Give Yourself Permission to Dream<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if you don\u2019t have the slightest clue as to what you want to do, chances are you have a dream lingering in the back of your mind. A best-case scenario you picture every night to help yourself fall asleep. It can be as simple as wanting to your idol hand you an achievement award or as elaborate as launching the next Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can wield this imagination, let it run wild, and remember that this is your livelihood. It\u2019s up to you to live whichever way you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, answer this question: in a picture-perfect world, if you had no financial limitations, no fear, and all the connections in the world, what would your ideal business look like? Where do you picture yourself the most content?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may take a little soul searching and digging. Another helpful tip is to look to your past. At which point of your career or schooling were you the happiest? What did you enjoy doing the most? The answer to those questions doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be a job, but it can guide you towards an aspect <\/em>of a job that you can enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour passion, that purpose that makes you wake up before your alarm clock and launch yourself out of bed, isn\u2019t likely to hit you like a bag of bricks. If it did, you\u2019re lucky! But that sense of purpose is likely to settle over you with a feeling of peace and commitment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There might be some bumps in the road, but everything will just flow easier. Success isn\u2019t a guarantee, but the road ahead is clear. Business decisions will come easier and faster to you. Once you find your answer, your life will dramatically change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore What You Love to Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOften, your purpose isn\u2019t making itself clear because it\u2019s not something you need to make up. It may have been there all along. You can find out what it is by exploring the things you love doing. Add another step and see what comes easily to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innate talent may help you establish yourself first, but it takes hard work to develop your talent further. But when you pursue where that talent leads you, the flow should be natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Envision Where You Want to Go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nStill having trouble developing a clear vision of your dreams? Consider visualizing it. Literally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you picture yourself sitting at the head of a conference table? Sitting in the front row at a conference? Crunching numbers in first-class seats? Opening up your own store? Working with partners?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use external sources such as vision boards to help you picture your purpose. Once you do this, you\u2019ll find yourself coming up with creative ideas, jumping at the right opportunities, and before you know it, chasing that passion with gusto because that corner office you\u2019ve been envisioning is right within your reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Passion Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen in doubt, see what the experts are recommending. Chris and Janet Attwood are game-changers in the business world; they created the Passion Test. The Passion test is simple and stress-free. All you have to do is fill out the space behind the following statement: \u201cWhen my life is ideal, I am…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next word you\u2019re supposed to add must be a verb. And that\u2019s it! Let your imagination run wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you can say, \u201cWhen my life is ideal, I am…helping others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or \u201cWhen my life is ideal, I am…working with numbers, animals, makeup, fashion. See where your train of thought leads you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alright, now it\u2019s time to pay extra attention to the top choices. There\u2019s a reason why these specific sentences and verbs popped into your mind first. Look at the first and second statements and compare them to identify which one is more important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then check out your third statement and see whether it matters to you just as much as your first option. By using this process of elimination, you can sort out your passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think About the Happiest Experiences of Your Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTake a few minutes and make a list of all the times where you have felt the greatest joy in your life. This is called a joy review, and it may just be the key to discovering your passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Was it when you were a young child, playing with building tools\u2014toy-sized hammer and nails and all? When you were planning for your future wedding? Was it during summer camp when you were a leader?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Write all these moments and then look for a pattern. Reminiscing may just inspire you\u2014or even empower you\u2014to find out how that goal that pushed you years ago can encourage you now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look for Your Niche<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nInstead of just focusing on turning a hobby into a business, be more creative. What are your unique skills, interests, or even quirks that you can transform into a business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you passionate about recycling and always scolding litterers? A green consulting career may be in your future. Do you enjoy exercise? Can you apply this enjoyment to a business such as fitness-related retail, personal training, opening a gym, even checking out corporate health consulting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n