When faced with a decision, clients often say, "I can't make

a mistake this time," or, "I want to be sure I'm doing the

right thing."

There are no guarantees, but here are some ways to improve

the odds.

1. Assess your strengths, limitations and values before you

begin.

2. Ask friends and colleagues, "I'm thinking of doing X. If

you heard that I tried X and succeeded, what would be your

response? If you heard that I tried X and failed, how would

you be likely to explain the reasons for failure?

3. Are you feeling especially depressed, isolated,

vulnerable or scared? These feelings often lead to decisions

we regret later. Deal with the feelings or take an

intermediate step that will take you to a different

emotional place.

4. Talk to at least three people (six would be better) who

are doing what you want to do (or living where you want to

live).

Ask tough questions: How did they get there? What

worked and what didn't? How has the field (or the location)

changed since they moved? What was their toughest challenge?

Be negative. If you've gotten this far, you've already looked

at the positive side.

5. Create best case and worst case scenarios. Describe in

detail how you would deal with each.

6. Create a safety net based on your own personal comfort

zone. Some people sleep soundly when they don't know where

they will get the next mortgage payment. Others toss and

turn when their income falls below six figures to the left

of the decimal point.

Be honest. If you're scared you will

be paralyzed and a sense of need will drive away business.

7. Stay focused but not necessarily on a single goal. In the

early stages, you may want to explore two or three avenues

simultaneously.

8. Don't give up your power. When you start to feel

intimidated by advice, remind yourself that you are in

charge of your life.

9. Break your goal into small steps. Make a short visit

before you make the final move. Find a client or two before

you open the doors to your business. Take courses before

signing up for a degree.

If you have chosen an

all-or-nothing goal, strengthen your safety net.

10. As you begin moving toward your goal, pay attention to

what happens. Do things fall into place? Does a funding

source appear out of nowhere? Does a friend-of-friend offer

help?

An increase in your own energy can mean you're on the

right track -- or simply that you are enjoying a change from

your recent experience. Interpret with care.

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. author, career consultant, speaker

"When career freedom means business"

http://www.movinglady.com

"helping midlife professionals move to career freedom"

http://www.movinglady.com/coachingd.html