nurse with terminally ill people.

In an article titled, Dreams Are Not Enough, the award-winning novelist wrote movingly about how not pursuing our dreams may be the riskiest move of all.

It is a lesson she learned from those whose time had almost run out.

Those dying people I cared for believed, as most of us do, that they would have time for everything. So they put things off… Then suddenly their days were almost gone.

They were out of the time they thought they would have forever. And while I bathed them, they stared out the window and talked about what they had missed.

They might say, ‘I always wanted to see Hawaii, but… I don’t know. I never did.’

The sense of regret was so strong that we both ached.

I wanted to lift those people up out of bed, put them in a wheelchair, and take them to the airport. ‘Hawaii, please,’ I wanted to tell the ticket agent.

Everyone has dreams, sadly far too often they get put on hold.

Asking, and then answering her own question, Berg writes:

“What happens to our dreams? They die of lack of nourishment, that’s what. ‘Later,’ we say, and when we turn around, they’re gone.”

The Worry Factor

According to many of the 1,200 elders who took part in Cornell University’s Legacy Project, there is a powerful link between regret about the past and worry in the present.

When asked what they most regret when they look back on their lives, the answer most often given was they wished they hadn’t worried so much.

The way 102-year-old Eleanor sees it,

You just can’t go on worrying all the time because it destroys you and your life, really…. You have to put it out of your mind as much as you can at the time. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if possible, but you can’t always do that because things don’t always happen the way you were hoping. So the most important thing is one day at a time.

And 87-year-old James Huang agrees…

Why? I ask myself. What possible difference did it make that I kept my mind on every little thing that might go wrong? When I realized that it made no difference at all, I experienced a freedom that’s hard to describe.

The thing that takes a lot of people by surprise is this.

We waste our lives worrying about the “unknown risks” that change can bring, when in reality we should be more scared of the known risk of spending the rest of lives in the same place we are today.

If we fail to at least try to create the life we really want, we risk making good on Benjamin Disraeli’s often quoted prediction that “most people die with their music still locked up inside them.”

The sudden loss of my mother at just 61 totally changed how I viewed time (we can choose how we use it)… money (things work out)… and life (it’s all too short).

I won’t lie.

Walking away from a good job with good benefits was – and still is – not without risk.

Yet I knew that the real risk was looking back at my life and saying, “I was miserable, but at least I had a good dental plan.”

What Will You Most Regret?

Take a moment now to choose the THREE things you would most regret not doing in your lifetime.

Now name one small thing you can do today – not tomorrow, not next week or next year, but today – to help prevent this utmost regret from occurring.

I first posed this question three years ago. And was moved by some of the responses I received.

Like Sandra who wrote:

I’m tired of my lack of pursuing my dreams. Procrastinating! Love to write songs, and wanting to write plays. The 9-to-5 for 25 years is coming to an end. The children are grown with their own families no more excuses. Time to get busy. Age not a limit.

Or Pat…

No regrets here, I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009 so I live life one day at a time and enjoy every minute of each day. I applied for a patent for my design am waiting for the approved patent to get the product on the market.

Sandi spoke about the fear…and excitement of changing course.

I actually just left a soul-sucking job with good benefits and am in transition to living a life of my own design. My biggest fear was that I would lose disability insurance coverage (I’m not as afraid of dying as I am of surviving and being unable to take care of myself) — but I realized that staying in the stressful job was more than likely going to ensure that I would indeed become disabled at some point from all the stress-induced illness that are so common when we are unhappy and unfulfilled.

So…. I was staying in a job that would most likely either kill or disable me — just so that I could have life and disability insurance??? That’s nuts! Once I figured out that it was a no-win situation, I pulled the plug on that sick logic and took the leap into my new adventure. SO exciting to know that whatever happens, at least I made the choice from freedom instead of fear.

Marsha shared a similar experience…

Staying in my old administrative job for as long as I did is my utmost regret. In March 2014 I quit that soul-sucking job without really knowing what I would do instead. I just knew that I couldn’t stick it out for 10 more years – the time it would take to retire with health benefits – in a job that was so out of alignment with my values. Staying in that job for 13 years seemed to have drained the passion I’d had for anything. I’m finally on to something and taking baby steps toward it.

Your turn…

What are the THREE things you would most regret not doing in your lifetime?

What’s one small thing you can do today – not tomorrow, not next week or next year, but today – to help prevent this utmost regret from occurring?

Can’t wait to hear from you!

P.S. If one of your three biggest regrets would be to spend the rest of your life in a soul-sucking job… I’d like to help.

I just created a version of my popular Work at What You Love workshop that’s immediately accessible (and ridiculously affordable).

If you want to find your calling and a way to make money doing it, I invite you to become a part of the growing community of inspired change seekers.

Then, when you go to bed tonight, try not worrying about what will happen if you fail.

Instead, worry about what you have to lose by not ever trying.

Fear often stands between us and our ability to make decisions, take actions, ask for what we want—even to know what we really want. It is the gatekeeper of our comfort zone.

But as poet-philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “He has not learned the lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.”

Below are 7 fears that stand between you and your dream of following your own road.

As you go through the list, think about your own concerns about changing course from having a boss to being your boss.

You may experience them all.

But since not all fears are equal, take a moment to rank order each from 1-7 with 1 being the number one fear that’s holding you back.

1. Fear of being judged. Needing approval from family or peers can keep us from going after dreams and goals. And the people who love you the most are the least likely people to support your dream of doing your own thing.

2. Fear of rejection. We worry that no one will like our art or read our novel or want us to coach them. When in fact, rejection just means that someone else has a different opinion.

3. Fear of embarrassment. What if your first talk flops? Or no one comes to your gallery showing? Making mistakes publicly is awful only when we let ourselves feel ashamed.

4. Fear of being alone/abandoned. It’s a lot easier to change course when your spouse or partner has you back. A strong sense of self-worth and what we can offer the world reduces this fear.

5. Fear of failure. A biggie for most of us and born of the notion that it’s not OK to fail, learn from what happened, and try again.

6. Fear of success. More responsibility, more attention, pressure to perform can be frightening when we don’t believe in ourselves.

7. Fear of the unknown. The number one reason people stay in miserable jobs or relationships or locations that they really could leave is simple — fear of the unknown.

At least you know your crappy job or area.

What if you can’t make enough money from your idea?

What if you don’t really like living in Belize or Paris or on an island off the coast of Maine?

Or what if you find out you don’t really want to run a little bookstore in a village in England or be a life coach or any other dream you’d had forever…
The unknown can be exciting and vast if we shift our fear to curiosity.

More importantly, as Tom Peters said, “Unless you walk out into the unknown, the odds of making a profound difference in your life are pretty low.”
If you want to make a profound difference in your life… I’d like to help.

I recently found a way to turn my popular Work at What You Love workshop into a class you can take whenever you want,
The workshop is divided into four parts:

1. Get clear
2. Get paid
3. Get unstuck
4. Get a plan

I mention this because the Get Unstuck section includes still more reasons why people fail to pursue their dreams. Reasons that go beyond fear.
Things like…

• procrastination
• self- doubt/lack of confidence
• perfectionism
• lack of support/other people’s skepticism or negativity
• finding the time
• money
• lack of sales or marketing experience/know-how
• the willingness to make the sacrifices or investments of even limited amounts of time/money required to create the life described when you got clear.

