5 Steps to Gain Clarity, Confidence and Direction in Your Life

A quick start guide to The Journey from Comfort to Possibility

 Who am I?   How did I get here?   Where am I going? 

Have you been in a rut lately?  Maybe you are comfortable, but are realizing there has got to be more to life than this? Are you missing the passion, joy, fun, freedom and zest for life you once had (or would like to have)? Early in our lives we begin to formulate our likes and dislikes and start to create some dreams and goals around them.  The possibilities are often endless at that stage.  Time moves forward and as we enter adulthood a certain momentum often happens.  We obtain our first full time job, we venture out and live on our own, and perhaps we get married and start a family.  Some of these new experiences are created with strong focus and determination, some happen by chance. All of these changes are often exciting in the beginning but after a while something happens, we realize that this thing called “work” or “career” is not really what we imagined it would be.  We may suddenly realize we are going about our days in a seemingly never ending race or rut.  Nevertheless, we persevere and often flourish in this life and lifestyle we have created, even though there a sense of longing for something different underneath the surface. Fast forward 10-20 years and that sense of longing starts to rise to the surface.  We take a long look at our lives and really begin to wonder how we got here and question what’s next on our path.  We may never have felt like our career (or life) was a great fit, but we were comfortable or we may have had a perfect fit that no longer seems that way based on what we want for our lives now. As you begin to seek answers to what may be next for your life, here are five steps you can take to help you gain some clarity, confidence and direction: Step One:  Self Awareness - Discover Who You Are Awareness is a sense of clarity, a realization of what is going on inside you and around you. It is an awakening of curiosity full of amazing discoveries (large and small) that help bring greater richness to your life. Once you begin the process of becoming more aware, there is no turning back.  You whole perspective about yourself and your life will begin to subtly change.  You will begin to pay greater attention and notice things that have always been there.  You will see things in a new light and begin to shift your perspective in certain areas of your life.  You will also begin to notice your surroundings in greater detail, really begin to “see” the people around you, begin to understand what makes you “you”.  It often seems as if you are opening your eyes for the first time – really seeing what is and what is also possible. It seems rather obvious doesn’t it?  Aren’t we already aware?  Often not nearly as much as we think we are.  There are many parts of us we want to be aware of; here are three important ones to focus on. Your Needs and Values A need is something that is necessary for you to lead a healthy life.  Needs include the conditions in which you do your best or are your best.  Perhaps you shine when you are left on your own to plan and execute a task, or maybe you do your best with support and challenge.  Know what truly “works” for you. Values are what you stand up for and make choices around, what matters most to you.  A clue to awareness of yours?  Notice what gets you going or gets your goat with a strong emotional link. Your Definitions How you define happiness, abundance and everything else that matters to you plays a critical role in your well being.  Becoming aware of your own definitions of each of your values and needs helps you to know where and how you already have these things in your life, perhaps without even realizing it. Your Capabilities Capabilities include a culmination of your tangible skills, the knowledge you have gained throughout your life, your areas of expertise and your natural talents and abilities.  Your current capabilities are based on what you have already tried, experienced and strengthened.  There is still untapped potential within you! Step Two:  Direction – Clarify What You Want Your direction can be a place, an experience, state of being or profession.  When you know where you are going it gives you a greater sense of purpose and determination.  It helps you create a plan to move forward since you know where forward is.  Three things to be aware of to help clarify your direction are: Your Vision A vision is a picture of your future life.  It serves as an inspiration and foundation for your planning and goal setting.  It puts a framework around where you want to go in your life, what you want your life to be like, look like and feel like.  It is the big picture and big dreams far outside of comfort zone.  It focuses on what you want, not how you will get there. Your Intentions Intentions represent your purpose or reason for taking a certain direction.  It is the aim or “why” you want to move in that particular direction, what you ultimately want to achieve or are seeking.  It is the thought behind, or deliberate nature of, your choices. Your Purpose Purpose shows up in the impact you are having and the one you would like to have in your live and work.   Impact includes the type of difference you want to make in your work and life.  It contributes to your sense of fulfillment. Step Three:  Exploration and Action - Getting Started On Your Path The exploratory process allows you to take what you've learned about whom you are and where you are going and learn what further knowledge, skills or experience is needed – what it will take for you to get what you want.  This includes career as well as personal, everything from learning more information to experiencing something new. After you explore, you begin to create specific goals and from those goals you create an action plan and strategy to work through and achieve them.  This is where your vision begins to become reality. This can be one of the most exhilarating parts of the process.  It can also be a part of the process many of us want to rush through or skip because it can take some time and there is always some uncertainty. Your Goals We’ve all heard of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).  What is most important when writing goals is that they align with your vision and intentions (they serve a purpose and are not random) and that they are clear enough so you can take action around them. Your Plan Your plan includes the bigger picture of all your goals and how they fit together toward the realization of your vision and intentions – as well as the tangible action steps within each goal allowing you ease of execution.  If your plan is too big or vague it will sit on paper.   If there are too many details without a framework you may be spinning your wheels but not getting very far. Your Strategy Your strategy is your method of working through your goals.  That may include the time you will devote to each goal, choosing which comes first, which goals may have a ripple effect on the others and more.  Having a strategy helps you integrate your exploration and action into your daily life. Step Four:  Why You Stop - Working Through Challenges and Obstacles When we get to this point, or sometimes before this point, we begin to have some roadblocks, real or perceived.  We may start to doubt our progress and choices or we may feel overwhelmed and then we stop.   This cycle is part of human nature.  We like to stay comfortable and anything that threatens to upset that comfort stops us in our tracks.   That need for comfort is what keeps us from taking risks – and perhaps what has kept you in the same place for the last 10-20 years. To overcome these obstacles and challenges, especially those that are perceived, here are some areas to focus on: Your Thoughts We have thousands of thoughts every day.  When we are starting to make some changes in our life, our thoughts often turn to doubt, concern, worry and “what if”.  Learn to distinguish those thoughts that keep you moving forward and those that stop you in your tracks. Your Beliefs Beliefs are thoughts about how we (or others) “should” be.  These beliefs come from our family, friends and society.  They represent our version of reality.  Some beliefs serve you well in your life but some prevent you from moving forward into the unknown or untested waters.  Since we chose these particular beliefs to live by, we can choose new ones when some of those we currently have no longer serve us. Your Behavior We’ve all behaved in ways that are counterproductive from the direction we would like to go (like eating those donuts when your intention is to be healthy and fit).  Some of our behavior feels unconscious, habits we are not even aware we are engaging in.   Begin to notice which of your behaviors serve you well, keep you engaged in life and moving toward your goals – and which thwart your efforts and contradict your goals and intentions. Step Five:  Momentum and Commitment  - Moving Forward The final phase of this process is moving forward with momentum and commitment toward your vision and goals.  You now have a clearer picture of where you're going, goals and a plan of how to get there and an understanding of why you sometimes stop in your tracks.   As you may have experienced, our goals and vision are achieved with greater ease when we are able to incrementally work toward them in a consistent way.  When we get too far off track, it is often more challenging to get back.  Here are some ways to maintain that momentum, in spite of some of our thoughts and beliefs.  Your Structures and Systems When you have a structure or system in place, you are creating the habits to keep your vision alive.  Remember, most often you are on this path alongside the full time job and full life you already are living.  Systems and structures allow you to integrate your goals into your life, streamlining and leveraging the limited time you may have. Your Commitments When we are truly committed to our vision and intentions, we move forward – often despite some real obstacles.   We are not just committing to our step by step plan and strategy, as that may change if needed.  What we are truly committing to is the bigger picture of what it is we want, even if it winds up looking a bit different than we thought it would.  Choosing your commitment step is a great way to solidify your commitment.  This is the one step, one action that really gets you in motion. Not on the fringe, but plunging in – your “I can’t turn back now” step.  It’s the one step (large or small) that in your mind is your total commitment, your serious move.  It aligns with what matters most – with your true intentions. It is always a bit out of your comfort zone. Your Support The type of support needed to sustain your growth and forward movement will be different for each of us.  Some may need a cheerleader encouraging us to keep going, some may need someone who challenges us to do more than we think we can.  Others may need someone to listen to ideas and brainstorm with, while others want a partner who is on their own journey to share progress with.  Learn what support you need and seek it out.

Where are you in this process?

The process I shared here describes the steps you need to take to answer the questions, who am I, what do I want and how do I get there?  To take you further, your next step is to evaluate where you are along this process.  You may have already worked through some of these steps, but find yourself no longer making the progress you would like.  Take a moment to see which of the following fits you best then read on to learn which resources can help you further.

