Greetings!

Happy President's Day!
 
As we move toward the hint of Spring, we come out of hibernation, shaking off the stiffness in our bodies and thinking.  We again remember those career or life visions that have gone underground, and we wonder about reinvigorating them - writing a book, changing careers, starting your own business, traveling to far-off lands, mentoring a child...the list is endless (and fascinating) of what people dream to do and be.
 
I work with hundreds of people each year who wish to achieve real breakthrough - in their lives and work, relationships, and themselves - so that they may pursue what truly matters to them.  And through this work, I've gained an understanding of what must shift to achieve your visions for your life and work.  Please read on for more.

Also, please see below for a list of powerful upcoming programs that offer help.
 
Spring is a time to plant seeds for your dreams and watch them  grow and bear fruit.   Don't let another Spring go by without moving toward what matters most to you.  There is no time more ripe for change, in our world and in our lives.
 
Thank you, and wishing many happy breakthroughs!

Kathy

P.S. On February 6th, I was interviewed as a women's career expert on Fox Business Network on the impact of women potentially outnumbering men in the workforce for the first time in U.S. history.  Click here for the Fox segment and here for my blog post about it.  I can say from experience that being on live TV certainly creates stretching opportunities!  For more on that experience and lessons learned, please see my upcoming newsletters.

SPRING FORWARD WITH YOUR CAREER BREAKTHROUGH!

A 4-week telecourse for career women

In celebration of Spring, Kathy is making this exclusive offer for working women wanting career breakthrough!

Are you:
- A professional woman stuck in a job search that seems never-ending? 

- Not sure which career path will maximize your skills and experience? 

- Conflicted between following your heart or your pocketbook? 

- Feeling financial pressure to return to the work force or make a move before you originally planned?
 
Bring your career issues to this 4-week tele-course for you - a professional woman needing to create in shift in how you work, what you work on, who you work for, or where you work. 

This is an exclusive opportunity to work with Kathy on  your career issues and learn new and different ways to shift your current situation to bring about what you want.
 
Details:
Four (4) Tele-classes for $99
Starting Thursday, Feb 26th (continuing March 5th, 12th, 19th)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
 
*To register, please send an email to Kathy@elliacommunications.com.
 Please write with any questions you may have.
 
*Kathy is limiting the workshop size so please don't delay.

What people are saying:

 "Kathy Caprino is a rare find. Her empathic approach to women and her ability to get to the root of a problem with viable, practical solutions, make her someone you can trust to provide solid, insightful advice. She engages everyone instantly with her warm personality and keeps them there the entire time she is speaking. She was always the speaker people remembered and wanted more of at each of the conferences I produced. I can't recommend her highly enough."

- Suzie Galler - Founder, Esteemed Woman Foundation
 

"Kathy is exceptional at assessing individual needs. Always supportive, she provides just the right guidance and encouragement to overcome obstacles and/or challenges. The result is a tailored road map that is realistic and applicable."
Laurie Howlett -- former Vice President Marketing, Fortune

6 Essential Steps to Career Breakthrough - Making Your Visions a Reality

by Kathy Caprino
ELLIA COMMUNICATIONS

There are so many people today in dramatic career and life transition, and also many coaches and consultants offering help. 
 
I've discovered, however, that giving people simple tactics and strategies does not work unless there has been a true breakthrough in their thinking and behavior - a shift that allows them to become unstuck, and to embrace new possibilities where constraints and limitations were experienced before. 
 
So what do you need to do to create your own breakthrough, and make your future visions in life and work a reality? 
 
Here are 6 essential steps to breakthrough:
 
1. Understand what you truly want 

2. Research and commit to doing what it takes

3. Stretch yourself beyond where you are

4. Power up

5. Develop a powerful money mindset

6. Manage to the constraints

Note: Today's newsletter presents Steps 1-3.  See Kathy's next newsletter issue in two weeks for Steps 4-6)

1)  Understand what you truly want - Essence vs. For

Before you bring about change in your life or career, it's critical to understand what you're truly looking for, and to differentiate between the "essence" and the "form."  The essence is the fundamental characteristic or energy of what you dream of.  The form is how the dream is manifested - what it looks like. 
 
If you think you want to start your own business, for instance, get to the heart of what that means to you.  Why do you want it?  Is it that you're dying for independence, self-respect, self-esteem, not being beaten up by your boss anymore?  Are you wanting to stop the crushing competition and be more collaborative? 

If so, you may be able to achieve these shifts without changing the "form" of how you work.  The biggest mistake people make is to go for the "form" of a dream (I want my own business, for instance) without realizing what that truly entails.  The essence of your dream perhaps can be found through other avenues and directions that may be more suited to who you are and your preferences and style.
 
2)  Research and commit to doing what it takes

Once you know exactly what you want to do and why, do research, research, research.  Understand beyond a shadow of a doubt what it will take to get you there.  Interview experts and those who have succeeded as well as those who have failed at it.  What are they telling you?  Don't fall into the trap of a "build it and they will come" mentality.  Instead, gain clarity on precisely what your dream will demand of you - strategies, tactics, investments, and all.  Then if/when you're ready, commit yourself 3000% to making this a successful endeavor.
 
3) Stretch yourself beyond where you are

There's a distance (usually sizable) between the person you are today and the person you dream to be.  But that's a great thing!  It means your future vision of yourself is grand and expansive.  So admit that you need to grow to achieve the career or life dreams you long for.  Find out exactly how you need to stretch (get some advice on this from friends, a mentor, colleagues, family, a business or career coach, a financial advisor, etc.), and take action.  Do you need new skills? Or a business plan with tactics that truly work? Do you need a better grasp at differentiating yourself and communicating that unique difference in the marketplace?  Look at where you feel a bit jealous of what others are doing as a start. That's usually a very healthy, strong indicator of where you want to be.  Then take a step that stretches you to that new goal. 

To be continued...

(Please see Kathy's next newsletter in two weeks, for Steps 4-6 to breakthrough)
 
All of these strategies require some outside perspective to help you expand your vision.  If you're stuck, please reach out to someone for help.  As has been said, "We cannot solve a problem on the level of consciousness that created it."
 
Breakthrough is just a step way - asking for help is the best start.