A 21-step Path to Discover and Do What You Love with Your Life's Work  

by Craig Nathanson, The Vocational Coach 

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.