1. Are you feeling unsure of what your needs, values and capabilities are?
2. Have you been reading many self help books and taken a variety of self assessment tests but you are still not sure how to use what you have learned about yourself?
3. Are you pretty clear about the direction you would like to take with your career and life but not sure how to make it a reality?
4. Have you started the process of exploration and taken some action but are overwhelmed with all the possibilities, or getting discouraged with what you are discovering?
5. Do you find yourself stuck and not sure how to move forward?
6. Have you lost some of your momentum due to life getting in the way and are not sure how to get back on track?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be ready for deeper learning and exploration.  Two options that I offer to take you through this process more deeply are: Workbook:  The Journey from Comfort to Possibility Taking you deeper into this 5 step process, you will find step by step exercises, questions and action steps to discover yourself, clarify your direction in life, uncover what holds you back and create a plan of action to step out of your comfort zone and live your best and most exhilarating life. This workbook will challenge you to think and grow personally and professionally. You choose the exercises that resonate with you and complete them right in the book. The questions at the end of each chapter get you thinking deeper and capture what you learned about yourself; and the suggested actions help you commit to your growth.  Becoming aware of what gets in your way helps you see what choices you can begin making today to immediately see results. This workbook can jump start you on your self-propelled journey OR it can serve as a foundation for entering into a one-on-one coaching relationship, shaving off hours of time so when you are coached, you have a more specific focus and agenda. Coaching: The coaching relationship offers you personalized attention as you work through this 5 step process allowing you to focus on the areas you need the most help with.  We start wherever you are in your process, filling in the gaps as we move along.  If you’ve already completed steps 1 and 2, we begin with step 3, leveraging the work you have already completed. Together we will create a framework and goals for your coaching, create specific action steps for you to take between sessions, and work toward helping you achieve greater clarity and confidence to make the choices that will move you forward allowing you to achieve the career and life you want.   Stefanie Zizzo is a professionally certified career and life coach and workshop facilitator who assists individuals and groups from all over the country in gaining clarity, confidence and direction in their career and lives.  With experience in both career counseling and life coaching, she has helped hundreds of people to focus on what they want in their lives and careers, think and grow beyond their current beliefs and fears, and take purposeful action to make things happen. She is the author of The Journal of Possibility – original art, quotes and coaching questions to keep you inspired & The Journey from Comfort to Possibility: Five Steps for Gaining Clarity, Confidence and Direction in Your Life, serving as a springboard to those ready to stretch out of their comfort zones and experience more of life.  Stefanie offers personalized career/life coaching and engaging seminars and workshops.  She holds her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation through the International Coach Federation and serves as Chair of Chix in Business, Inc., a Triangle-area non-profit organization of women business owners who support and educate each other.

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About Stefanie

I am passionate about everything related to personal and professional growth.   Not only do I make my living this way as a life coach, career coach and speaker, I also walk my own talk every day. That is what this blog is all about, my (and sometimes others I know) real life experiences, thoughts, curiosities, and learning around growth.  Think of it as personal and professional growth in action! Here's my story... Growing up in Valley Stream, New York (on Long Island) in the 70's and 80's was a great experience.  We had a park right accross the street from our house where I would go and ride my powder blue ten speed bike almost every day.  During the summer, my brother and I would go to the pool at one end of the park with our mother while dad was working (in those early day's mom didn't work).   All the schools I attended (Wheeler Avenue elementary, Memorial Jr High and Central HS) were all within walking distance. 

Fast forward several years through college (Nassau Community, Adelphi and Hofstra), I entered the world of career counseling at St. John's University in NY.  I loved my work helping students and alumni navigate the often confusing world of career choice and job search.  The thought of moving out of New York began after I married my wonderful husband Paul Zizzo.  But it would take 10 more years until the pull became so strong that we made the leap to North Carolina.  It was one of the best decisions we ever made (besides getting married to each other!).   Another great decision was the launch of my coaching and speaking business in 2005. Our life these days is focused on enjoying our home in Apex, North Carolina, our time together and our individual passions.  For me that includes working with my clients, speaking to groups and building my career and life coaching business locally (Raleigh, Apex and Cary) - as well as all across the country (since my coaching sessions take place by telephone I have clients everywhere from California to New York) I also enjoy creative endeavors such as painting and baking, and of course time with my very good friends and going to the beach.  As for Paul, he is a professional musician who also teaches guitar lessons. Yes we are busy, but love every minute of it! Want to get to know my philosophy of coaching and walk away with some tips for your own personal and professional growth?   Listen to this audio - Coaching Thoughts & Tips for Growth

Looking forward to getting to know you too!

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Career and Life Coaching Seminars and Workshops

For Groups and Organizations Stefanie offers a variety of formats and topics to organizations, professional associations, community groups and more in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary and beyond.  She engages participants in stepping out of their comfort zones to achieve greater fulfillment, performance and success in their career and personal lives. Click here to learn more and schedule Stefanie to speak.... ____________________________________________ For the General Public In addition to the seminars and workshops Stefanie offers to organizations and groups, she also holds live interactive seminars in the Triangle (Apex, Cary, Raleigh) that are open to the public. Following is the schedule of upcoming seminars:

March

Rejuvenate Your Passion in Your Career and Life We all want happiness, passion and fulfillment in our lives and careers.  I believe it is there already, just under the surface of our awareness.  In this interactive seminar, you will scratch that surface and catch glimpses of what happiness and passion means to you.  You will learn where and how to dig deeper to uncover the ingredients that when combined, help you to create an environment that brings both rejuvenation and new sparks to your life and work. Tuesday, March 6, 2012 7 p.m. West Regional Library 4000 Louis Stephens Drive, Cary, NC 919-463-8500

April

Take Action Now: Life is Too Short to Let Fear Stop You Have you found yourself wanting more in life, but fear is holding you back? Change, and stretching out of your comfort zone, is scary. Why? Because it means stepping away from the familiarly and safety of what is known. We know fear us lurking when we hear ourselves say “I could do x, but what if…” or in response to a suggestion from another we say “Yes, I could …. but…” The challenge is to have the courage to move forward, through the fear, to grow. Join us during this presentation where, through interactive discussion, participants will begin to discover how to move past their fear and experience more of life! Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7 p.m. North Regional Library 7009 Harps Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 919–870–4000

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Coaching Consultation

If you are wondering how career coaching or life coaching can help you achieve your goals, a coaching consultation is your first step!

• A consultation is an opportunity for you to experience a taste of what coaching is like and learn how it could benefit you.
• You prepare by answering a few questions pertaining what is going on in your life today and what expectations and results you are seeking from coaching.
• During our talk and you come away with a better understanding of coaching (and hopefully of yourself) and some specific steps you can begin taking immediately to move forward.
• All consultations are conducted by telephone.  So wherever you are and whatever your schedule, it can fit!
• Best of all, the consultation is offered at no cost to you and there is no obligation.

Contact me today at 919-744-9722 or Stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com to schedule your consultation! Not sure?  Read some what clients are saying about coaching with Stefanie

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Contact Stefanie

Phone: 919-744-9722 Email: stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com To schedule...

• A Complimentary Coaching Consultation
• A Seminar Or Workshop For Your Group Or Organization
• An In-Home or Tele-Class Group Program for Your Collegues Or Friends...

To learn more about...

• One-On-One Coaching
• The Journey From Comfort To Possibility Workbook
• Upcoming Seminars And Workshops
• Sharing Your Coaching Sessions With A Friend Or Collegue

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to work with a career and life coach? You may choose to work with a coach to gain clarity of who you are, what you want, where you are going and how to get there.  To create big goals, meet all of your goals faster, increase your self confidence, make challenging changes more easily, move through transitions with greater support, and find new ways of thinking, being and doing. What are typical reasons people come to work with a coach? My clients come to me for a variety of reasons including...career transition, professional development, personal growth, improving personal and professional relationships, better management of their resources and time, finding more joy and fun in life, life balance, and much more. Is coaching like counseling or therapy? Our work together will involve a confidential relationship, one that is based on your needs and goals. It will focus on the future - asking the question "where are you going and how will you get there?" Therapy and counseling often focuses on the past and asks "where have you been & how did you get there?" What will happen during a coaching session? You talk, I will listen and ask questions, helping you clarify and focus. Our sessions can be used for exploration of ideas, brainstorming of new possibilities, discussion of strategies, and development of action plans. I will act as your supporter, sounding board, resource and motivator. I might challenge you, teach you or offer you strategies to help move you forward. How long will our coaching relationship last? That depends on your individual needs, your timeframe and your budget.  I offer programs/packages that range from one 90 minute jump start session to two to four 60-minute sessions per month for several months. Three months is the recommended minimum to begin to see desired changes in thoughts, habits and achievement of goals, but I have seen great progress in those that have fewer sessions as well.  For more information about the different services and packages I offer, click here. How do I know if I am ready for coaching? Since this is a partnership, to get the most from your experience you must be willing to be honest with yourself, be prepared to change behaviors, attitudes and ways of thinking, be ready to make a time commitment for your sessions and actions and have adequate funds to pay for your investment. How do I know if you are the right coach for me to work with? Since coaching is an investment in your future, you want to be sure to choose the right coach. I offer a complimentary introductory consultation to get a feel for my background, approach, and style, enabling you to choose to make an informed choice. Where are you located ?  Do you only work with local clients? I am based in Apex, North Carolina and work with clients here and in Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and throughout the nation.  I even have some international clients. What type of clients do you work with? I work with clients who are seeking clarity, confidence and direction in their lives.  Those who are ready to achieve the goals and dreams they have been putting on hold for "someday", and those who are seeking a balanced life that encompasses all of their passions, their "best fit" career and life.   My focus is helping people to stretch out of their comfort zones to experience more of their potential and add more excitement, joy and freedom to their careers and personal lives. I work best with clients who are committed to their personal and professional growth, and know that this growth is an ongoing and joyful process. What are some of the goals clients come to you for help with? Clients come to me for help with a variety of goals. Here are some of the most sought after:

• Career Transition - finding your "best fit" role and environment
• Career Potential - working smarter with less effort; better communication with colleagues and clients; getting ahead; taking ownership of your career
• Life Balance - focusing on what is most important and creating time for it; taking time for yourself; getting involved in your community; learning to say yes with purpose and no with conviction.
• Personal Potential - achieving big goals and dreams; stretching out of your comfort zone; creating new habits that support you; experiencing new ways of thinking, being and doing; gaining clarity of your strengths and how to leverage them.

