Dear Client/Colleague:

One of the hardest lessons for me to learn—but one that changed my life profoundly—was the importance of asking for and receiving help.

As career strategists, my team and I work weekly with mid to senior level professionals from around the U.S./Europe on career changes, launching new businesses, enhancing work/life alignment and identifying, finding and creating work that is a fit for them inside and out.

What have we observed over the last eleven years? People who are comfortable asking for and receiving help—whether that’s from a strategist, a coach, a therapist, a mentor, professional organization, business partner or colleague—experience greater success and feel more connected and confident at home and at work.

Having a support system can have a huge impact on how you experience day-to-day life. Research shows that individuals who have robust support systems:

  • are more effective at work and at home (they feel as if they have a “team” behind them and that they’re not all alone)
  • keep resolutions, particularly those involving their health and physical well-being
  • weather personal and professional challenges more easily
  • are less likely to feel overwhelmed and find it easier to maintain perspective
  • stay healthier on all levels—mentally, physically and emotionally
  • are less likely to feel isolated (isolation can lead to feelings of despair and failure)
  • experience less stress and burnout
  • have children who are comfortable asking for and receiving support and help from others

In Creating Your Personal Support System, Chapter Three from my life balance book,I share about my journey to becoming more comfortable asking for help.

During the next 30 days, I challenge you to give yourself the gift of support (one of the kindest forms of self-care; read more on this in my blog, The Journey).

There is no need to feel like you’re out at sea in a rowboat alone. Get clear on your needs and then reach out and begin building a professional and personal support network. There is no better feeling than knowing you’ve got a team behind you. Because flying solo isn’t brave, it’s just hard.

December Challenge: Set aside 30 minutes to work on Building Your Support Network. After you’re done, share your completed support wheel with a friend or family member and take action! There are many wonderful resources out there for support—you just need to reach out and ask for help.

P.S. Let us know how we can support you; check out our calendar for some great upcoming workshops and retreats or visit Career Strategists to explore our one-on-one career, small business or life balance coaching services.

Take good care---Renee and the Career Strategists Team

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IS YOUR JOB A FIT? TAKE THE MYERS BRIGGS AND FIND OUT
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Would you like some insight into how others perceive you, what type of work environment and boss are a fit for you, how to improve your EQ (emotional intelligence) and ways to enhance your relationships? The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is the most widely used tool of its type in the world. Email info@careerstrategists.net to set up your personal appointment with Renee today. More details here.

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*NEW* DIY CAREER CHANGE AND JOB SEARCH TOOLKITS!
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Ready to make a change but need a “jump start” to help you get started? On a tight budget or unable to allocate the resources for one-on-one coaching? Purchase a DIY Career Change Toolkit or a DIY Job Search Workshop today—only $99! Learn more.

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HAVE A HECTIC SCHEDULE? CONSIDER PHONE OR EMAIL COACHING
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Need quick help preparing for your next annual performance review, an interview, resources for starting a new business, assistance jump starting your job search or creating more balance in your life? Consider setting up a phone or email coaching session. Convenient, personalized and affordable. Clients say phone/email coaching is highly effective and a great way to get laser-feedback on very specific career, small business or work/life balance issues.

Email info@careerstrategists.net to learn more. Or, call our office at 512-459-6700 to schedule an appointment with Renee, Sarina or Angela.

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UPCOMING CAREER & LIFE BALANCE EVENTS
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December 19, Sunday: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ~2011 Business Visioning/Planning Retreat~ for small business owners. Gain clarity and focus on your 2011 business goals, receive laser coaching/feedback, tap Renee’s favorite, most powerful exercises and tools, leave inspired, focused and ready to leap into the New Year with renewed passion and clarity. Led by small business coach Renee Trudeau at a small, quiet, private retreat center. Limited to 8 people. Cost: $199. Email info@careerstrategists.net to check availability.

January 11, 2011
Tuesdays; Self-Care as Spiritual Practice. A bi-monthly women’s life coaching group focused on spiritual renewal and facilitated by Renee Trudeau. Limited to 8 women; heldTuesday evenings in South Austin Jan. 11th- March 22nd. Cost: $395. Email info@reneetrudeau.com to check availability and learn more.

January 13, Thursday 7-9:30 p.m.: Biz and Balance Austin Meeting---started by Renee Trudeau in 2004, this is a free professional support organization for self-employed parents. Meets at Corazon at Castle Hill; learn more/register at www.BizandBalanceAustin.org.

January 14, Friday: 9:30-Noon The Career Strategy Workshop: Find a Fit, Create a Plan, Love Your Work
A small, dynamic group-coaching workshop focused on helping you strategically map out your next steps and find work that is a “fit” for you. You will also receive support via our online Career Center, a complimentary coaching session and a subscription to the Career Strategist’s job leads service. **BONUS** receive a free DIY Job Search Toolkit (a $99 value) when you register by Dec. 31st. Class size is limited. CLICK HERE to learn more/register online. Gift Certificates available; credit cards accepted.

January 20th, Thursday: 7:30-8:30 p.m. CST Live Inside Out Life Balance Teleclass with Renee Trudeau *Free* A fun, interactive coaching circle via telephone. Join women from around the world as we reconnect with who we are, cultivate self-compassion and learn to live more intentionally. Learn more and register here.

January 28, Friday9:00 - 3:30 p.m. Reflect, Reclaim, Re-Balance: A Winter Self-Renewal Retreat at The Crossings. Nurture and nourish yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Tap into new sources for ideas/inspiration/energy in the coming year. Enjoy the beautiful, contemplative grounds on this 200-acre nature preserve. Led by nationally-recognized career/life balance coach and author Renee Trudeau. Ideal for women in career/life transition.For more details and to register click here. Gift Certificates available; credit cards accepted.


February 8, Tuesday: 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Reclaim Your Life: Creating Balance from the Inside Out, a private women’s retreat in Fredericksburg .Click here to learn more about hiring Renee to create a customized retreat for your professional or civic group. Email sara@reneetrudeau.com for more information.

February 19, Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon The Empowered Entrepreneur. Are you a small business owner who desires to work less, make (and experience) more and be the master–not the slave-to your business? Join us for this highly popular, interactive small group coaching experience. Workshop cost: $175 (bring a friend and you each get $25 off). Register and learn more. Gift certificates available; credit cards accepted.

March 4, Friday: 9:00- 3:30 p.m. Reflect, Reclaim, Re-Balance: One Day Self-Renewal Retreat with Renee Trudeau at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Nurture and nourish yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Led by nationally-recognized career/life balance expert, coach and author Renee Trudeau. Ideal for women in career/life transition.For more details and to register click here. Gift certificates available; credit cards accepted.

April 29-May 1, Friday-Sunday: Reflect, Reclaim, Re-Balance: A Women's Self-Renewal Retreat , Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, The Berkshires, MA. Nurture and nourish yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Tap the Transformative Power of Self-Care. Led by nationally-recognized career/life balance expert, coach and author Renee Trudeau at beautiful Kripalu. Ideal for women in career/life transition. Details here.


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Copyright© 2010 Renee Trudeau, Career Strategists. All rights reserved.

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