Sound familiar?

If so, I just opened the doors to the new Work at What You Love On Demand Workshop.

If you’ve been letting fear – or any of these other challenges – stand between you and the life you really want…

And, if you want to discover what you love to do and how to make money doing it… then I invite you to sign on now.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

Years ago Studs Terkel traveled the country conducting interviews for his book Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.

Among them was a worker named Nora Watson who said, something I never forgot…

“I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job. Most of us, like the assembly line worker, have jobs that are too small for our spirit.”

I think the same can be said for our dreams.

Most people have dreams that are too small for their spirit.

Perhaps you do too.

Not long ago I told you about someone who started out as a workshop participant and soon became a friend.

Her name is Dyan deNapoli.

And her inspiring story serves as a guide to how you too can do work that pays the bills… and feeds your soul

1) Return to your childhood

Dyan’s big dream began as a child with a family vacation to Sea World where she was fascinated with the people who trained and cared for the animals.

Decades later she decided to pursue her childhood dream to find a way that she too could work with marine life.

So the then 32-year-old self-employed silversmith returned to college for a degree in animal science.

Following back-to-back stints as an intern and volunteer at the New England Aquarium in Boston Dyan was hired to be the Senior Penguin Aquarist.

Among the many highlights of her career was participating in the rescue of 40,000 penguins at risk from a massive oil spill off the coast of South Africa.

Then sadly, Dyan’s mom died.

My own mother died unexpectedly at just 61 years old. So, I know first-hand how wake-up calls can cause us to re-evaluate our lives.

After nine years at her job, Dyan had already begun to feel restless. And losing her mother just accelerated the desire for change.

She was still passionate about protecting wildlife – particularly penguins.

But now Dyan longed for the freedom and flexibility she’d enjoyed when she worked for herself.

But how on earth do you become a self-employed penguin expert???

That was the question Dyan brought to the 2007 Work at What You Love workshop in Northampton, Massachusetts.

There, among some 125 other change seekers, is where the idea to offer interactive educational programs at local libraries, senior centers, schools, and civic organizations was hatched.

2) Talk less, do more

Most people talk about their dreams… they endlessly research and plan and tweak and perfect.

But they never begin.

Not Dyan.

A mere three months later Dyan became “the Penguin Lady” and was already booked to deliver the first of what would be many local – and paid – talks.

I was so impressed I invited her back to next year’s Work at What You Love workshop to share her progress.

I loved hearing how Dyan had found a way to make money without a job-job.

But it was also clear that she’d only scratched the surface of what was possible.

I told Dyan if she really wanted to help save the penguins, she should think nationally – and even internationally.

Something I said must have clicked — because the next day Dyan stood up and announced her next big goal:

To be the onboard penguin expert on a nature cruise to the Galapagos Islands.

Within three months Dyan had collaborated with a local travel agent to be the penguin expert on a 10-day cruise to the Galapagos!

A few months later CNN came calling to interview her about a mass penguin stranding off of Brazil.

Then just a year after the Galapagos cruise she was tapped to be the on-board penguin educator on a cruise to Antarctica.

And remember that South African oil spill rescue operation Dyan worked on?

She signed a six-figure contract with Simon & Schuster to write about it – which became her award-winning book The Great Penguin Rescue.

Since then, Dyan’s dream, adventures, and income have all grown in ways she could have never imagined including…

• traveling to Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, and South Africa to work with, teach about, and observe penguins in the wild
• appearing as an expert on numerous television and radio shows, including CNN and BBC Radio
• Delivering not one but four – count ‘em – FOUR – TEDx talks!
• Being selected to be one of 76 women scientists from around the world to take part in a leadership training program aboard a cruise ship in Antarctica
  In fact, as you read this, Dyan just left for her next big adventure as an expert guide on the prestigious National Geographic’s Antarctica expedition!

How cool is that?!

3) Ask the question – “Why not me?”

Do people tell your dream is “unrealistic”?

The first time Dyan heard it was when she decided to earn the science degree she needed to pursue her childhood dream.

Math and science were not her strengths.

All the more reason, Dyan said, “I had to believe in myself and ignore the people who kept telling me, ‘There’s too much competition,’ or, ‘It’s too hard.’”

But Dyan kept telling herself, “Someone is going to get that cool job—it might as well be me.”

Think about it…

• Why Suze Orman, Mia Lin, or the sibling stars of The Property Brothers and not you?
• Why Rachel Ray, Mary Kay Ash, or Vera Wang and not you?
• Why Anita Roddick, Damon John, Amy Tan and not you?
• Why Margaret Mead, Tyler Perry, or Toni Morrison and not you?
• Why Louise Hay, Jane Goodall, Richard Branson, Annie Leibovitz and not you?

Not one of these accomplished men or women are or were inherently smarter, better, luckier, or more amazing than you are.

True, they acquired certain knowledge, skills, and experience.

But the operative word here is acquired.

An improbable television phenomenon like Julia Child did not come out of the womb being “Julia Child,” cooking legend.

She became Julia Child – and at 49-years-old at that.

Playwright Wendy Wasserstein’s turning point came when a friend told her that “the way to be taken seriously is to take yourself seriously,”

You can have a big dream without becoming a household name or making millions.

In fact, sometimes shooting higher involves the bold decision to live a smaller, slower, but ultimately more content life.

It takes just as much courage, if not more, to walk away from what everyone else considers a “dream job” to follow your own road. Just ask Dyan.

Today, the self-employed penguin expert lives and works on her own terms.

Best of all, she’s making a living and making a difference.

4) Dream big

Deep down maybe you’ve always wanted to study tile making in Greece or shamanism in Ecuador or wine making in Napa.

Or maybe you’d like to have your own TV show… open a board game café… run yoga retreats in Bali… or help disadvantaged youth become entrepreneurs.

For the record, not every dream has to be work related.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to hike the Camino trail… or interview octogenarians in your community… or go fly fishing in Alaska… or learn sign language.

I know it sounds cliché to say, but you really can do anything you put your mind to.

It takes not one ounce of energy more to dream big than it does to settle.

And you’ve got a lot more to gain by shooting high than by shooting low.

Do you want work that feeds your soul and pays the bills like Dyan did? If so, I’d like to help.

Next week I’m opening up my NEW Work at What You Love On Demand Workshop.

This is your chance to…

• Discover your long buried gifts and interests – the things that make you truly happy
• See how having multiple interests actually position you to enjoy the benefits of multiple streams of income
• Quickly spot ways you can turn your interests into income
• Find the money, time, courage, and support to act on your dream
• Take steps to live and work on your own terms
• Ask me anything!

I’ll be in touch with more details about the on-demand workshop shortly.

But first, would you take 30 seconds to help me?

I want to make this the best Work at What You Love experience EVER

Would you be so kind as to click here now and answer a few super quick questions…   

Thank you in advance. I’m truly grateful for your willingness to help me to best help YOU!

Thomas Carlyle wrote, “The person without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder.”

Considering Carlyle was a philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, translator, historian, mathematician, and teacher – I’d say he had lots of rudders!

What about you?

Do you love what you do for a living?

Do you look forward to going to work every day or do you grudgingly show up in order to pay the bills?