Does coaching really work? Coaching works best when you commit to your growth by being prepared for each session with "wins" you have experienced, challenges you are currently facing and what you want to work on during the session; being fully present during all of your coaching sessions by calling from a time and place that limits distractions; taking notes during your session to refer back to and reflect on; and taking action toward your goals between each session. Don't just take my word for it, read some testimonials from previous clients What results can I expect from coaching? Through coaching, you can build increased confidence in yourself; move past fear and anxiety when in transition; grow and develop toward your potential; discover new passions and rekindle old ones; learn to take time for yourself; change limiting thoughts and habits; transition to a new career and/or lifesytle; add more joy and freedom to your life and much more.  To learn more about the benefits of coaching, click here. What if my time and money are limited - can I still experience coaching? Even with limited time and money, you can still reap the benefits of coaching.  Here are some great options: With my Goal Setting/Jump Start Program, for an affordable rate, you can experience a 90-minute phone session focusing on gaining clarity with what you want for your life and creating a plan to bring it to fruition.  You complete several exercises (included in the fee) before our call, then take the plan we create together and work through the actions on your own, at your own pace. Another option is to Share your coaching sessions with a friend, partner, colleagueor anyone else you know who also has goals they would like to accomplish.  You don't have to be working on the same things, you both just have to be committed to your growth and success.  The added benefit?  You have each other as support between calls as you share the cost of the sessions. One more option is a la carte sessions, once per month or as needed.  This is a way to maintain momentum after the Jump Start Program, following a lengthier coaching package or for a specific issue you want to discuss. To learn more about any of these programs, contact me at stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com I'm not sure I'm ready for coaching yet, what are my other options? If you are not sure you are ready for individual coaching yet, my workbook is a great place to start.  Through it, you will learn more about yourself, what you want for your life and what keeps you from achieving it.  When you have completed some or all of the book, you may find that you are ready to begin coaching. Another option, if you are local to the Triangle area in NC, is to attend one of my seminars. Many are free of charge and all are interactive, giving you a chance to see how I work with my clients.  If you like what you experience during one of these sessions, just imagine what results you can achieve from individual coaching! Is "The Journey From Comfort to Possibility" workbook right for me? This workbook was created for those who want to learn more about themselves, create their vision for the future, learn what keeps them stuck in the same place and how to get out of it, create their plan to achieve their goals and learn how to say on track to live their best life.  So, if you are in a career that feels "wrong" but you are not sure what would be "right", you know there has got to be more to life than this but you are not sure what that is, or you have goals you have been putting on the back burner for years and want to reach them, this book is for you.   I know I am ready to explore a coaching relationship, how do I get started ? Call me at 919-744-9722 or e-mail me at stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.  This will give you a "taste of coaching" and help you choose the package that suits you best based on the results you want to achieve.  From there, we will set up our schedule of sessions and you will receive your Wecome materials through e-mail.

For more information listen to Stefanie talk about what you can expect:

Stefanie Zizzo - Coaching, what to expect

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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How You Can Benefit from Career or Life Coaching

Working with a career coach or life coach can offer many benefits.  Taking this time to focus on yourself, devoting the energy toward your discovery and goals can be very rewarding.  Here are just some of the benefits: Read some Testimonials about coaching with Stefanie... Build Confidence in Yourself How important is confidence in our quest for happiness and fulfillment in our lives? In my past, I had little confidence in myself.  I was often fearful to try something new because I was not sure I could do it or worse, I worried about what others might think.  I soon began to realize, though, that every time I did something for the first time, stepping into the unknown, it changed me a bit.  I felt a little stronger, proud that I had done it.  It was as if each new step brought me closer to my realizing my full capacity - a sense of confidence that made me want to do more. This confidence prepared me to make the biggest leap of my life - completely starting my life over again in a new state, new career - without knowing a single person!  Confidence is a critical foundation for living our fullest lives and stretching beyond your comfort zone is how you build it...one step at a time! Overcome Fear and Worry Mark Twain once said "I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never actually happened" Does that sound familiar? How often do we spend countless hours worrying about what might happen, the "what if's...." that we let govern our lives? When we spend all of our time worrying and wondering "what if", we lose sight of what is most important... WHAT IS.   We all know that most of our worries never come true, for when we actually try something we were fearful of what happens?   We realize that it was easier than we thought it would be, better than we thought...  When we step away from the comfort of what is known, fear will come up - it is our bodies way of reacting to the unknown - but when we move past the fear and accomplish what we set out to, something wonderful happens - we realize that we CAN do it!  This powerful realization we experience every time we stretch out of our comfort zone, when we experience it again and again, helps diminish the fear and worry that we carry around each day. Discover New Passions How often do we assume we aren’t good at something simply because you’ve never tried it before? Here is Meri's story:   "One day a good friend of mine asked if I wanted to come to her house to make ornaments for Christmas.  She was an artist and loved everything creative.  I immediately told her I was not very creative, saying 'oh…I can’t draw very well and I’ve never painted or done any kind of crafts.'  She encouraged me to come anyway and would help me make some 'easy' ornaments.  So I went.  I remember feeling a bit nervous because I thought I would make a fool out of myself envisioning tacky ornaments that a preschooler could make better.  The first painting project didn’t go so well for any of us, but the second project turned out wonderful!  They were very beautiful and I couldn’t believe that I made them and that it was so much fun.  I realized in this one evening that I actually AM creative I just never tried anything before to figure it out.  I started to do different ornaments for Christmas, I made my friends personalized journals, I made coasters, and even made my wedding invitations.  I really love doing crafts now and love going into the craft store and looking at all the creative possibilities. This is something I would have never discovered if I had not stepped into the unknown a bit to try something new". Be More Engaged in Your Life How often do we move through life watching, from the sidelines, others playing, active, exploring, experiencing...? How often do we long to be engaged in some of these fun activities - but we hold back because we don't know how to do it, or it doesn't seem safe, or possible?  What would it be like to let go of the trepidation holding us back, to take that first step out of our comfort zone and try something new... maybe a sport, or dancing, painting, singing...  Recently I tried canoeing for the first time, and though I had no idea how to do it, and had some fear around that, I had more fun and laughs (especially when I catapulted my husband into the water as I struggled to get back in to it) than I ever thought I would!  How much fun do you want to have? It's yours, for the taking, you just have to want it - so take your first step out of your comfort zone today and experience more fun in your life! Live Your Life to the Fullest How often do we go about our lives in a rut, moving through each day just as we did the last, in a veil of contentment or complacency? A hearwarming movie that brought up the importance of living our ives to the fullest is  "Last Holiday".  In it the character of Georgia Byrd looks longingly through her book of Possibilities; images, and words that she has collected through her life representing all that she wants for herself, all of her "someday's".  Everything changes the day she learns she has 3 weeks to live.  At that moment, she decides to spend her savings living some of her "somedays" and takes a wonderful "last holiday" abroad in a beautiful magical place, finally letting her true self, her desires and possibilities emerge.  When she does this, an amazing thing happens, not only does her life become richer than she ever imagined, the lives of those she connects with are changed forever as well, for she awakened in them the same sense of truly LIVING our lives to the fullest! Continue to Grow You may remember a movie called Pleasantville. The characters lived in a small community bound by routines and beliefs that were known and accepted by everyone.  They never deviated from this norm, they never even knew anything else existed beyond the streets of their perfect town, this perfect comfort zone.  That is until one day, two characters appeared from another place and brought with them new knowledge, ideas and practices.  As this new information was introduced, everything began to change, people began to question, to see, to experience....  While this was very uncomfortable for many at first, as many of their family and friends who did not want change were opposing these changes they were seeing, the tremendous growth of this small town and its' people was vivid and powerful.  Remember, growth happens every time you venture our of your comfort zone and experience new activities, "try on" new ideas, and learn new knowledge. Read some Testimonials about coaching with Stefanie...

