4. Dive In This is my favorite. I get enormous energy from leaping off metaphorical cliffs. Instead of screaming "NO", try saying "Wheee!" or "Geronimo." I've crossed country on three occasions with no job and no place to live. I keep having soft, successful landings so I keep leaping. Sometimes it takes a geographic change to get yourself out of a rut. Try something out there and see if you can fly.

5. Be Prepared So maybe you're not a leaper. You can plan for contingencies, save that nest egg. Find an answer for all what-ifs. But be careful not to over prepare. Just how likely are those eventualities that you're covering? There comes a point when it's time to take steps.

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now".

—J. W. von Goethe

Remember, if you only do what you already know how to do your world would get pretty stale. Growth is an essential part of life. There comes a time to move on. You can feel when change is due. When that time comes universe makes it easy for you. The money for graduate school appears, child care arrangements work out, an article about a new company catches your eye. Pay attention to signals. Then trust your judgment. If something tells you this new opportunity is right, it probably is.

Nearly every day we see coworkers, family, etc. These people pose an interesting challenge because you already know a lot about them and have probably discussed standard topics (family, pets, etc.). Try these conversation starters:

=> What do you think about us exploring Mars? Is it worth money? (Talk about a current event.)

=> How was class? (day at work, movie, shopping trip, etc.)

=> How are things going at work? (in your life, at home, with school, etc.)?

=> What is new in your life?

=> How are you doing?

=> What have you done for fun lately?

* Conversation Starters for People You Want to Know Better

These conversation starter questions have numerous uses. When I was in sales, I would use them to build rapport with customers. They are also great for building friendships. In addition they help you be a social success on dates, at parties, or anywhere there are people!

=> How do you like to spend most of your time?

=> What do you enjoy about golfing? (parenting, their favorite hobby, work, etc.)?

=> Do you enjoy skiing? (name one of your interests)

=> What do you find challenging about your job? (cooking, parenting, whatever you are talking about at moment)

=> How did you get started at this job? (meet your spouse, start playing golf, etc.)?

=> What do you wish was different about your house? Why? (your life, work, family, hobby, etc.)

That's it! These conversation starters are your matches. Memorize them and keep them handy. Pull one out and use it to strike up a conversation or evaporate a pause.