Do you work past quitting time because it’s expected or because you’re “into it” and lose track of time?

The luckiest people in the world are the ones who’ve 1) found a calling – or like Carlyle – maybe lots of different callings and 2) who have freedom.

In other words, people who live their life “on purpose.”

I spent seven years waking up at 5:30 am to make a 90-mile-a-day commute to my corporate job.

It was a great company and I worked with great people. I even liked my manager – a lot.

There were just a few things missing.

These missing elements would become the tagline for the Changing Course newsletter…

Live life on purpose
Work at what you love
Follow your own road

That was in 1995.

Just four years later the Lutheran Brotherhood commissioned a study consisting of a single question…

What would you ask a god or supreme being if you could get a direct and immediate answer?

The third most often thing people wanted to know was, “Why do bad things happen?”

Second was, “Will I have life after death?”

The most frequently asked question American’s (and I’d venture to guess most people) want the answer to is…

“What’s my purpose here?”

Perhaps you’ve wondered the same thing?

Take the Purpose Quiz

If so, this Purpose Quiz can help you determine the extent you’re living a purposeful life right now.

As you’ll soon discover, purpose goes beyond what you do for work.

True or False:

1. When I get up in the morning I look forward to the day ahead, whether it’s a work day or my day off.
2. I love the work I do — any external reward I receive I consider “the icing on the cake.”
3. My work makes me feel rewarded and motivated rather than drained and exhausted.
4. When I have spare time I participate in activities that I’m passionate about, and those activities reflect my purpose.
5. I know what my greatest talents and strengths are, and I apply those attributes to my work in some capacity every day.
6. I know I’m living my true purpose when others notice and compliment me on my abilities.
7. My life, personal and professional, reflects and is in alignment with my core values.
8. I consistently base my decisions on my beliefs, not on the expectations of others, and, overall, I’m happy with the outcomes.
9. If money were not an issue I wouldn’t change much of what I do and how I do it.
10. My work environment is supportive of my personality and talents and allows me to not only show up as my true self, but to perform at my optimal level.
11. When my work environment fails to provide me with opportunities to utilize my unique abilities, I look to make a positive change.
12. The good (and great days) at work far outweigh the occasional “bad” days.
13. The work I do is mostly enjoyable.
14. By fulfilling my own dreams and desires, I am making a positive contribution to the world as a whole.
15. Determining one’s life purpose can take a long time, but I’m confident that, even when I question what my purpose is, I know that I have one.

Sadly, most people answer false to many of these questions.

If you did too, then it may be time to look for ways to live a more purposeful life.

You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow.

After all, purpose can be as much about how you do things (with love, attention, passion and focus for example) as it is about what you’re doing.

That said — if the work you do is out of alignment with your core values… if you come home depleted by your job… or worse, you are utterly miserable… then a major work-life change is in order.

Thomas Edison saw purpose in highly practical terms, writing:

“The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”

I’d add to that, “thinking” about changing course is not doing either.

Eleanor Roosevelt, said “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

Are You Ready to Make This the Year You Finally Change Course?

It’s been two years now since I’ve led my workshop on how to live and work on your own terms.

It’s called…

“Work @ What You Love”

A Powerful Virtual Workshop

• Discover your calling… so you can have the life you were meant to live
  
• Learn the powerful secrets for how to get paid to do what you love – even if you’re a “scanner”
  
• Step out of your routine and into your wildest dreams where you can get a new perspective on where you want to be this time next year
  
• Learn from someone who built two six-figure businesses working from home what it really takes to live life on your own terms
  
• Burst into Monday recharged, with the action plan you need to create the more balanced and rewarding lifestyle you’ve only dreamed of
• Get LIVE 1-1 coaching from me!

I’m still making some important change to the upcoming workshop. 

My #1 goal is to make it the most accessible, affordable, and powerful Work at What You Love workshop EVER!  

I should have all the details in a week or two.

Until then — do you want to save even more? 

Just add your name now to the Early Bird Notification List.

Life is short my friend. And the first step is for you to decide to live your life on purpose starting today!

Want to share the Purpose Quiz with others? Use the buttons below!

Author’s content used under license, © Claire Communications

The late British gardening author Mirabel Osler wrote,

“There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.”

Not everyone smiles at the same work.

Personally, I discovered long ago that I like the “idea” of gardening a lot more than doing gardening.

What makes me smile is brainstorming or delivering a talk to hundreds or even thousands of people.

For you it could be photography… turning chaos into order… or making pancake art (yes there is such a thing!).

One person’s chore is another person’s joy.

I met a woman who loved cleaning refrigerators so much she wanted to start a business doing it for others!

Gardening may or may not be your thing.

But the process of growing a garden does offer valuable lessons you can use to change course to be your own boss.

1) Wanting it with all your heart

The first step to changing course is desire.

I’m not talking about wishing or hoping.

I’m talking about a deep longing to change the course of not just your work but your life.

The kind of longing where you’re done complaining about your barren landscape and gazing enviously at other people’s garden — and you’re ready to dig in to create your own.

A longing so powerful it makes you turn off the TV or tune out of Facebook (or both) because you know there’s not a moment to waste.

2) Tend the soil

There are many ways to prepare for change.

Regular doses of inspiration help. After all, there is no better proof that you can make money doing what you love than the people who are doing it.

If you’ve never been self-employed, subscribe to Entrepreneur magazine as well as to interest-specific publications like The Chicken Whisperer, Model Railroader, or Art Doll.

Watch television shows like Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den as the original show is known in Canada.

Follow other knitters or tiny house builders or stamp collectors on Instagram.

Mostly though, the way to tend the soil is to make frequent trips to the well of knowledge and information.

Soak up everything you can about starting a bed and breakfast, being a consultant, owning alpacas, getting paid to write or travel or create art… or whatever it is you want to do.

3) Plant the tiniest of seeds

Even the biggest plants began as tiny seeds. And so it is with dreams.

Every major enterprise began with super small steps like… call Fred.

If you already know what you want to do, then use what you learned in step 2 to start taking small targeted steps to get there.

Buy video editing software, call your department of health about home-based food business regulations, go to local estate sales.

If you haven’t the foggiest notion of what makes you smile, then plant lots of different seeds.

After all, the only way to get an idea of what excites you is to experiment.

Read a book, take a class, talk to a stranger about their work… cast lots of random seeds out into the world and see what takes.

You may be surprised at what pops up!

4) Keep the weeds down

It’s not always possible to actually “weed” people out of your life (you know how fussy loved ones can be when you disown them).

You can, though, use selective sharing to mentally root out the voices of those who poo-poo your dreams.

Instead, reserve these conversations for people who understand and support your desire to change course.

Sometimes weeds come in the form of bad advice from ill-informed people.

Despite never being self-employed a day in their life, too many people are all too happy to tell you why your idea will never work.

If you don’t want to spend your life in the weeds along with them, then you need to find a way to counteract this kind of negativity and bad advice.

A simple start is to picture yourself in your future life.

Then remind yourself of what you should really be afraid of…

Namely, looking back at your life and knowing you allowed your dream to die on the vine from neglect or willingness to give up too soon.

5) Practice patience

Sufficient desire to make a change — check.

Soil tended, seeds planted, weeding done — check, check, check.

Now all you need to do is scream at your garden, “Grow, damn it!”

Silly right?

