“The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.” – Ben Stein
It’s a lot easier said than done, but figuring out what path you want to head down is a crucial first step to reaching your final destination.
Planning and figuring out what to do with the rest of your life might seem too monumental of a task, but the trick is to do it one step at a time, one day at a time.
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Sun Tsu
You need to realize that you are not signing a lifetime contract with anyone by simply choosing a specific goal for yourself. Worst case scenario is that you realize your current path is no longer in tact with your original plans and you’d have to change it. We’ve all taken detours before, and it shouldn’t be hard to get yourself back on a positive path. Pretty much, you just need to alleviate any unnecessary strain you imply onto yourself.
“Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.” – Mary Schmich
Take a nice deep breath and think about what you love doing. Close your eyes and reminisce about your childhood and all the dreams you had in front of you. What were some of those dreams?
Also, think about things you love to do. What do you love to do so much, that you’d do it for free? Maybe you’re already doing something everyday but never realized its potential for becoming a career. Now the trick is to find a way to get paid for what you love to do.
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -St. Francis of Assisi
I know what you’re thinking… and yes, there is a high demand in the prostitution field, and yes, the pay is really good. But trust me, I tried it before and it was a tough gig… the hours were late, no healthcare, no dental, rude customers, weird customers and of course, not a good retirement package…. (just kidding)
Still having problems figuring out what’s for you? Try talking with family and friends. Maybe they can see the greatness and potential in you that you can’t see yourself.
Pick up the book called “Grindhopping” by Laura Vanderkam http://www.grindhopping.com. It talks about finding your own passions in life and turning it into an entrepreneurial venture. The term Grindhopping comes from the mundane lifestyles that most adults fall into, where we go to college, show up, become an average student and then eventually go out into the world as a corporate slave in the corporate grind. So Grindhopping is thus, finding your own path and becoming your own boss, hence skipping, or hopping, the daily corporate grind that drives so many of us into becoming mediocre working adults.
Grindhopping (verb) – Achieving accelerated career success, without paying your dues.
“Grindhoppers who hit the jackpot from the start have not just talent, but affection for their work. They do not believe that they should be anything but blissfully happy with their jobs.” – Lauren Vanderkam
Excepts from the book:
Guideline #1: Always Be Your Own Boss
No compromises, no excuses
Guideline #2: Know Where You’re Going
It’s the only way to drive on unmarked roads
Guideline #3: Recalculate Risk
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
Guideline #4: Think Projects, Not Jobs
Welcome to the Craig’s List Economy
Guideline #5: Seek to Be Judged on Results (and Deliver Them)
Be better, and you’ve got it made
Guideline #6: Everything is Negotiable
From money to work-life balance, don’t believe “that’s just the way it is”
Guideline #7: Cultivate a Network and a Nimble Mind
Learn how to learn on the job
I asked Lauren, “What is one thing all the Grindhoppers you met have in common?”
Her response was that all of them had a strong sense of self-discipline. After all, these people aren’t working for anyone else other than themselves. So it’s their own internal fire and personal drive that will allow them to succeed or fail.
So now the question is, do you have that same motivation within you?
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
