The Weight of Leaving the Comfort Zone

IN CHARGE SOMETIMES..

The most successful entrepreneur or athlete is not always in the driver's seat or director's chair on long-term contracts.  Whether you are in a profession because it pays the bills or it is the dream career that you love, it is hard to leave the familiarity when it must come to an end.  Sometimes it is abrupt as in the case of injury or inability to move as quickly as in the prime for athletes.  Other times, there is a known expiration date on a contract that will not be extended due to budgetary reasons, change of direction, or lack of interest.  Regardless of the circumstance, it is hard to move on from a place of familiarity.

Here are some tips on easing the burden of leaving the comfort zone.

1. Accept the reality that it is over and expect to walk away having given your best performance.  Even if an offer to extend the contract is provided, at least you can walk away with pride and dignity in all of the great work ethic.
2. Preparation is key but sometimes unexpected things occur.  Plan at least 6 months out to ensure monthly obligations can be met - both business and personal.  No matter how great you are, there is someone competing at a discount.  Therefore, do not count on another contract being picked up right away.  Curb the spending until you sign on the dotted line.  
3. Evaluate options carefully without being too self-entitled.  Sometimes the arrogance can get in the way of great opportunities and successful negotiations.  Be humble and appreciative that you may get another opportunity.  The humility will always win in the end.
4. Be positive and silently release any negative feelings about no longer having the contractual obligation.  Now I don't mean leave monies owed on the table.  However do not harbor ill feelings that will only make you appear like damaged goods for the next contract.

There is a difference between the long-term franchise, contributor, and role player.  The former normally controls when he leaves the contractual agreement.  The latter two can be up for grabs based on the market, ownership, and the management.  Be prepared and know that you will always be where you are supposed to be.  That should be the only comfort zone!

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Posted in: athlete injury,athlete retirement,Business Etiquette,business expert,career change,Entrepreneurship,Get A Clue,Growth Opportunity,negotiation skills,New Job,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group

The Athlete from Limelight to Business - Finale

LIFE AFTER THE LIMELIGHT - FINALE ...

Welcome back to the finale of the 3 part series, Life After the Limelight, that focuses on the professional athlete and what can be done to live life to the fullest once that career is over and maintain financially, socially, and professionally while keeping his/her name relevant.    

Watch this video to see yet a major investment opportunity taken by many athletes as a means for residual income during and after the limelight.  http://youtu.be/MjZ-irF26mo

For more business tips and favorite sports and motivational tweets, follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/temekoruns or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/execgetaclue

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Posted in: athlete injury,athlete retirement,career change,Get A Clue,professional athletes,program management,Temeko Richardson,Time management,work-life balance

The Athlete - From Limelight to Business Part 1

LIFE AFTER THE LIMELIGHT - PART 1. 

Athletes must know business too.  After all, it can be difficult for the professional athlete to adjust to life outside of his lifelong sport, especially financially and socially.  If caught off guard with a small length of time in the respective athletic league, there can be an overwhelming sense of what to do next. 

This three part series, Life After the Limelight,  focuses on the professional athlete and what can be done to live life to the fullest once that career is over and maintain financially, socially, and professionally while keeping his/her name relevant.
http://youtu.be/9HO8PTOs6Fs

For more business tips and favorite sports tweets, follow on twitter:  http://twitter.com/temekoruns and definitely pick up the book today , Get A Clue - 10 Steps to an Executive IQ on Amazon.com.

To hear more exciting entrepreneurship tips, listen to this podcast interview.

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Posted in: athlete injury,athlete retirement,Employees,Entrepreneurship,Exit Interviews,Growth Opportunity,Leadership Skills,New Career,professional athletes