If you're seeking career freedom, you may feel blocked by 3F's: Fear, Focus and Finances -- and you can change your 3F status to fourth F, "Forward!"

Fear comes from giving up a cherished identity. Once you move to a new career, you have to find a new way to say, "I am" with pride and excitement. What will your former colleagues say? How will your family greet new you? And how do you feel about trading in your "senior seasoned" identity for role of a stumbling beginner? The risk is real. After starting a business or spending a few years in graduate school, you are no longer same person. Your old career neighborhood changes, too. Returning home may no longer be an option. You overcome this block by learning to recognize fear as a powerful ally rather than a threat. Work with and through fear.

Both husband and wife made a definite connection with everyone in room when it was their individual turn to speak. As husband began his speech, he looked at his wife in audience and magic happened. His eyes darkened. They filled with a mixture of profound love, passion and gratitude for her. He breathed deeper. He stood straighter. He became even more present.

It was as though admiration and love he saw in his wife's eyes fed him strength and permission to be more present; as if she saw him and accepted him so completely that acceptance from everyone else was a given.

When it was his wife's turn to speak, same thing happened between them. This time, he fed her with acceptance and delight in her. And she in turn, having permission, could be fully herself in front of a group of strangers.

These two were ordinary people, both young, perhaps in their early 30's. She is a stay-at-home mom with a 2-year-old. He is a working professional. But love, connection and acceptance between them is nothing ordinary.