You can’t rush your dreams any more than you can rush a garden.

Some of the seeds you planted simply won’t take.

You can get discouraged about that if you want.

Or you can consider that those particular seeds weren’t meant to grow and then plant some different ones.

Other seeds seem to take forever to sprout and even longer to bloom.

Sometimes things happen so slowly you think nothing is happening at all.

During the first few years of my own business, I had days when I was so discouraged I wanted to “throw in the trowel.”

But I didn’t.

And neither should you because that’s usually the time when you wake up to find your first magnificent bloom.

The day you wake up and discover the life you dreamed of is the life you’re living.

So hang in there.

Patiently nurture those tender shoots and your field of dreams will grow.

6) Enjoy the Journey

As Osler observed, it’s the ongoing work of gardening that brings the joy.

You can’t just plant a garden and be done with it.

It’s like saying, “Well, I finished growing as a person now. What’s next?”

Rather, gardening is about coming up with ways to make the garden more interesting or fun or diverse.

It’s about redesigning the garden to come up with new ways to add value to all those it serves.

Mirabel Osler’s name comes up again and again in the world of gardening writers. So I decided to do a little digging myself.

As I read Stefanie Hargreaves review of Osler’s book, A Breath from Elsewhere, I could not help but think of its application to the process of changing course:

“Osler’s argument – to break the golden rules, follow your instincts, and create the garden that you desire… effectively [draws] the reader further down the path towards the garden as refuge – a place perfectly suited for ‘inspiration or freedom, for discovery or surrender.'”

It’s hard to believe it’s been 23 years since I ditched my 90-mile-a-day commute to become the Dreamer in Residence here at Changing Course.

In that time I’ve received scores of letters from change seekers just like you.

Some had recently taken the leap to being their own boss and wanted to share the good news.

Others, like the woman you’re about to meet, were just starting the journey.

I found Jody’s letter while I was cleaning out old files.

Her story once again brought me to tears.

Dear Valerie,
 
I have felt driven to write to you all day today, to tell you how finding your web site has changed my life.
 
Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Jody and I am from the Detroit area. I am a forty-eight year old grandmother of three, and someone who has spent the past twenty years of her life not having a life.
 
Being a retail manager in a 24-hour store for years meant not only working long shifts or undesirable shifts, but every shift. It meant being robbed at gun-point twice, being spit on, insulted, spoken down to, and just generally abused on a daily basis. It also required being open for every holiday, missing family weddings, graduations, anniversaries; you name it. Sobbing in my car to and from work had become the norm. All the while, I did this while raising four sons alone in Detroit.
 
Fortunately, my sons grew up and moved out; I paid off my house and the company closed down my store; all in that order. I did not know what to do, so I went back to college.
 
College has been a wonderful experience! It is stimulating and has built my self-esteem, both of which are things I was in great need of. Every word they say to you however is specifically directed at landing you in a corporate office somewhere. That is the last place I want to be!
 
To continue, I ran across your site quite by accident two weeks ago. I did not pay it much attention at first and thought it was just another one of those, “Buy my book and you’ll be rich”, scams. Something made me keep going back and reading more. You see, I have been telling myself for all these years that I do not know how to do anything except pump gas, sell candy bars, and write “A” papers at school. (Who really cares about that except me?) Nevertheless, I read on.
 
Something strange started to happen. I became excited! It had been so long since I had been excited about much of anything, that it was a little scary. I was reminded of the times when I used to do things I loved, and proved that I was also very good at. Writing has always been a passion of mine. The back of my closet holds volumes of books and children’s stories which have only been passed around to my family and neighbors.
 
I continually find myself editing letters and reports for people, tweaking their resumes, and all on my own time and without compensation. I also thought back to all of the years I was the neighborhood pet-sitter for vacations and what-have-you, and again, all for free. I had thought of two things which I could be good at and love doing! Suddenly I thought of myself, “wow”!
 
Since then, I have been like the “Energizer Bunny”; going non-stop. I have read everything I can get my hands on. I have decided to pursue both of my ideas.
 
As for pet-sitting, I have already checked into and received the forms for licensing, registered for a certification class, and also for a pet first aid course. At this time I am researching domain names, business forms, and professional organizations to join.
 
While in class on Saturday, I mentioned my idea to the class, and had four people ask me if I was serious, and if so, they were in need of my services. Three people have offered to give me paying jobs this week alone, although I have not yet begun to open a business.
 
It has been very uplifting, and through this endeavor I am fortunate to have received compliments, which otherwise I may have never known. Compliments from fellow students and my professor about how I am thought of as trustworthy and responsible because of my academic demeanor.
 
Finally, I would like to say that even if this idea does not pan out in the end, something else will. Running across your site was the kick in the pants I needed. I suppose someone else needed to remind me that I’m still in here somewhere. Just the motivation to remember myself for the past two weeks has been a huge thrill. Thanks a million for the boost and the support!
 
Regards,
 
Jody
 
P.S. I believe that it is no small accident that the same day I found your site, I had just read an article by Dr. Phil McGraw concerning the difference between living your “authentic” life and living your “fictional” life.

What You Can Learn From Jody

It’s been nine years since Jody sent her letter.

And I’m as moved by her story now as I was then.

Her’s is a wonderful reminder that, as George Elliot wrote, “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.”

True, it took Jody 48 years to realize it really is possible to live and work on your own terms.

Still, it’s a lesson that so many others trapped in low-wage, low satisfaction jobs never learn.

And “learn” truly is the operative word here.

So many people throw up their hands claiming they can’t move ahead because, “I don’t know how.”

Instead Jody rolled up her sleeves and did her homework.

She put her dream out there and the universe rewarded Jody with encouragement — and very likely, her first customers.

Most importantly, Jody took A-C-T-I-O-N.

I wish I could tell you Jody’s launched her businesses and lived happily ever after.

The fact is, I don’t know what happened next.

And that made me a little teary.

Because there are only two ways this story ends.

The optimist in me hopes a very determined Jody took the next step and the next and the next… and is now blissfully self-employed.

But after 22 years in this business, I also know how easy dreams can get derailed.

6 Reasons Dreams Fail

1) You got side-tracked by the next cool idea.

2) You hit a road bump and lost faith… and confidence.

3) Worse, you never had the confidence to begin in the first place.

4) You’re surrounded by people who say you need to be”realistic.”

5) You expected overnight success and when that didn’t happen… you gave up.

6) You love so many things that you can’t pick one. Which makes you what my friend, Barbara Sher, calls a scanner.

The reason all of these dream killers make me cry is because they are SO freakin’ avoidable!

So I’m considering putting something together to help make sure you and all the Jody’s of the world don’t get stuck.

I haven’t put all the pieces together in my head…

But it will definitely be online so no one has to travel.

I may make it free (still noodling that one in my head) or at least super affordable.

But before I put too much work into creating something, I really need to get a handle on where YOU are in the changing course journey.

In other words are you:

1) Still trying to figure out what you love to do

2) Know what you love to do — but don’t know how to make money doing it

3) Have a great idea but don’t know where to begin

4) Other…

Tell me which number best describes where you’re at in the comment section below, or email me at info@ChangingCourse.com.

If I get enough interest, then I’ll move to phase 2… making a plan.

