As we move into an exciting new year, what have you been putting off that you feel is going to cause you temporary pain? We both know that there is something! Public speaking? Starting a business? Expanding a business? Taking up a new hobby? Finding a new job? Asking for a promotion? What are you afraid of that is going to cause temporary & imaginary pain?

Let's start with public speaking. Would you be able to get ahead in your career by leading workshops or doing a presentation in front of the CEO? Would you be able to increase your visibility in your company by volunteering to speak at this years spring meeting? My guess is, if you are like most people, you are afraid of being out of your comfort zone, even though being uncomfortable for 45 minutes could bring you to new heights! Why not take a class on public speaking or join a group like Toastmasters? Is it because you are afraid of that too? Now let's examine both situations; what would be more painful, joining a public speaking group like Toastmasters (which, by the way, is a great organization for 'hand-holding' for public speaking and leadership development), or stay in your same job, making about the same money for the next 5 years? That's what I thought!

Starting a business can be a scary experience no matter who you are. You have thought about it, but why haven't you acted on it? Is it because you are afraid that you might fail and be forced to live on the streets for the rest of your days? My guess is that you aren't not pursuing it because you are afraid of becoming rich and living in a big house on a lake, correct?! What would be more painful, staying in your current job working for 'the man' until you retire (that is assuming you don't get downsized in the meantime) or taking a step towards pursuing your own business dreams! If starting a business is something you want to do, even a little bit, make a goal to do something about it in the next 5 days. This could be as simple as talking to someone that works for him/herself, or do an exploratory session with a Small Business Coach (shameless self plug!), or take a community education class on Entrepreneurship. These small steps, although likely taking you out of your comfort zone, will get you started in the right direction. Don't put it off out of fear! Fear is merely False Evidence Appearing Real.

Lastly, how about finding a new job? Perhaps you are afraid that leaving your current job is going to cause pain. Or maybe you feel you have good security where you are. What if you were wrong on both accounts? What if you leave your job and the new job brings you great pleasure? What if you have been turning a blind eye for the past year while several other departments had gone through downsizing? Is the 'security' excuse actually mad''e up just so you don't have to feel pain right now? What can you do in the next 5 days to take a small step towards a new position? It could be doing an informational interview with a company of interest to you. Or it could be talking to a Career Coach about what options you have (another self plug?! Sheesh!). Or perhaps you could tune up the ol' resume and post it on-line (which is really like 'Diet Job Hunting' or 'Job Seeking Lite'). Do something, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone temporarily, but in the long run could bring you great pleasure!

In conclusion, make 2007 the best year ever! Take a couple baby-steps, even if that means temporary/imaginary pain, and do something that you have been putting off! Take a class or join an association! Talk to others that have done what you are looking to do. What was their experience like? What would they have done differently if they could do it all over again? Make 2007 'The Year of You!'