Reinventing...Not Retiring

In my last article I wrote about how the Baby Boomer generation as well as countless others are determining that there is alot more to accomplish in their lives. Places to go, people to meet, goals to achieve, passions to embrace.

Growing up in the Creek household included reminders from my parents that there were no acceptable reasons for not working. My dad was quick to point out to me that he could turn to the want ads any day of the week and find available jobs. I may not 'like' the job but it would do until I found something more to my liking.

So there wasn't much discussion, if any, about pursuing my passion, dreams or goals. Even my high school counselor when I became a senior had one session with me about "my future". After all I was getting ready to graduate and I needed my life mapped out before I left the hallowed halls of Webster City high school.

"So" he said, "what do you think you'll want to do with your future?" How should I know? I was 17 at the time! Now many years later I've seen a myriad occupations and pursuits I would have enjoyed learning and incorporating in my life. Who had ever heard about being a Crime Scene Investigator? Not me but to be honest it I wished I had known there was such a profession back in those formative years.. I would have liked being a forest ranger. I mean really...drive around in a jeep in beautiful mountains, the wildlife, and out in the open country! Sign me up! And being a college basketball coach would have been right up my alley.

For you it may be an occupation, a trade, or a skill you'd like to pursue. It could be a country to visit, book to write, business to start that has always been a passion you'd like to achieve. But for one reason or another, or even upon the "advice" of a loved ones, you never took that next step. I mean those you respected would have said how silly you were being.

So why not start your journey today? Why wait any longer? Making the effort to embracing your life's passion is closer than you may believe.

Here are some initial steps you can take in 'jumping off the end of the dock' and start to swim:

1. TAKE ACTION Avoid being paralyzed and overwhelmed by the challenge. Author Joe Vitale writes, "Do anything to keep the momentum going forward."

2. JUST TAKE THE NEXT STEP You don't have to "see" your destination to reach it. Vitale says, "It's like driving your car at night when there's no street lights. Your headlights may allow you to see only the next 100 feet in front of you. And then finally, you make it to your destination."

3. IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE RESULTS, CHANGE WHAT YOU'RE DOING Jim Rohn, personal development expert suggest asking yourself, "What can I do today so the next five years are not the same as the last five?"

4. EVALUATE HOW YOU ARE SPENDING YOUR TIME Rohn asks, "Do you focus on the majors? Spend major time on major things and minor time on minor things."

5. MAKE SURE YOUR HEART IS IN IT You have to find something you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles, and break through brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you.

6. PUSH YOURSELF TO REACH YOUR POTENTIAL! Passions, dreams and goals worth pursuing in your life will demand that you give 100% effort.