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Inspirational Article

Create Your Life Map

Your LIFE MAP is a visual picture of all that you have been discovering about yourself this year. Your Life Map will serve as the baseline or compass that will keep you focused as you begin exploring your possibilities.  Why is this so important?  Well with so many options available, you will want to know specifically what you are searching for – as this will help you know when to say no, maybe and absolutely YES to what you are exploring and considering for your life. Your map pulls together everything you have learned about yourself through these monthly articles, the Journey From Comfort to Possibility workbook (if you have been using it), the Journal of Possibility (if you have been working through it) and any other personal growth or development you have been embarking on this year. Your life map can take many forms, the one in my workbook consists of blocks that leave space for you to write your life purpose, needs, values, passion, strengths, gifts, energy boosts, goals – and yes there is even space to include your challenges and energy drains. Other ideas for creating your own life map: Mind map In the center of a page write all that matters to you.  It could include your values, your needs, your purpose or vision.  From that center space you will begin to branch off and let your ideas flow.  Ideas of how many different ways you can achieve and experience what matters most to you Flow chart Similar to the mind map, a flow chart gives a more linear perspective.  The top of the page will have all that matters to you with ideas flowing downward.  Below each idea you can begin to record your actions steps to achieve each one. Outline This works especially well if you have a big picture vision you are reaching for with many moving parts.  An outline allows you to capture all of your ideas/strategies in one place. Vision board If you are a visual person and prefer pictures and few words, this could be ideal for you.  It can be created online or on paper using photos that depict your vision for your life and work. A story If you love to write creatively, write your story as if it were happening now.  You are the narrator explaining all that you are seeing, experiencing and accomplishing toward your vision. Whatever format you choose, be sure to keep a copy of your Life Map and put it in a place where you will see it often, so you are always reminded of what is important to you. Want help creating your own life map? Contact me for a complimentary consultation to learn we can work through this process together.

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Inspirational Books

  Stefanie Zizzo is the author of two inspirational books that could help you experience greater clarity and direction in your personal and professional life.

Journal of Possibility

A 100 page journal filled with 52 pieces of original art, quotes and questions to keep you inspired and introspective.  A place to capture your dreams, goals, thoughts and gratitude; your inspirations and aspirations; your memorable moments and vision for your future.  Learn more..    

The Journey From Comfort to Possibility: A Workbook of Self-Discovery and Personal Transformation

This workbook is filled with exercises, questions and action steps to keep you focused, this workbook is designed for those of you who are ready to discover yourself, clarify your direction in life, uncover what holds you back from living the life of your dreams and begin venturing out of your comfort zone to experience new possibilities. It can be used on its own or as a companion to working with a career and life coach. Learn more ...

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Inspirational Resources

Inspiration, to me, means a pull.  Something that gets you thinking about your work and life and taking action to grow as a person. There are several inspirational resources here for you: Inspirational Videos Short clips that talk about discovering your possibilities, rejuvenating your passion, making transitions and your year in review Inspirational Workbook The Journey From Comfort to Possibility takes you through 5 steps to gain clarity and direction Inspirational Journal Journal of Possibility to keep you focusing on you and your life week after week My Blog Musings from my own life that align with personal and professional awareness and growth Recommended Resources Outside services and online resources to further your learning and growth

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Inspirational Videos

These next few videos allow me to share some of my thoughts and ideas and provide valuable tips you can begin to use immediately to see change in your life and work.

Discover Your Possibilities

This video takes you through several steps including reviewing your history, noticing your present and imagining your future to help you begin to discover your possibilities

Rejuvenate Your Passion

Hear me talk about passion and offer tips on how to rejuvenate yours.

Making Transitions

In this video you will learn why we make transitions (the push and the pull), how to make them and have them feel more effortless.

 

Your Year in Review

This video shares the importance of reviewing the year that is winding down before creating goals for the new year. She includes what to review, how to capture it, and questions to ask yourself.

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Journal of Possibility

Quotes, Questions and Art to Keep You Inspired

A journal filled with original art, quotes and questions to keep you inspired and introspective.

• Capture your dreams, goals, thoughts and gratitude
• Capture your inspirations and aspirations
• Capture your memorable moments and vision for your future

Do you like to journal but prefer to be prompted by questions to get your thoughts flowing? Each page of this journal has a coaching question to help your thoughts flow and keep you focused. Purchase your copy today. Do images help you reflect and imagine? This journal is filled with 52 original pieces of art in (watercolor and pastel) in the form of landscapes, architecture and abstracts.  Here are two samples (they are black and white in the book allowing you to get creative by coloring them in on your own if you like)  

"I really like it [Journal of Possibilities].  I've made a few entries already.

I've had regular journals but yours motivates me more to write in it.

Thank you so much for coming out with this journal"  Betty Guest, NC

Why was this journal created? Journaling is something many people would like to do, but push it to the back burner expecially if they don't love to write.  I purposfully left blank space beneath every coaching question to allow each person to choose their own method of self expression including writing, doodling, collage, drawing and more.  There are also no dates in the journal so you can go in order, or choose a page at random every day. Purchase your copy today. What was the inspiration for this journal? This journal is a blend of my coaching and my art. Questions like those found in this journal are similar to what I have been asking my clients for more than 15 years - as a Career Counselor and Career and Life Coach.  They are also questions I ask myself each year as I evaluate my life and work to plan for what's to come. Art has been a passion of mine since childhood and was something I picked up again in earnest a few years ago.  Putting my art out there for the world to see is getting me out of my comfort zone, something I consistently strive to do. Why purchase this journal? Journaling is a great tool to increase your awareness, clarify your thoughts, gain self knowledge and develop new insights about yourself and your life.  If you like to be inspired to continue your personal and professional growth, this journal will keep you thinking about your life and how you would like to develop it. Would you like a peek? Here is a short excerpt of the journal. Would you like to begin using this journal? Purchase your copy today.

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Journey From Comfort to Possibility Program

• Are you restless and thinking that there is more you want out of life?
• Do you have goals you would like to achieve yet you stop short of achieving them?
• Are you ready to live the life you want instead of just dreaming about it?

Then you won’t want to miss this intensive step by step program where you will begin to:

• Learn how to shift from an energy draining to an energy generating lifestyle.
• Achieve greater clarity of what you desire and crave in your life.
• Begin to shape your own vision of what you want for your future.
• Discover how to explore new possibilities.
• Learn what would propel you forward toward possibility, and what keeps you stuck in comfort.
• Strategize a plan of action to take your life in a new direction.

Imagine yourself having the lifestyle you crave - Taking that trip to Europe, Stepping into a new fulfilling career, Buying that beach house, Starting that new exciting business, Reaching out and starting new friendships, Plunging into extreme self care. Imagine saying yes to dreams you have been putting on hold. Just imagine what it would be like if you could wake each day excited and energized about life, instead of facing the boredom or frustration your currently feel; to truly experience life, instead of just watching it pass you by; to live your life by choice instead of chance - according to your needs and wants, instead of waiting for others to fulfill them. Maybe you are overwhelmed with possibilities and not sure which to choose. Or maybe you do not see the possibilities very clearly, but you know there is something you are yearning for. Deep down you know you are capable of achieving more out of life than you currently can believe. Wherever you are right now in your life or career – this program may help! How will I know if this program is right for me? If you can answer yes to 4 of these 7 questions, then read further!

• Would you love to make your dreams come true today instead of waiting for “someday”?
• Are you unsure of your needs and values, and how they affect your work and life?
• Are you unclear about what you want for your life? Maybe overwhelmed by too many ideas or worried that you have too few?
• Would you like to stretch out of your comfort zone and experience more of life?
• Do you love learning and following a process, each step building on the next?
• Are you ready to commit to intensive learning and introspection to begin making your dreams come true?

What does this program include?

• Eight 60-minute coaching sessions
• A copy of my workbook, “The Journey from Comfort to Possibility” filled with how-to’s, exercises, and action steps to keep you on track and motivated.
• Written exercises to complete (in your workbook) between sessions helping you gain awareness, discover your direction, explore your possibilities, learn what keeps you stuck and how to embrace the life you are creating.

What will we be covering in the sessions? First call – we will review what you can expect during the 8 sessions, how to get the most from your experience and go over the exercises you completed in Chapter 1 of the workbook (you will have received this two weeks before our first call) and choose actions to complete before call #2. Call #2 – Gaining Awareness – this is the foundation of our work together. Our focus will be your “big picture” or purpose, passion and needs. Call # 3 – Clarifying Your Direction – today we will spend time on your vision for your life and career. What you want it to look and feel like. We’ll begin to see your path. Call #4 – Getting Unstuck – this will be a discussion around what keeps you stuck and “in your own way” as you move forward in life. We will focus on finding what “works” for you and build upon that. Call #5 – Getting Started – here we will begin to create your specific plan of action to both achieve your vision and get unstuck Call #6 – Going Forward – the focus today will be on what you need to maintain momentum as you build on and execute your plan Call #7 – Review and Reflection – we will use this session to go back to any of the previous areas you feel you want more time and discussion on and discuss what you have most learned about yourself through this program. Call #8 – Wrap Up – in this final session we will do a final check in of your plan and the strategies/steps you have in place to sustain your progress. What are my options for this program? There are two ways you can participate in this program One-on-one – This option is the best choice if you want a completely personal and confidential experience with a focus on you Shared – invite 1-2 people in your life to share your calls and the cost* of this program. There is an additional fee of $30 per person for extra workbooks. This option is a great choice if you prefer the support of a group and have trusted family, friends or colleagues that are also eager to move forward in their lives. I would like to learn more, what do I do? Contact me at 919-744-9722 or stefaniezizzo@yahoo.com and we will schedule a free consultation to discuss the program, and your options for getting started.

