A 21-step Path to Discover and Do What You Love with Your Life's
Work
by Craig Nathanson
Published on this site: May 13th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
In mid-life, many of us are unfulfilled in our lives and careers.
We have a deep longing for change. We often feel that we've waited
too long to pursue our dreams, and believe that we have no choice
but to settle for our current lot in life. Choosing how to fill
such a deep void is no small task. There is no shortage of expert
advice from professionals, family, and friends about what to do
about the work dilemma. Sometimes, the advice is good. But too much
of it is based on the needs of the person giving the advice, and
not what is best for you.
A Roadmap to Vocational Passion
I developed the following 21-step path to discovering and doing
what you love. Start with a few small steps and you will find that
the process will soon take hold. Then, you will never turn back!
- Evaluate what you want
- Envision your future
- Tune out negative feedback
- Shore up your support network
- Assess your risk
- Figure out what's the worst thing that can happen
- Write down your abilities and interests
- Match your abilities and interests
- Talk to others who do what you want to do
- Get a sense of what your passion will pay
- Change financial expectations in the short term
- Borrow or cash-in now to fund your move
- Expect the first two years to be tough gathering support
- Prepare to downsize your life where possible
- Explain to your loved ones why these changes are important
- Become an expert in what you love
- Start believing that your new future is possible
- Take small steps while measuring and rewarding yourself
- Don't ever look back
- Give yourself permission to do what you love
- Practice what you love daily
Make no mistake: Following your vocational passion will
be the toughest work you'll ever do. It will also be the most rewarding.
Start at the beginning, develop a plan, and keep moving ahead one
step at a time. Then pack your bags and enjoy the ride.
Craig Nathanson, The Vocational Coach, is the author of
"P is for Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day," by Book
Coach Press. He publishes the free monthly e-zine, "Vocational
Passion in Mid-life." Craig believes the world works a little
better when we do the work we love. He helps those in mid-life carry
this out. Visit his online community at http://www.thevocationalcoach.com
where you can sign up for his free monthly tele-class.
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