What Do You Want to Be?

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a common question asked to children. I think it’s something we should ask ourselves from time to time.

Creative people often have second careers. Why? Because we just can’t help ourselves from letting the creative juices flow. And, if you can make a living from it, all the better.

But what if you’re not currently making a living from your passion? Is that a reason not to pursue it? Let me tell you…it’s not. If you want to be a writer, a candy maker, a basket weaver, do it. There’s only one thing holding you back and that’s you.

Carve out just half an hour and get ready to be on your way to creating a successful and fulfilled life. I’m going to give you three assignments. Spend ten minutes on each.

Here’s the first step: write down what makes you feel happy and fills you with passion. If you didn’t have a “day job” what would you be doing to earn a living?

Step two: Figure out when you have one extra hour a day to pursue this passion. This is perhaps harder than actually doing it. We have jobs, kids, spouses, but we also have the ability to wake up thirty minutes early. Just half an hour. As for the other thirty minutes? Skip that television show. Take a shorter lunch. Just find your hour.

Step three: Take the last ten minutes to write your own personal mantra. It can be words that inspire. Quotes that fill you with hope. Or, even names of people or companies you admire. Find some post-it notes and paste them where you will see them when you need a boost.

You’re a grown up. It’s time to become what you want. More to come on how this is going to be your reality.