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Meet Stefanie

My focus and passion is coaching people through career and life transitions, challenging them to stretch beyond their comfort zones and transform their lives. Here is the story of my life transformation and how I stretched... For more than 11 years I worked as a Career Counselor in a university, helping hundreds of students and alumni learn about themselves and choose their career paths, often stepping out of their comfort zones to take their careers in a whole new direction. I loved my career! Then, in late 2003, I began to question what I was doing with my life...was I achieving what I wanted to, developing the way I wanted to, living a life that fit who I was?  The answer was no. While my life was good, I was living it from a place of "safe and comfortable". So I embarked on a journey of self discovery, gaining my own clarity with who I was and what I wanted for my life and career.  The journey was an exciting, and often scary one...full of "what if's", especially since I never considered myself a risk taker. I knew that I needed support and encouragement to "let go of the ledge" of my comfort ...so I hired my own coach - someone who challenged me to do more than I ever thought I would. The result...finding our "perfect" place to live - after a lifetime in New York we moved to North Carolina, a place we always dreamed of, but never knew existed - yet also a place where we did not know a single person! In addition to that leap, I also completed my career transition from Career Counselor in a university to a self-employed Career and Life Coach.  I am proud of how far I have come and excited about the future!  Starting my life over was the biggest stretch of my life, but it does not stop there… Finding Your Possibilities I've created a new series called Finding Your Possibilities, which include short 3-5 minute videos on topics such as Rejuvenate Your Passion, Disover Your Possibilities and Transitions. View my first one, Meet Stefanie, now: Journal and Workbook The Journal of Possibility is a blend of original art, quotes and coaching questions to keep you inspired and offer you an opportunity to capture your dreams and goals. Learn More Here! Journey From Comfort to Possibility is a workbook of self-discovery and personal transformation and a great starting off point for anyone considering a life change, thinking about working with a life coach, or ready to put what they have learned about themselves through the many self-help books they have read, into action!  Learn More Here! The Blog My goal with the blog is to share my day-to-day life experiences, thoughts and "ah-ha" moments. Click here to check it out! Radio and Television Deidre Hughey of Buzz Builder (www.buzzbuilder.com) invited me on her Blog Talk Radio Show where I talk about my coaching philosophy, my entrance into this exciting field and some thoughts and tips for your own growth.  Coaching Thoughts & Tips for Growth My TV Debut!  A snapshot of my seminar on Getting Noticed, Known and Connected for the Triangle United Way in Durham, covered by one of our local TV stations, NBC-17. Associations and Certifications I am on the board of  Chix in Business (www.chixinbusiness.org) a women's business group in Raleigh, NC. I hold my Professional Coach Certification (PCC) through the International Coach Federation. But enough about me, what about YOU! On this page you have hopefully learned a bit about me. Now I would love to learn about you, your passions and goals. We can do that in several ways!

• FREE Coaching Consultation - Call me to schedule your first FREE life coaching or career coaching consultation. Share how you would like to stretch and what may be keeping you stuck in comfort. Let's have an interactive discussion where you come away with at least one strategy to move forward as well as an overview of what you could experience through coaching.
• Workshops and seminars - If you are local to the Raleigh area and would like to connect in person, get in touch to discuss or schedule a live seminar or workshop.
• Newsletter - Sign up for my "Monthly Dose of Inspiration and Introspection" and each month receive an inspirational message and learn about upcoming seminars.
• Check out my blog or become a friend on Facebook.

Together, let's work together to take your life in a totally new direction.  Yes, it is scary and challenging...but equally exciting and full of possibilities!

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Organizations Stefanie Has Worked With

Stefanie has worked with the following organizations delivering a variety of seminars and workshops to audiences ranging from 10 to 200. Professional Associations and Groups

• Association of Government Accountants, NC Chapter
• Cary Women Business Owners Network
• Chix in Business
• Executive Women's Golf Association
• International Association of Administrative Professionals
• International Association of Business Communications
• Raleigh Public Relations Society
• Raleigh Jaycees
• Society of Women Engineers

Corporations, Firms and Organizations

• Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Hall Law Firm
• Right Management Consultants
• SAS – Work Life Department
• Triangle United Way

Libraries and Community Programs

• Building Together Ministries
• Cameron Village Library
• Cary Senior Center
• Eva Perry Library
• North Regional Library
• Wake County Libraries Staff Development Day
• West Regional Library

Colleges and Universities

• Meredith College Community Programs
• NC State University

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Recommended Resources

RTP Resumes Mir Haynes of RTP Resumes, helps you get the job you deserve. She can rewrite your resume, craft your cover letters, even reinvent your LinkedIn presence.  She has also created a comprehensive guide to your most effective job search - click Online Job Search Tips once on her site. Real Living Nutrition Real Living Nutrition provides online weight loss programs to empower people to make small changes so they can receive lasting results. They designed their programs from research that studied those who have lost weight and kept it off for 3 or more years and are interested in helping people to find long term solutions instead of quick fixes. The Balance Program, is an online lifestyle workshop that helps individuals make small changes to get lasting weight loss results. It focuses on balanced nutrition and exercise and provides regular coaching and monitoring to keep you on track. Can Do! Concierge, Inc. - www.candoconciergeinc.com A full concierge/personal assistant service, offering an assortment of services with time saving benefits designed to help busy people manage their lives more effectively. Give Can Do! a call and let them save you valuable hours that you can use spending time doing what is important to you. Elizabeth Galecke Photography Elizabeth Galecke photographs in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas of North Carolina, including the beach and mountains. She specializes in fine art portraits. Elizabeth's portraits capture the subject in a casual, comfortable environment using the outdoors, your home, or her studio as a backdrop. She photographs a wide array of subjects including: bridal portraits, maternity, children, families, senior portraits and her specialty, Day in the Life.  Elizabeth also takes head shots for business owners - I love what she did for me! PathMakers, Inc. Pathmakers, Inc. provides a unified approach to optimize physical and mental health by blending the disciplines of Healing Touch (HT), Life Coaching, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). As your Coach and Healing Touch Provider, Florence Gans works with you on what is happening in your life and what support you need to help you move forward toward more joyful living. For your "four-legged" friends, she provides Healing Touch for AnimalsTM (HTA) support. Liberty Organizing - www.libertyorganizing.com A professional organizer who offers in-person and telecoaching for the chronically disorganized. Additional Resources Chix in Business Chix in Business, Inc. is a Triangle-area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina) network of passionate women business owners who support and educate each other through building personal and business relationships, information sharing, seminars, mentoring and philanthropic activities. Alumbo! - Self Help Supersite - www.alumbo.com Tools for inspiration, motivation, success, and spiritual & mental health. Hundreds of articles to inspire and motivate, plus tips and resources for personal growth, self-help and wellness. Alumbo brings together enthusiasts and experts, buyers and sellers. SelfGrowth.com www.selfgrowth.com The most complete guide to information about Self -Improvement, Personal Growth and Self Help on the Internet. Coaching Resources

Interested in becoming a life coach?  Visit the Institute for Life Coach Training

International Coach Federation - www.coachfederation.org Current Affiliations ThinkWorkPlay ThinkWorkPlay is an organization committed to fostering an environment of trust in the golf swing, the workplace, and life. Through experiential learning, participants enjoy the freedom of playing the game, which ultimately translates into more fun on and off the golf course. ThinkWorkPlay offers a variety of packages to the corporate client and individuals with their premier offering the Creative Golf Teambuilding Experience.   They also host and facilitate corporate meetings and offer a variety of traditional group outings, ongoing team building, group and individual clinics and personal coaching. Vocation Vacations VocationVacations®, believes that "work" can be much, much more than just a four-letter word. That's why they have made it their business to offer you the chance to test-drive your dream job -- completely risk-free! No need to quit your day job. No need to tell the boss. Just spend a couple days on a VocationVacation, working one-on-one with a VocationVacations Mentor, to see what your dream job is really like. You can take a VocationVacation to truly explore a career change, to sample the “road not taken” or to enjoy a fun, unique learning experience! While on your VocationVacations® holiday, you'll work alongside an expert mentor who shares your passion and will offer invaluable insights into your dream career. The Coach Connection The Coach Connection was created and exists to assist thousands of people to discover and achieve their unique life and career improving goals, so they realize their dreams and improve their lives on their terms.      

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Schedule a Consultation

If you are wondering how coaching can help you achieve your life and career goals, a sample coaching session is your first step!

