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!
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 happen
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 or cash-in now to fund your move
13. Expect the first two years to be tough
gathering support
14. Prepare to downsize your life where
possible
15. Explain to your loved ones why these
changes are important
16. Become an expert in what you love
17. Start believing that your new future
is possible
18. Take small steps while measuring and
rewarding 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.
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, "How to make money
and meaning in mid-life,"
join an action group,
or get private coaching..
Craig Nathanson Copyright 2005
The Vocational Coach (tm)
http://www.thevocationalcoach.com
''Guiding you to discover and live your
vocational passion''
Workshops, Publications, Retreats and
Private Coaching
Phone 925-736-3952
Fax 925-736-5758
craig@thevocationalcoach.com