And if Jody from Lincoln Park, Michigan is out there…

Your fellow travelers and I would love to know how you’re doing on the road to changing course!

Join the Conversation!

Let me know where YOU are in the changing course journey by commenting below.

I’ve been on a bit of a yoga kick these days.

If you caught the last two newsletters, you know I’ve been using examples of yoga related businesses as a way to get your own creative juices going.

And I’m going to do it one last time.

It’s worth repeating…

This is NOT an article about starting a yoga business.

Instead, I’m going to do the same thing I did in Part 1 and Part 2.

Namely… I’m going to show you three more examples and ways you can “steal” what makes these businesses successful in order to jumpstart your own!

Idea #1 Organize a conference

If you’re good at throwing a party or planning a move, then you can organize a conference.

Conferences or training events can be highly profitable.

Of course, one source of revenue is the registration fees.

Fees are all over the map. I’d attended training events that cost $3,000-5,000 and others that charged $199.

Generally speaking, if the point of the event is to show people how they can make money by say blogging or investing in real estate or making money online, the more you can charge.

When I produced the Making Dreams Happen workshop featuring Barbara Sher, Barbara Winter and myself, I charged $1700 for the four-day event.

We capped it at 55. So, that event grossed $93,000.

But when I put on the popular 3-day Work at What You Love workshops around the country, we only charged $399-$499 but we also brought in 100-150 people.

For some, the real money comes in the form of fees from sponsors and vendors who pay for things like:

• space at a tradeshow
• ads in the conference brochure
• company-branded items in the swag bag
• the opportunity to present to your audience that ends with an offer to purchase their product or service (with this model the event host typically receives 50 percent of all sales)

I know entrepreneurs who regularly bring in a quarter of a million dollars on sponsor and vendor fees alone.

Every single month there are dozens of yoga conferences happening around the world.

And not all vendors at these events are selling yoga gear.

Sponsors at Canada’s big Yoga Conference included coffee brewers, kale chips makers, and dozens of other small businesses targeting health-conscious consumers.

Even regional conferences can pull in big numbers.

The Northwest Yoga Conference attracts 1,000 participants from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, British Columbia, and elsewhere.

A booth costs vendors $800.

The more participants you have the more vendors you can attract.

You don’t have to fill a huge exhibit hall.

If you had five rows with 20 vendors per row (10 on each side), at $800 that would be $80,000 in fees.

A conference can also be a way for a company to expand its reach.

Yo Kid organization teaches yoga instructors how to work with children.

But by hosting the 2017 National Kids Yoga Conference, the Alexandria, Virginia-based company is able to attract a national audience and position itself as a leader in its field.

How You Can Steal This Idea

If you love organizing events, look for opportunities to host niche-specific conferences.

If you don’t know where to start, begin by researching entrepreneurial trends.

For inspiration read up on the many YouTube conferences.

Many were started by regular people who saw an opportunity and grabbed it.

You can also make money on the back-end by selling recordings of the live event to people who couldn’t be there.

To have the entire Making Dreams Happen workshop recorded and then turned into a product cost around $15,000.

But we made that back 10 times over.

A big part of the initial costs was the production and packaging of a 24 CD set.

However, since most people today just want to download Mp3s it will cost you a lot less to steal this idea.

(Converting to a downloadable product also allowed me to knock off $100 and pass the savings along to customers.)

Finally, you can always do what Yoga Festival did and capitalize on conferences by charging hosts a fee to be listed.

Idea #2 Sell to other businesses within a specific niche

Businesses that cater to the needs of other businesses are known as B2B.

Services like event planning or senior day-care can benefit a wide range of businesses.

But a B2B business can also be aimed at a single market.

Obviously the bigger the market – the greater the opportunity.

It’s worth repeating…

Yoga is more popular in Canada than in India.

And third on the list is the United States where a whopping 20.4 million Americans partake in the ancient practice.

Which means there are lots of other yoga-related businesses in need of solutions too. Like…

• independent yoga instructors
• studio owners
• retreat centers
• businesses that make yoga gear

Take for example, the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance,

The non-profit business was created to provide community support and networking among a specific demographic group with a shared interest.

With 100 people attending their first major event, I’d say the organizations’ two founders tapped into a very real need.

Then there’s a company called International Yoga.

Most of their revenue comes from individuals who sign up for a yoga retreat.

But the company also saw an opportunity to help instructors wanting to host their own retreats internationally.

Planning and running a retreat are the easy parts.

The challenge for instructors (like all business owners) is the marketing.

But remember, problem = opportunity.

Wisely, International Yoga also offers instructors full retreat management and logistical services “so teachers can focus on what they do best.”

To qualify for these services, however, instructors must already have some international retreat experience under their belt.

The easiest way to gain experience is to teach at someone else’s event.

The problem, of course, is finding one.

For Yoga Trade it’s also an opportunity since they match travel-loving instructors looking for adventure with yoga centers seeking instructors.

How You Can Steal This Idea

Think of a group you’d love to work with.

Then make a list of the problems, complaints, or threats that are unique to that demographic.

Next, brainstorm ways you can address these issues.

Have a knack for videotaping or marketing? Find a niche market who needs marketing help and pursue them.

Love to teach? Compile a list of resources like the ones listed here and teach a class on how to grow a yoga – or other niche – business for fun and profit.

Like doing research and writing? Put together an ebook on 101 Cool Ways to Cash in On the Yoga Craze.

Have a winning personality? Create a YouTube channel on this or any number of niche topics.

Love connecting people? Start your own association or matching service.

Idea #3 Make money by making a difference

For most, yoga people is a form of exercise.

But for others, it’s a means to serve the greater good.

In 2003 nurse practitioner and yoga instructor Mary Lynn Fitton decided to pilot a program to teach yoga to under-served, exploited, and incarcerated girls who had experienced trauma.

Today, Fitton’s California-based 501C3 nonprofit organization The Art of Yoga Project has served over 6,000 girls.

There are other initiatives using yoga to help underserved and incarcerated youth and adults of both genders.

Like Uprising Yoga in Los Angeles.

And the inspiring Africa Yoga Project (be sure to watch the video!) which is making yoga accessible to even impoverished communities.

How You Can Steal This Idea

If you think you’d like to start a non-profit, take a year or so to pilot your idea like Mary did.

If the initiative has legs, figure out how you’ll serve your audience and what grants, fundraising efforts, and other revenue models you’ll need to cover basic expenses moving forward.

Figure out too who your natural partners and potentially paying customers will be.

For example, Uprising Yoga works directly with the Los Angeles County Probation Department, mental health facilities, group homes, and social work agencies.

You might also partner with a local hospital, center for cancer survivors, substance abuse treatment program, or senior center.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to coming up with viable ways to generate income, there are endless ways to take a single idea and build on it.

And remember, changing course starts with a great idea – and the willingness to act on it.

Ready to find your perfect business idea?

Learn more about my laser focused idea generation and planning consultation here.

Life is short my change seeking friend.

And I can only take a few clients a month.

Whether you work with me or not — please don’t let your dream wait another day.

Are your friends and family constantly saying you should sell your homemade cheesecake, meat rub, or cucumber coconut lemonade?

Or maybe you have a food blog or you have lots of followers to your Trip Advisor restaurant reviews or your food photos on Instagram? 

If so, run don’t walk to the fast-approaching Summer Specialty Food Show.