• A coaching consultation is an opportunity for you to experience a taste of what coaching is like and learn how it could benefit you.
• You prepare by answering a few questions pertaining what is going on in your life today and what expectations and results you are seeking from coaching.
• During our talk and you come away with a better understanding of coaching (and hopefully of yourself) and some specific steps you can begin taking immediately to move forward.
• All sample sessions are conducted by telephone.  So wherever you are and whatever your schedule, it can fit!
• Best of all, the sample is offered at no cost to you and there is no obligation.

Contact me today at 919-744-9722 or Stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com to schedule your sample session!

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Seminars & Workshops for Groups & Organizations

If your organization would like to learn more about scheduling a seminar or program, please contact me at 919-744-9722 or stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com to review your needs, audience, focus and timeframe.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

Professional benefits:

• Reclaimed passion for your career
• Transformed attitudes about work
• Greater sense of ownership of your own career
• Tools to seize/seek opportunities instead of waiting for them to knock
• Enhanced communication, connections and confidence

Personal benefits:

• Revitalized passion for life and a renewed sense of self
• Better clarity of direction and goals for your life/career
• A vision for your ideal lifestyle and how to create it
• Ideas for action to make positive changes in your life and career

Read what people are say about Stefanie Zizzo's workshops and seminars

Formats

• Live 45 - 90 minute interactive seminars - ideal for lunch and learn or professional association meetings
• Three hour interactive workshops - ideal for organizational teams, social groups and professional organizations interested in deeper growth and development.  Participants complete exercises in the workshop and personal attention is given in a group coaching format.
• 60-90 minute Teleclass - ideal for groups or organizations with participants in locations all over the state or country.

Topics

Each of the following topics can be customized based on your organizations needs and the results you are seeking. Custom programs can also be designed specifically to fit your needs.

All of Stefanie's topics fall within her 5 Steps to Gain Clarity, Confidence and Direction in Your Career and Life.

Step One - Self Awareness

Building Your Confidence: Discover Your Inner Strength When surveying my readership and workshop attendees on what they most want in their lives, an overwhelming number talked about greater confidence. That lead me to thinking about the role confidence plays in our quest for a better life and the way we can all enhance ours. I believe we all have it within us to be incredibly confident. It is right there, sometimes just under the surface, sometimes deeper below – waiting to show itself to the world. This seminar will take participants through the steps we can all take to begin to discover and strengthen ours. Rejuvenate Your Passion: In Your Career and Your Life We all want happiness, passion and fulfillment in our lives and careers.  I believe it is there already, just under the surface of our awareness.  In this interactive seminar, you will scratch that surface and catch glimpses of what happiness and passion means to you.  You will learn where and how to dig deeper to uncover the ingredients that when combined, help you to create an environment that brings both rejuvenation and new sparks to your life and work. Stretch Out of Your Comfort Zone - 7 Clues You are Ready & Small Actions to Get There Our comfort zone is a space we create that surrounds us, filled with all that is familiar.  It is our safe place that elpsus feel grounded and secure in the world.  There are times in our lives though when we outgrow our current comfort zone.  This seminar will offer you some clues to let you know when you are at the edge of yours, ready to step out!

Step Two - Direction

Career Transition - Questions to Ask Before Making Yours The desire for career transition is different for each of us.  Transitions can be made with long planned intention or accelerated through life circumstance.  Wherever you are in your transition, this interactive seminar will cover questions that can help you make choices that are aligned with your wants, needs and values. Clarifying Your Life Purpose Have you started to wonder why you are here?  Have you begun questioning whether this what you are supposed to be doing with your life?  In this interactive workshop, you will begin a process of discovering your answers to these questions.  You will come away with a better understanding of life purpose, uncover what you are most drawn to and begin to determine the imact you want to have in your work and with your life.

Step Three - Exploration and Action

Inspired to Action: Making Commitments and Building Momentum Do you have a specific vision and goals for your life? Are you frustrated that you are not getting closer to achieving them? We all want to move forward in our lives, to achieve, succeed and find that sometimes elusive “happiness”. Yet often we feel stalled in our progress, standing still instead of taking action. This workshop will show you a process that will help you get moving again! Taking Ownership of Your Career Are you satisfied with how you are progressing in your current job? Do you wake up every morning eager to start our day, excited about new possibilities waiting to be explored? If you cannot answer a resounding YES to the above questions, I invite you to discover how taking ownership of your own career will bring you greater satisfaction than you thought possible. Waiting for things to happen to you does not bring fulfillment in your career – making things happen for yourself does! Getting Noticed, Known and Connected in Your Career Are you often uncomfortable in situations when you must interact with people you don’t know? Are you longing to cultivate new relationships in your professional life? Is being connected to people important to you, but you just are not sure how to do it? Whether you are embarking on a career transition, are self-employed and need to market your services, or just want to cultivate relationships with colleagues, you will have to reach out to people. Relationships, whether personal or professional, develop over time and are based on trust. First impressions are also critical, as they determine whether you will have the opportunity to develop a stronger relationship. So how do you do it? This seminar will give you the steps.

Step Four - Why We Stop or Feel Stuck

Take Action Now: Life is Too Short to Let Fear Stop You Have you found yourself wanting more in life, but fear is holding you back? Change, and stretching out of your comfort zone, is scary. Why? Because it means stepping away from the familiarly and safety of what is known. We know fear us lurking when we hear ourselves say “I could do x, but what if…” or in response to a suggestion from another we say “Yes, I could …. but…” The challenge is to have the courage to move forward, through the fear, to grow. Join us during this presentation where, through interactive discussion, participants will begin to discover how to move past their fear and experience more of life! Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Manager Our relationship with our manager is in direct correlation to our satisfaction and success with our career and is the number one reason we want to escape our careers or feel stuck in them!  Whether you have a new manager in your current job, recently started a new job, or were promoted to a new role and have the same manager, this seminar will help you explore how to create and strengthen this critical relationship. Embracing Change When you hear the word change, what thoughts come up for you? Change involves shifting, moving or altering your perspectives, behavior, environments, expectations, conditions and more. Change could be something we want, something we resist or something we fear. This seminar will take you through the different emotions of change and how embracing change can help you grow and prosper.

Step Five - Momentum and Commitment

Strategies for Staying Positive and Focused in Challenging Times In challenging times like those this country is facing today, it is often a challenge itself to stay energetic, focused and feeling good about your work and life.  This presentation will offer you strategies to do just that.  Despite the challenges you may be facing, you still have more choices than you may currently believe!

Covering all 5 Steps:

From Comfort to Possibility – in Your Career and Life Delivered as a half-day program  An intensive, interactive, experiential group coaching program where, through a series of exercises and discussion, participants will learn how to shift from an energy draining to an energy generating lifestyle; begin to shape their own vision of what they want for their future; discover what new possibilities they would like to explore (and how to explore them); learn what propels them forward toward possibility, and what keeps them stuck in comfort and strategize a plan of action to take their life in a new direction. The half-day program includes four hours of exercises, group coaching and discussion.  Each is delivered in a small group format for personal attention and greater growth.  The program can be delivered with a professional or personal focus (or both) depending on your needs. Organizations Review the list of organizations that have invited Stefanie to speak. Learn more about Stefanie and her background here

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

 

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• An inspirational article and questions to keep you focused on creating your "best life"
• Upcoming seminars and programs
• Additional resources to help you grow personally and professionally

Please complete this form. When completed, you will be directed to another page to receive your FREE GIFT, 5 Step to Gain Clarity, Confidence and Direction in Your Life.

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Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Stefanie's Blog

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Stefanie's Services

You can choose many different options that will allow you to immediately begin to stretch beyond your comfort zone and explore new possibilities in your life!   I offer a variety of services to including one-on-one coaching, workshops, and my workbook in the areas of:

• Career Coaching - including taking ownership of your career; career growth and transition; interview coaching and more.
• Life Balance - including taking more time for you, discovering and integrating your passions.
• Life Coaching - including learning more about who you are, what you want in life and how to move forward toward achieving it.

Benefits and results can be achieved through a variety of programs that fit your needs, time and budget: Coaching Individual Coaching For those that want individual attention, are seeking an accelerated process of discovery, clarity and forward movement, and are truly commited to taking their life in a new direction. Choose the level of commitment that fits your energy, time and budget!  Schedule your sample coaching session today. Discovery/Goal Setting Session A great option if you are interested in gaining some clarity of direction. During this one 90-minute session, you will come away with a snapshot of where you are today, what you would like to achieve in your life, and what it will take for you to achieve it. Includes Life Balance and Goal Setting exercises.  Contact me today to schedule. Shared Coaching Ideal if you have a friend, sibling or partner that is also focused on their personal and/or professional growth - even if your goals are different. You will share each 50-minute coaching call (and the cost). Adding a wonderful element of extra support as you embark on your journeys together.  Contact me today to discuss. Group Coaching by Telephone Invite 5-8 friends or colleagues from anywhere in the world to participate in a group conference call.  You choose the topic from a list I offer; invite your friends, colleagues or group members and experience one hour of personalized group coaching. I am also open to creating a special program to fit your needs. Contact me today to learn more or to schedule your call. Learning and Inspiration Journal of Possibility A 100 page journal filled with 52 pieces of original art, quotes and questions to keep you inspired and introspective.  A place to capture your dreams, goals, thoughts and gratitude; your inspirations and aspirations; your memorable moments and vision for your future. Learn more.. The Journey From Comfort for Possibility Workbook Filled with exercises, questions and action steps to keep you focused, this five-part workbook is designed for those of you who are ready to discover yourself, clarify your direction in life, uncover what holds you back from living the life of your dreams and begin venturing out of your comfort zone to experience new possibilities.  It can be used on its own or as a companion to a career and life-coaching program. Learn more or order your copy today. Monthly Inspiration An article designed to get you thinking and taking action to move forward in your life. What takes only a few moments to read, may be just the message you need to stretch your thinking, question your actions and get you moving in a new direction! Sign up to receive your newsletter. Seminars and Workshops Attend one of my live seminars or workshops to learn and grow in all areas of your life! Topics include: How to Get Noticed, Known and Connected; Taking Ownership of Your Career; Finding Your Confidence and more. To see upcoming programs and learn more click here.

