Too often we wait for the 'right time' or 'the kids to grow up' or the next vacation. But how long is that away. Often when I'm working with my clients, it's about getting clear why they are putting change off. Almost always it's the fear of the challenging consequences of making wilful change.

As Stephen Covey says in 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People', it's that when you pick up one end of the stick, you pick up the other end too. Consequences are the biggest cause of procrastination in our lives.

I've been reminded about a client I have recently. She came to me at the very start of my coaching career and had a vision for her life. It was clear that she was on a mission to make her mark.

Jen wanted to go places, build a major career, have the very best for her daughter, but had some clearing out to do first of all. She had issues with her partner that, all of a sudden one day, she resolved and moved on from.

She took on extended roles at her work and then, when redundancy (being let go with a payoff) was offered, she grasped it with open arms and banked most of it. She took on a little consultancy and training work and they loved her, but she needed security for a few years for her daughter.

Jen then landed a great job and a significant professional qualification - much more pay, far better prospects and the job of her dreams. Jen aspired to be Melanie Griffiths in "Working Girl" and she is living that dream. She is doing well for herself, for her daughter and for the new orgnisation she works for. Eveyone truly is a winner.

If you resonate with this, I have two questions,

"What's stopping you?"

"No, what truly is stopping you?"

It's only you, getting in your own way, blaming everyone and everything else about you. You only have one go at this life. It's for you to grasp that stick and go for it.

Jen got past those questions, for a much, much brighter future.

Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He works worldwide, mainly by phone, with people who want much more from their one life. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, http://www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com.

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