Billed as North America’s largest specialty food and beverage event, you’ll find 180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic foods, natural, organic and more.

Plus its your chance to connect with 2,400 exhibitors from 50 countries and regions.

Who knows… one may turn out to be your future customer or partner!

And if you’re just starting out, the Summer Specialty Food Show is your chance to attend three days of education programs for both explorers and beginners as well as seasoned entrepreneurs alike.  

Topics include:

• funding your business
• hot trends in the food industry
• basics of the specialty food business
• and many more…

You’ll learn from experts like Jon Taffer, host of the popular TV show “Bar Rescue.”

And Josh Treuhaft, founder and creative director of Salvage Supperclub.

Among other things, Josh started a communal dining experience where guests eat a gourmet dinner in a giant dumpster as a way to “highlight the untapped potential in often-overlooked foods and solve the world-wide problem of food waste.”

And this year you can get a front row seat as a celebrity Greek chef, a specialty produce supplier, and others pitch their business to industry experts.

Think of it as Shark Tank for the specialty food industry!

But instead of funding, they’re pitching for profitable promotional opportunities.

And speaking of funding — the cost to attend is anywhere from $99-$200 depending on your situation.

But Sorry — You Can’t Go

After I got totally pumped about the Summer Fancy Food Show it turns out it’s not open to the general public. What??!!!

The site states that because they are “a trade event designed to promote growth in commerce in the specialty food industry… [the] event is open to qualified buyers and industry professionals (18 years of age or older).”

Reading that I knew a lot of change seekers would be discouraged and give up.

And like I always say, information will set you free.

So I picked up the phone and called the organizers for more information.

I was right.

 
Turns out all you need to establish that you are a “qualified professional” is a business card (how hard can that be?!)…

Or a certificate from a culinary or wine school.

Or a pay stub that says you work in some food related job like a restaurant or a local cheese shop or on a local farm.

Or a link to your food/beverage related blog or Instagram account.

Or other evidence that you are even exploring the world of food and beverages.

If you’re not sure, post your situation on the in the comments below, and I’m happy to try to help you find a way.

The bottom line — GO FOR IT!

Can’t make it to the Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC for the June 24-27th event?

They’ve already posted dates and locations for the next three years!

That gives you plenty of time to become a “qualified professional!”

So start saving your pennies and find a way to make it happen.

And remember — when you work for yourself, anything is possible!

My brother-in-law Eddie spent 30 years as a field technician for a major manufacturer of office equipment.

Then at age 58 the company laid him and most of their other long-time technicians off… only to later ask them to come back at minimum wage with no benefits.

So much for job security and loyalty.

He did his job well. But for Eddie, repairing office equipment was just that — a job.

His true passion was following sports – and especially football.

Eddie once told me his dream job would be to work for ESPN. He said he didn’t care if he was the guy who hauled equipment around – he just wanted to part of the game.

When I got an email from Michelle Hill I immediately thought of my brother-in-law.

Because Michelle is doing what sports lovers like my brother-law only dream about.

She found a way to make money hanging out with NFL players.

I first met Michelle in 2006 when she attended the Work at What You Love workshop in Ventura, California.

(This happens to be the same workshop Dyan deNapoli AKA The Penguin Lady attended back in Massachusetts. If you missed my interview with Dyan and her spectacular photos from Antarctica, you can still get the replay here.)

Back then, Michelle was in the baking business.

In fact, I still have the business card for Michelle’s Cookie Kitchen.

But after a year-and-a half, Michelle realized she liked donating her cookies for various non-profit benefits a lot more than she liked selling them.

So, she closed the door on her budding baking business.

But unlike my brother-in-law who’s hardwired to be an employee, Michelle was determined to be her own boss.

Considering she’d been downsized three times in nine years, it’s easy to see why.

When the economy collapsed in 2008 Michelle found herself in the same boat as millions of other Americans — living off unemployment and tapping her 401k.

Broke but not broken, Michelle sold her possessions and moved to the other side of the country to start over.

Today Michelle’s life is very different.

For Michelle, the turn-around began when she signed up for a course on how to become a freelance copywriter. (Click here for my review.)

Writing sales copy is a skill anyone can learn – and you can make great money doing it.

I know because I’ve personally paid up to three thousand dollars for promotional copy for a single product.

But for Michelle, copywriting turned out to be more of a launch pad.

Today Michelle is a ghostwriter for a number of current and former National Football League players and others in the sports world who want to publish a book.

The “Strong Copy QB” as she dubs herself, counts Levar Fisher formerly with the Arizona Cardinals and Brandon Williams who played with the Baltimore Ravens among her impressive roster.

I wanted to know how Michelle went from having to borrow gas money to working alongside major league players.

What I quickly discovered is that like all success stories, Michelle’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to change course.

That’s why I’ve asked Michelle to be my next guest on the NEW Big Dreams Small Steps Success Stories Series!

From Broke to
Ghostwriter for NFL Players

With Michelle Hill of Winning Proof

Listen in here.

To your dreams,

Valerie Young
Dreamer in Residence
www.ChangingCourse.com

How the “Penguin Lady” Turned Her Passion Into an Adventure and Income (And How You Can Too!)

In my 22 years as the Dreamer in Residence at Changing Course I’ve heard some amazing success stories.

But this is one of my VERY favorites!

Partly because, wildlife lover Dyan deNapoli already had her dream job.

As the senior penguin aquarist at the prestigious New England Aquarium in Boston, she got to work closely with these fascinating birds — both at her facility and in nature.

Then sadly, Dyan’s mother died.
My own Mom died unexpectedly at just 61 years old.

So, I know first-hand how wake-up calls can cause us to re-evaluate our lives.

After nine years at her job, Dyan had already begun to feel restless. And losing her mother just accelerated the desire for change.

She was still passionate about protecting wildlife – particularly penguins.

But Dyan now longed for the same freedom and flexibility she’d enjoyed during her days as a jewelry maker.

But how in the world do you become a self-employed penguin expert???

That was the question Dyan brought to the Work at What You Love workshop in Northampton, Massachusetts.

There, among some 125 other change seekers, is where the idea to offer interactive educational programs was hatched.

Most people talk about their business idea… they endlessly research and plan and tweak and perfect.

But they never begin.

Not Dyan.

Within days of the workshop she secured the domain The Penguin Lady and reached out to local schools, libraries, and senior citizen centers to book gigs.

And she never looked back.

Since then Dyan’s dream, her adventures, and her income have all grown in ways she could have never imagined.

She has…

• traveled to Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, and South Africa to work with, teach about, and observe penguins in the wild
  
  
• appeared as an expert on numerous television and radio shows, including CNN and BBC Radio
  
  
• landed a six-figure book deal with Simon & Schuster (woo-hoo!)
  
  
• written the award-winning book The Great Penguin Rescue
• delivered not one but four – count ‘em – FOUR – TEDx talks!
  
  
• been a guest lecturer on nature cruises to Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands
  
  
• was selected to be one of 76 women scientists to take part in a leadership training program aboard a cruise ship in Antarctica

Dyan’s been doing some OTHER REALLY cool stuff — but I’m going to let her tell you herself.

And you’ll even get to ask questions!

Because… drum roll please!

Dyan is the first guest to appear in my new Dream Big – Start Small Success Stories Series!