Listen to Stefanie walk you through what you can expect in working with her.  Stefanie Zizzo - Coaching, what to expect

For more information on any of these options, please contact Stefanie TODAY!

Serving clients in North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary...), across the country and abroad.

Stefanie Zizzo, stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com, 919-744-9722

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Thank You

Thank you for signing up to receive my monthly inspirational e-newlsetter. Look forward to receiving inspirational messages pertaining to life and career development, a list of upcoming seminars and special promotions.

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Welcome

Are You...

Would you like to... Ready to take the first step?          

Proud to be an affiliated coach with the following organizations:

Find a Life Coach - Affliated Career and Life Coach.  Achieve your work and life goals; become more energized, reduce or eliminate stress, by connecting with your own life coach.

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What Clients Say About Coaching With Stefanie Zizzo

"Just wanted to say thanks for your help and continued support through your coaching as well as your articles and ideas.  I am approaching my last day here at work and will soon be flying down to St Thomas to begin my nursing program.  It feels so good to have a clear idea of where I want to be and what I want to do, but most importantly, the confidence to actually do it.  Thanks for working with me on it"  Alex from Raleigh NC "I contacted Stefanie Zizzo when I was struggling to figure out how to seek a role in my desired field of health promotion and wellness. I hoped that she could help me revamp my resume – she did that and so much more! Stefanie helped me realize that I have a great deal of wellness experience, even though I have not had a paid role in the field. She helped me recognize and renew my passion for championing health and wellness. More importantly, Stefanie helped me build the confidence I need to pursue my passion. I am so thankful I worked with her and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a coach to help guide them on a similar journey."  Janice Horner, Raleigh NC "Stefanie Zizzo has helped me to gain confidence in myself and not be afraid of taking the next step. She is highly experienced in her field and brings a sense of hope in everything she does. Stefanie reminds you that the possibilities are endless and to always be true to yourself."  Keri, New York "Imagine a train moving down the track. Full of steam, full of ideas, and full of working parts, but the problem is that train doesn’t have a destination. That was my life. Stefanie Zizzo is a great conductor who helps you slow down that train, allows you to explore your individual railroad cars, and helps you select a track to travel. There are many stops along the way and the track can get bumpy during your journey, but you have to believe that the ticket you were given when you entered this world has a destination. Thanks Stefanie."  Brad Matthews, Raleigh, NC "I would like to thank you for all your support and kindness over the last 6 months. I really have found the best coach and a perfect match coach in you. I feel I have got my life and my dreams back and just as importantly, have gained such valuable tools and insights which help me daily and which I look forward to develop further in our future work."  Anne Marie, Buckinghamshire, England "Stefanie Zizzo has worked with me as my life/career coach for over a year. Stefanie’s holistic approach as a coach has helped me tackle a wide range of personal and professional issues, including transitioning my career, caring for elderly relatives, communicating my needs more effectively to those around me (including clients and spouse), and initiating more self-care. Stefanie strikes a great balance between supporting you where you are in your life while exhorting you to continue reaching for the changes you are trying to bring about. Her many strengths include: being a great listener, recommending superb outside resources, and being unfailingly positive and empathetic. Stefanie gives 100% during each of our coaching sessions. I recommend her most highly. Everyone would benefit from having a coach if they work with one as well-qualified and professional as Stefanie!"  Elizabeth, Raleigh, NC "Two years ago when I was facing an overwhelming fear of change, I consulted Stefanie Zizzo and immediately learned steps I could take to the ease the process. After a life of feeling guilty for saying "No" I learned to say it with confidence and conviction. She has helped me to facilitate others finding their own solutions, as opposed to being their solution. As a result, I have more time to focus on my own growth. Stefanie has helped me to change my life and I will continue seeking her support and guidance as I maintain my commitment to change."   Catherine Oki, Japan "Stefanie Zizzo is wonderfully insightful, caring and kind.   I felt like she was a cheerleader and really wanted to see me win!  I'm thankful for her objective feedback and tools to help me navigate through life!  It was a pleasure working with her." Michele L., Raleigh, NC "I am so glad that I made the leap and selected Stefanie Zizzo for my Life Coach. When I first contacted Stefanie, I was exhausted, frustrated, demoralized ... and felt stuck in a job that I hated but paid so well, I thought I couldn't leave. Stefanie was able to quickly help me identify my strengths and goals - and then help me put into action a plan to rebalance my life and find peace and happiness. Stefanie has insight, clarity of thought and common sense (which isn't so common) that allowed her to ask me questions that would help me to understand myself better. I discovered barriers that I had put up for myself and took steps toward a healthier me. I now have a job that I love and meets my financial needs ... and my relationships with my husband, family and friends are strong, relaxed and happier than I can remember.  If you choose to have Stefanie coach you, you must be ready to be honest and open with her and with yourself - and you must be willing to take sometimes scary steps toward the future you wish to create. It's a journey worth taking - especially with someone as supportive and wise as Stefanie."  Cheryl Z, Florida "I had worked in highly stressful sales jobs in NY for over 25 years...My husband and I decided to relocate to NC for a better way of life. I continued to work for my NY based company for 10 months and then decided it was too much. I had read about Stefanie Zizzo in a local magazine, and decided to give her a call, and myself a gift...lifecoaching sessions... From the minute I started speaking with Stefanie, I realized  I had done the right thing for myself. ..She enabled me to see that I had just gone thru many big changes in my life and that I needed to begin to BREATHE..something I hadn't really done since moving NC a year ago....Stefanie was able to "hold my hand" and focus my thinking throughout the entire process ...we were also able to have a few laughs along the way!" Irene Kesselman, Cary NC "When I started working with Stefanie Zizzo I didn’t fully understand what coaching was, but I felt energized and inspired after talking with her. In my search to find a fulfilling career, Stefanie was the champion who helped me realize my beliefs, values and vision, and challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. While I did not change careers, I learned to appreciate the wonderful things my current career has provided me. More importantly, Stefanie helped to reinvigorate my self confidence and awareness that I have the ability to shape the outcome." Romina DeNicola, Brooklyn, New York "Stefanie has been an absolute godsend. She helped to unearth my core beliefs and values in the midst of a career change and worked with me to clarify the best vocational pathways. I held fast through the first three job offers that came, and recognized the fourth --and best -- opportunity as the path I had to follow. I would strongly recommend Stefanie to anybody who wants to integrate their home and work lives in a way that's most pleasurable." Mike McCauley, Bangor, ME "Stefanie helps me stay on track with my journey. When I have a doubt in taking a step, she challenges and encourages me to be true to myself. Stefanie is very experienced in her field and brings that knowledge to our sessions. I feel energized and inspired after speaking to her. As I reach for my goal, Stefanie reminds me enjoy the scenery of my path".   Alexandra Sanchez, New York "Stefanie has been enormously helpful to me on many different levels.  She is fantastic at asking probing questions to help clarify my thoughts and feelings and remind myself of what is important to me.  She keeps me on track and provides direction when I'm not sure what I should do or should be doing.  Since I have been working with her, I feel much more confident about my decisions and much less anxiety about making changes.  She has been a great partner to help me with such an important journey".   Dan Burger, California "During one of the most challenging times in my life, Stefanie helped me gain clarity over my situation and take positive steps toward change - she is truly a positive motivator."  Wyonnie Flaherty, New York

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What People Are Saying About Stefanie's Seminars

