Twenty-One Steps to Discover and Do What You Love with Your Life's Work!

Twenty-One Steps to Discover and Do What You Love with Your Life's Work!

In mid-life, many of us are unfulfilled in our lives and careers and have a deep longing for change. We often feel that we have waited too long to pursue our dreams, and believe we have no choice but to settle for our lot in life. Choosing just 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 one’s 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 on what is best for you.

A Roadmap to Vocational Passio

I developed the following twenty-one-step path to discovering and doing what you love. Start with a few small steps and you will find the process will soon take hold, and you will never turn back!

1. Evaluate what you want
2. Envision your future
3. Tune out negative feedback
4. Shore up your support network
5. Assess your risk
6. Figure out what's the worst thing that can happe

7. Write down your abilities and interests
8. Match your abilities and interests
9. Talk to others who do what you want to do
10. Get a sense of what your passion will pay
11. Change financial expectations in the short term
12. Borrow, cash in now to fund your move
13. Expect the first two years to be tough-gather support
14. Prepare to downsize your life where possible
15. Explain to your loved ones why this is important
16. Become an expert in what you love
17. Start believing your new future is possible
18. Take small steps: Measure and reward yourself
19. Don't ever look back
20. Give yourself permission to do what you love
21. 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. Pack your bags and enjoy the ride!n