How to Leverage Your Passion for a
Life of Adventure & Profits

With Dyan deNapoli AKA The Penguin Lady

In this inspiring and advice-packed webinar Dyan will share how she turned an unlikely interest into a life of adventure and income.

As importantly, Dyan will offer valuable tips for how you too can leverage YOUR passion for a life of adventure and profits!

And as an extra treat, I’ve also asked Dyan to share some of the spectacular photos from her most recent trip to Antarctica!

Sign up here to join the fun!

To your dreams,

Valerie Young
Dreamer in Residence
www.ChangingCourse.com

The late British gardening author Mirabel Osler wrote,

“There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.”

Not everyone smiles at the same work.

Personally, I discovered long ago that I like the “idea” of gardening a lot more than doing gardening.

What makes me smile is brainstorming or delivering a talk to hundreds or even thousands of people.

For you it could be photography… turning chaos into order… or making pancake art (yes there is such a thing!).

One person’s chore is another person’s joy.

I met a woman who loved cleaning refrigerators so much she wanted to start a business doing it for others!

Gardening may or may not be your thing.

But the process of growing a garden does offer valuable lessons you can use to change course to be your own boss.

1) Wanting it with all your heart

The first step to changing course is desire.

I’m not talking about wishing or hoping.

I’m talking about a deep longing to change the course of not just your work but your life.

The kind of longing where you’re done complaining about your barren landscape and gazing enviously at other people’s garden — and you’re ready to dig in to create your own.

A longing so powerful it makes you turn off the TV or tune out of Facebook (or both) because you know there’s not a moment to waste.

2) Tend the soil

There are many ways to prepare for change.

Regular doses of inspiration help. After all, there is no better proof that you can make money doing what you love than the people who are doing it.

If you’ve never been self-employed, subscribe to Entrepreneur magazine as well as to interest-specific publications like The Chicken Whisperer, Model Railroader, or Art Doll.

Watch television shows like Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den as the original show is known in Canada.

Follow other knitters or tiny house builders or stamp collectors on Instagram.

Mostly though, the way to tend the soil is to make frequent trips to the well of knowledge and information.

Soak up everything you can about starting a bed and breakfast, being a consultant, owning alpacas, getting paid to write or travel or create art… or whatever it is you want to do.

3) Plant the tiniest of seeds

Even the biggest plants began as tiny seeds. And so it is with dreams.

Every major enterprise began with super small steps like… call Fred.

If you already know what you want to do, then use what you learned in step 2 to start taking small targeted steps to get there.

Buy video editing software, call your department of health about home-based food business regulations, go to local estate sales.

If you haven’t the foggiest notion of what makes you smile, then plant lots of different seeds.

After all, the only way to get an idea of what excites you is to experiment.

Read a book, take a class, talk to a stranger about their work… cast lots of random seeds out into the world and see what takes.

You may be surprised at what pops up!

4) Keep the weeds down

It’s not always possible to actually “weed” people out of your life (you know how fussy loved ones can be when you disown them).

You can, though, use selective sharing to mentally root out the voices of those who poo-poo your dreams.

Instead, reserve these conversations for people who understand and support your desire to change course.

Sometimes weeds come in the form of bad advice from ill-informed people.

Despite never being self-employed a day in their life, too many people are all too happy to tell you why your idea will never work.

If you don’t want to spend your life in the weeds along with them, then you need to find a way to counteract this kind of negativity and bad advice.

A simple start is to picture yourself in your future life.

Then remind yourself of what you should really be afraid of…

Namely, looking back at your life and knowing you allowed your dream to die on the vine from neglect or willingness to give up too soon.

5) Practice patience

Sufficient desire to make a change — check.

Soil tended, seeds planted, weeding done — check, check, check.

Now all you need to do is scream at your garden, “Grow, damn it!”

Silly right?

You can’t rush your dreams any more than you can rush a garden.

Some of the seeds you planted simply won’t take.

You can get discouraged about that if you want.

Or you can consider that those particular seeds weren’t meant to grow and then plant some different ones.

Other seeds seem to take forever to sprout and even longer to bloom.

Sometimes things happen so slowly you think nothing is happening at all.

During the first few years of my own business, I had days when I was so discouraged I wanted to “throw in the trowel.”

But I didn’t.

And neither should you because that’s usually the time when you wake up to find your first magnificent bloom.

The day you wake up and discover the life you dreamed of is the life you’re living.

So hang in there.

Patiently nurture those tender shoots and your field of dreams will grow.

6) Enjoy the Journey

As Osler observed, it’s the ongoing work of gardening that brings the joy.

You can’t just plant a garden and be done with it.

It’s like saying, “Well, I finished growing as a person now. What’s next?”

Rather, gardening is about coming up with ways to make the garden more interesting or fun or diverse.

It’s about redesigning the garden to come up with new ways to add value to all those it serves.

Mirabel Osler’s name comes up again and again in the world of gardening writers. So I decided to do a little digging myself.

As I read Stefanie Hargreaves review of Osler’s book, A Breath from Elsewhere, I could not help but think of its application to the process of changing course:

“Osler’s argument – to break the golden rules, follow your instincts, and create the garden that you desire… effectively [draws] the reader further down the path towards the garden as refuge – a place perfectly suited for ‘inspiration or freedom, for discovery or surrender.'”

Why Teaching Others May Be Your Fastest Path to Cash

Do you enjoy sharing knowledge with others?

If so, giving talks… leading workshops… or running retreats could be the quickest way to grow your small business – and your fastest path to cash.

People with interests as varied as fitness, image consulting, real estate, and career coaching are hearing the sound of opportunity knocking! 

And now, so can you!

Opportunities in the Conference World

According to ConventionIndustry.org, each year 205 million people attend the 1.8 million conventions, conferences, congresses, trade shows and exhibitions, incentive events and corporate/business meetings.

And that’s just in the United States.

That’s good news because conferences are a great place to get your message in front of dozens or even hundreds of future clients or customers — without having to “sell.”

In the last few months I’ve spoken to large audiences at two conferences — Women in Trucking and Romance Writers of America.

Like all conferences, participants could choose from dozens of smaller breakout sessions.

And in most cases, the people leading them are there because they asked to be.

Since attendees decide which sessions to go to, the key is to propose a topic that will appeal to the broadest possible audience.

Did you write a book on prosperity?

Offer a session called, “How to Make Sure Your Kids Grow Up Rich” — which of course, really means educating their parents.

Are you a nutritionist or a personal trainer?

Do a talk for road warriors on how to eat healthy or stay fit on the road.

You’d be surprised at the kinds of conferences that will embrace your topic.

Just ask Beverly Farrow.

Beverly spent years earning her doctorate — only to discover that being a university professor was not fulfilling.

She could have fallen into the common trap of remaining in a job simply because she didn’t want to “waste the degree.”

Fortunately, Beverly looked instead for a way she could combine her love of teaching with her passion for helping others find a new career path of their own.

Last week, she led a workshop at a local non-profit conference in West Virginia called Strengthening Families and Children.

Even she was a little surprised at how well it went! 

I was not sure what kind of audience to expect (number of participants or background) because the conference was open to social service providers and families.

Anyway, I was blown away because my room was FULL!

It was a 90-minute session and the feedback was unbelievable– and I received a couple of invites for future engagements.