"Thank you so much for leading the Motivation workshop today. The feedback has been great - one person commented that at her table a participant said this has been one of the most helpful sessions yet. Another participant said that you allowed them to think in a way that they need to but haven't. If individuals work towards what they want (their goals/inspiration) they will be in a better position to inspire others to do the same. I appreciate your time and message today and working with me to make this workshop a success".  Noa Goren, Junior League of Raleigh "Thank you for delivering an outstanding seminar (Strategies for Getting Noticed, Known and Connected) for the Triangle United Way's Ready to Work series. At this week's session, participants were still talking about how great the information was and how they were applying their new learning.  Your talk not only helped break down many internal barriers (awkwardness, etc) but brought to light the importance of exchanging "value" in relationships."  Gayle Manley, Triangle United Way "I have had the opportunity to have Stefanie speak to our network several times. She is one of the best speakers I have seen and worked with. She has a unique ability to interact with the crowd, draw people in and leave them feeling inspired with a new sense of direction for their lives. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an energetic and inspiring speaker for your organization."Meri Raffetto, Real Living Nutrition "The Cisco Women’s Resource Group that I work with set up a day-long event “Career Management Day.” This event was open to both men and women at our company and showcased motivational speakers, teams to discuss other opportunities within the company and mock interview sessions. I had the great fortune to escort one of our motivational speakers, Stefanie Zizzo, through our event and got the opportunity to sit in on all three of her sessions “Taking Ownership of Your Career.” I was amazed at how powerful her message is and yet so easy to do if you follow her recommendations. After the first session, I felt empowered to do what I needed to “take ownership.” What was even more amazing to me was how Stefanie delivered the same content to all three sessions, yet each one was uniquely and personally tailored to the session and how the audience responded—it really seemed like three different sets of content. The one resounding message received by myself and the approximately 200 employees Stefanie spoke with that day was keeping positive. Look at what is positive in your life and your job. Use these things to boost your energy and spark your passion. There were several people that day that had “AHA” moments as Stefanie drew them into drilling deeper into what they were happy or proud about within their work environment/job. I believe they expressed, out loud, for the first time something that they hadn’t realized about what they really wanted to do with their work. I cannot speak highly enough of Stefanie’s work with our group—you need to hear her to believe her."Kerry F, Cisco "Just wanted to say thank you. I enjoyed the [Taking Ownership of Your Career] session and it did hit a cord (something I would have probably been happy to ignore). I am one of those hard workers that want to be recognized/rewarded based on my peers/leaders observations, not by self promoting - so this [taking ownership of my career] is a very hard activity for me. While this was a very good approach when I was consulting, it does not work as an employee. If I am to be happy with my career as an employee, I guess I need to be more proactive."  - Ken "I attended the morning session of your "Taking Ownership of Your Career" presentation at Cisco (RTP) yesterday.  I very much enjoyed the collaborative session and found it inspiring.  Thank you very much for your insights".   - Brian "I wanted to thank you for giving me the excuse and energy this afternoon to pursue something I love.  I’ve already written four e-mails to expand my network and hopefully on my way to making a change!  It was also good to see someone who, as Covey would say, “Found their voice..”  You have any easy presence in the classroom that I’m sure will serve you well".  - Bill "I have enjoyed Stefanie’s workshops tremendously (Embracing Your Possibilities and Overcoming Obstacles). I’ve had coaches in the past and find that what I really enjoy once I have a goal in mind is to attend workshops for inspiration, progress checks, and support. Stefanie is so genuinely interested in our success – she facilitates discussions with individual participants that benefit everyone. She creates a comfortable, open, safe environment to explore what you truly want and reasons that may be holding you back from already having it. She actually makes it look very easy, but never in a way that makes you feel “foolish” for not yet being where you want to be. She’s energetic with compassion, focused with a gentle manner. At the end of a workshop, I leave feeling inspired to continue making my life the life I want with something actionable to implement. I’d recommend Stefanie’s workshop to anyone seeking that extra something to help get them on the path to a life they’ll love".  Brigitta Theleman, Raleigh, NC "Attending two of Stefanie's workshops was the new perspective I needed. I learned that the roadblocks to my "success" were built by me and that I had the ability, strength, and skills to remove the doubt that trapped me. With renewed enthusiasm, I imagined my success and within a month I had a new job that provides me the purpose that I had been looking for. Attending Stefanie's workshops is one step forward to a promising future. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to clarify their vision, their future, whether it's professional or personal." Terri Rafalik, Raleigh, NC "No matter where a participant of one of Stefanie's workshops currently is on their life's journey, she dives in and can be right there for you. I was amazed by her ability to be deeply involved with each individual, in a retreat-like, group experience. She challenges, encourages and transforms everyone in the class! I felt as if I had been turned upside down and she brought emotions and goals out of me that had been buried deep inside. It was an amazing process and not only do I anticipate meeting with her in the future, I have recommended her to clients and friends as well."  K. Paulette Mitchell, Raleigh, NC "There was always something that resonated or that was awakened within me during my participation in the Leaving Comfort for Possibility Program Teleclass.  Sometimes, during these calls, it was as great as an epiphany and other times it was very subtle yet powerful.  What I am taking away is the continued experience of growth and awareness and the sense of progress and empowerment that I received from this experience".  Beth Downey, Cary, North Carolina

Stefanie Zizzo – 919-744-9722 – stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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Workbook - The Journey From Comfort to Possibility

5 Steps to Gaining Clarity, Confidence & Direction in Your Life & Career

Discover your true self

Create your vision

Transform your life

Have you been in a rut lately? Maybe you are comfortable, but are realizing there has got to me more to life than this? Are you missing the passion, joy, fun, freedom and zest for life you once had (or would like to create)? If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, this workbook may be just the thing to catapult you out of that rut and help you leap out of your comfort zone and regain your passion! Through a compilation of exercises, questions and action steps - you will be able to answer the questions:  Who am I?  What do I want in my career and life?  How do I get there? Purchase your copy today. Do you like having a step by step process, helping you define your goals and learning how and where to take action? This book takes you through a five part process where you will discover who you are, clarify your direction in life, get started on your path through exploration and action, learn why you stop your progress and how to get back on track, and create a plan to maintain the momentum you are building as you work toward achieving your intentions and goals. Do you want to achieve more in your career and life but have a fear of the unknown, fear or failure or even success? This book takes you through the challenge of fear and the other miriad of both internal and external factors that get in your way and offers exercises to help you work through these barriers. Becoming aware of what gets in your way helps you see what choices you can begin making today to immediately see results. http://youtu.be/kmTxvpZk8vo Purchase your copy today. Who am I and why did I write this book? For 11 years I worked as a Career Counselor in a university setting helping my clients discover what mattered most to them, learn when they did their best work, what compelled them to action, what passions ignited them and what challenges kept them stuck. After launching my coaching business in 2005, offering these same services to my individual clients and through my workshops, I began compiling the best of what I learned and experienced into my own voice. I gathered and updated exercises I had created throughout the years and created thought provoking questions and actions to stretch you out of your comfort zone. I originally created an 8 week teleclass program using this material - and from there, this book was born. Writing and publishing it was a stretch out of my own comfort zone, especially since I never considered myself much of a writer. However, with clients, colleagues and friends encouraging me to write it - and after discovering a self publishing company to create it, I decided to "go for it"!  Another reason for writing it? To develop a jumping off point for everyone I meet who is eager to lead a more exhilirating life. Have you been wondering what it would be like to have personal attention in working with a life coach? While not a substitute for one-on-one or group coaching, this workbook takes you through a process that I use with my one on one clients.  The exercises, questions and actions are all those that I have used with my clients during their own journey of personal transformation. Why purchase this book? If you have been saying "I really want to transform my life", or "I am ready for more energy and joy in my life", or "It would be great to know the direction I want my life to take", or "I am ready to get out of my own way" - then you are ready to embark on your own Journey From Comfort to Possibility. A great first step is this workbook! For less than 1/3 the cost of an hour of coaching, this workbook can jump start you on your self-propelled journey OR it can serve as a foundation for entering into a one-on-one coaching relationship, shaving off hours of time so when you are coached, you have a more specific focus and agenda. Purchase your copy today. What are those who used it saying? "After attending several of Stefanie's workshops my sister Gwen and I decided to work with Stefanie and put her coaching skills to the test.  However, we wanted her all the time and all to ourselves. Finally, she gave us a true piece of herself, in which we could ask questions 24 hours a day and 7 days per week.  The creation is called “The Journey from Comfort to Possibility.”  In Stefanie’s workbook, I was able to take the journey of her first question being “Someday I will…?”, and by the end of the workbook, I was able to answer, “Someday is today.”  I learned that several of my goals were blocked by undefined focus.  After working with just this “piece” of Stefanie, I was able to bring my skills, ambitions, and strengths to the forefront and go after my goals with direct focus.  The one word that comes to mind when I think of Stefanie is accomplishment! We have accomplished so much by using this workbook!  We now have the tools that we need to reach our goals."  Ira Thompson, Cary, NC "This workbook helps you focus your thinking on what you want out of life and what changes you can make to achieve it.” Jodi Lawrence, California "This workbook was refreshing. It gave me a good sense of what is like to have a Life Coach guide me and help me make successful changes in my life. Very encouraging" Mari Rodriguez, New York "This book is for anyone who feels stuck in life or who wants to make big changes but are afraid to get started" Meri Raffetto, North Carolina Purchase your copy today.

Would you like to catapult your learning to a greater level?

If you do, then the Journey From Comfort to Possibility Program may be for you.  In this eight session program we will work through the Workbook together, focusing on helping you accelerate your learning and transformation.  To learn more about this Program, click here.

Stefanie Zizzo - 919-744-9722 - stefanie@stefaniezizzo.com

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