Laura Wolfe Coaching LLC

Supporting the Evolution of Careers, Leaders,

& Climate Consciousness

The Power of Music

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Street musicianI love music, pretty much all genres.  Seeing live music is one of my all time favorite things to do.

I listen to a lot of music too – am currently listening to the Psychedelic Furs (more on that in a different post) and the new Ben Harper.  Music really inspires and soothes and I believe it can also help as you navigate changes.  How so?

First, you realize your current situation isn’t working so decide to create a new one.  Think about the music you have been listening to, especially songs that remind you of the what’s been going on.  Next, stop listening to that stuff.  Just don’t do it anymore.  Find something different to listen to.   It doesn’t necessarily have to be new music, just music you don’t know or don’t associate with your current situation.

It is amazing how powerfully certain songs bring up memories and the associated feelings.  Not listening to those particular triggers frees you up to think about your future. Create a vision for your new life and link it to some different tunes. Then listen regularly to those as you change in that direction.

I’ve got some favorite songs about change as well.  Here’s a first stab at a list:

Sing the Changes – The Fireman

Roll with the Changes – REO Speedwagon

I Will Not Be Broken – Bonnie Raitt

Fly One Time – Ben Harper and Relentless7

Above the Bones – Mishka

Brand New Day – Sting

Cool Change – Little River Band

 

These are all I can think of right now but will be adding to this list over time.  Do you have any “change songs” to add?

 

Career (Re)Invention

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The cover story of the July 4, 2011 issue of FORTUNE magazine is “REINVENT YOUR CAREER!”.  It profiles five people ranging in age from 38-63 who have successfully shifted career gear and are thriving.  In this uncertain and crazy economy, career invention or reinvention is becoming a way of life.  Sometimes the change is because of dissatisfaction or frustration with the current job and sometimes it is forced by a downsizing or threat of layoff.  You may be experiencing one of these situations or likely know someone who is.

Change is scary, especially when it involves your livelihood.  But change can also be exciting. Imagine doing the work that you really want to do and being successful… Successful enough to earn a living even.  Yes, that is pretty exciting.  The truth is that you can do it.  When you take the time to figure it out, to plan and to lay a foundation your chances of success are greater and it’s much less disruptive.  If you’re not sure you want to do this on your own, consider career invention coaching.  With guidance and a structure, career invention is quite do-able.

This post is one of the first in my new ‘career’ as I too am in the process of career invention.   I was fortunate in that I had time to plan my career change; to do those things I described above.  Part of the foundation I laid was to become certified as a career invention coach.  This certification prepared me with a process and tools to use with clients who want or need to “invent” a new career for themselves.

Contact me for more information on how career invention works.  And stay tuned to this blog where I’ll share career info, management tips, and random stuff I find interesting.