My title was. “Find Your Genius and Work in It.” Basically Valerie’s “Life First, Work Second approach to career planning from 30,000 feet.

AND I received my FIRST honorarium… which was a total surprise.

Beverly shared her big news  on a private discussion forum for other graduates of my course on how to become a licensed Profiting From Your Passions® coach.

I mention this because this kind of sharing inspires others to take action.

And one great idea always leads to others!

Finding Opportunities in Unexpected Places

Coincidentally, Hillary Saffran of Alaska works in social services herself.

Like most people who are transitioning from having a boss to being their own boss, she’s actively building her coaching business on the side.

Responding to Beverly’s success Hillary writes:

Just this morning I came up with an idea for a workshop and am in the process of working out an arrangement for the workshop room.

I got the idea from a commercial I heard about a local funeral home owned by “the mushing mortician.”

He states he’d love to use his funeral home for events other than funerals. It’s a large building with many rooms and lots of space.

So I contacted the manager and proposed my workshop: “Don’t Let Your Dreams Die!”

An idea that prompted Kimberly Steward from Colorado to gush,

“Don’t let your dreams die.” Delivered in a funeral home. That is a level of genius I didn’t know existed! LOVE IT!

High praise indeed considering Kimberly wrote a book called Be Weird, Make Money: Design a Life and Living In a World Where You Don’t Feel Like You Belong.

Opportunities on the Road

Not all ideas need to be genius material to work. Sometimes all you need to do is widen your lens a bit.

For instance, one way you can take a major shortcut to your ideal customer or client is to tap into another business with a connection to your same topic or market.

When Audrey and her husband retired they traded in their house and most all of their belongings to travel the country in an RV.

The moment I heard that, my opportunity bell went off big time!

That’s because in a few weeks Audrey will begin the same self-employment-focused career coach and business building training program that Beverly, Hillary, and Kimberly took.

For Audrey, earning money by showing others how to turn their own interests into income is the perfect portable business.

And the fact that she’ll be doing it from an RV herself, makes her the ideal person to deliver a talk to other full-time RVers called How to Make an Extra $500-$1000 a Month From the Road.

In addition, Audrey could:

• sell a booklet on “Simple Ways to Make Extra Cash From Your RV”

• partner with RV park owners or even RV dealerships to give talks at their locations

• advertise a webinar in a publication like Workers on Wheels so she can teach hundreds of people regardless of location

Opportunities in Collaboration

RVers, retirees, and other change seekers aren’t the only ones looking for creative ways to make money.

People who already own a business need ideas too!

Did you know for example, there are real estate companies that specialize in people looking to buy or sell a campground or RV park? 

And that at least one of them, also capitalizes on the workshop model with their own sold out workshops for potential buyers?

With just a little knowledge about the business side of owning an RV park, Audrey could also offer workshops or webinars on the theme — How to Come Up With Additional Profit Centers for Your New RV Park.

The same partnering approach can be used for many niches.

For instance, our prosperity coach could give that same fiscal education for kids talk at libraries or other venues frequented by stay-at-home moms.

And our stylist could partner with clothing stores or malls to show shoppers how to build a fabulous wardrobe on a budget.

(To test my theory, I once asked a local mall manager whether his or other malls would be open to that kind of thing. His answer:  “Absolutely!”)

But to really see how giving talks… or leading workshops… or running retreats… could be your fastest path to cash, I’m going to ask you the same question I asked Lourdes from Montreal.

Would You Rather Make $15 OR $20,000? 

Lourdes will be joining Audrey as an incoming student for the upcoming Profiting from Your Passions® coach class.

And like Audrey, she’s looking at coaching as a way to supplement her retirement income.

Right now Lourdes is applying for jobs in Montreal to teach ESL at $15 an hour.

But her BIG plan is to spend winters in Quito, Ecuador.

She’s already visited several times including renting an apartment for three months. So she knows the area pretty well.

Do you hear what I hear? It’s the sound of opportunity knocking!

What if on her next trip to Quito she mapped out a workshop-retreat-tour for other retirees considering following her same path.

I happen to know a little about the subject, because a few years ago I ran a Relax, Renew, and Reinvent retreat in Ecuador.

We spent half of each day in workshop mode exploring ways participants could turn their interests into income. The rest of the time we were tourists.

Lourdes’ retreat would also include sessions on how her guests can create their own portable income streams.

But unlike my trip which was for career changers, Lourdes’ would target hers specifically for other retirees – very likely other women – who are considering wintering in Ecuador as well.

Just the kind of people who might be intimidated to explore a big city in another country on their own.

In addition to seeing the local sights, I’m picturing Lourdes introducing the group to various residential neighborhoods and walking them through the logistics of living in another country.

Things like the best places to buy groceries… how to get their mail… and do their banking, etc.

Lourdes could even offer very specific services — like helping her guests to find and secure seasonal housing for the following winter.

With my own retreat, participants covered their own airfare.

The per person cost for hotel, most meals, a van and driver, tour guide and a few other items was around $1,000.

Let’s say 10 people sign up for Lourdes’ 6-day, 7 night “Spend Your Winters in Warm and Fabulous Quito” workshop-retreat-tour.

And let’s say she charges a very reasonable $2,999 per person.

That means she’d earn a cool $29,999.

Minus $10,000 for expenses – and Lourdes’ profit is a cool $20,000!

For Lourdes to make that same amount of money teaching ESL at $15 an hour, she would need to log a whopping 2,000 hours – which translates into fifty 40-hour work weeks!

Albert Einstein said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

If you enjoy teaching, informing, educating or otherwise awakening the joy in others… what are you waiting for! 

_______________________________________________

Last Chance: Registration Ends Tomorrow

In As Little As 3 Months

You Can Train to Become a Licensed
Profiting From Your Passions®
Career Coach & Business Idea Generator…

And Launch Yourself Into a 
  Whole New Career — and Life

(Even If You Have NO
Prior Coaching Experience!)

• Master a proven business idea generation and coaching system to help discover unique ways to turn interests into income

• Quickly gain confidence in your ability to successfully work with paying clients or workshop attendees
  
  
• Launch yourself into the perfect portable business so you can work where and when you like
  
  
• Finally get paid to do what comes naturally!

On Tuesday we’re closing registration for the upcoming Profiting from Your Passions® coach class forever.

Fortunately for Audrey, Lourdes and 18 others from the UK, US, and Canada, this year’s class includes a Mega-Bonus.

It’s an additional 5-hours of training on How to Design and Deliver Your Own Money Making Workshops and Retreats(a $799 value)

You’ll discover how to take the 7-step Profiting From Your Passion®formula and deliver it in the form of a 30-45 minute talk… a half or full-day class, or a multi-day workshop or fabulous destination retreat — even on a cruise!

Plus we just added another extremely high value bonus – your own professionally designed website. That way you can launch your new career — and life — fast!

And because you can start earning money is as little as 3 months — the course pays for itself. 

Click here now to discover whether becoming a licensed Profiting from Your Passions® coach is right for you.  

But hurry because registrations ends Tuesday, November 15^th at midnight ET.

For the first time in the human experience,
we have a chance to shape our work
to suit the way we want to live
instead of always living to fit in with our work…
We would be mad to miss the chance.
~ Charles Handy