Long walks are a great way to talk about what part of your life might need some adjustment.
An essential step in figuring out how to live what you love is to do lots of research. But by this, we don’t mean getting information from the Web or from books or mentors. It’s about you. Before you can act on your dream, you need to closely examine yourself.
Research starts on the inside before branching out into external sources. It’s a process that helps you transform your dreams into a practical list of things to do. And it begins with asking yourself a million and one questions. Ask yourself all the probing questions you can until you know what it is you want to do. What would you like to accomplish? Try to be as specific as possible. Would you like to change your career? Spend more time doing something you love? Change or improve a relationship? Change where you live?
Take as much time as you need to think of everything you’d like to do and remember not to hold anything back. This is an exploratory exercise. You don’t need to worry about how you’re going to achieve any of your goals; right now your only job is to create an honest, accurate list of what you’d like to do. Remember to be as specific as possible. Put your list aside for a few days, and then return to it with fresh eyes. What do you see?
9 Comments
Bob and Mel:
Greetings and thanks for sharing your practical thoughts on one attaining all that life has to offer.
I need help!! I am pretty much lost in my quest of figuring out what my passion in life really is and this has become more of a nagging factor since the arrival of my son.
What in your simple words will be a way forward for me attain that level of clarity and confidence needed?
Osa, you don’t need to feel alone. Determining exactly what you’re passionate about takes some time and effort. When was the last time you took a few hours – or even a day – to really think about your life? How do you spend your time and how does that make you feel?
Give yourself the luxury of a day (or even a half a day) without distractions. No cell phone, no computer and see if someone can take care of your son. We’ll walk you through the steps in our book, Changing Your Course if you take the time you need to reflect on what part of your life might need a little tweaking.
Keep in touch and remember that you only need to take one teeny tiny baby step at a time.
Thank you for sharing this…I really want to do what I love but I am having a hard time. I want to start my own business, I need capital that is why I am on a job hunt. I am a graduate of B.S Accountancy here in the Philippines, but I know that accounting work is not really my passion. I want to work in a bookstore since I really love books. Right now I really want inspiration about having hope, because I really want to land a job and pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur…thank you again and God bless the both of you…
You are an inspiration. I’ve watched your show on Fine Living, and absolutely loved it…Blanchard’s Restaurant. Such a great idea. We love to travel, and want to travel more. We just got married in Cuba after almost 15 years of being together. We are already thinking of our next trip! I think there is more to life, and want to get out and see more. Would love to visit your restaurant…you never know. You guys are doing a wonderful job!
Congratulations Trish! We’ve always wanted to visit Cuba. Someday…
Thanks for your kind words. If travel continues to be your passion, we can tell you’ll figure out a way to make it an integral part of your life. Your energy and enthusiasm come through loud and clear. Wonderful!!!
Let us know if you ever come to Anguilla.
My husband watched the Today show this morning talking about Anguilla…he went to research it more. Then I came across a reference to your book, “A Trip to the Beach”. It looked familiar, and it is a book my husband got four years ago and never finished reading. I think this is meant to be that we discovered you…we have been on a journey to find what and where we want to do and be in life. We feel like we need to “reinvent” ourselves…a daunting task it seems at 40 years old (my husband at 50). We feel we are (and have been told by others) adventurous…so could easily pack up. Somehow Anguilla called to us, now even more after perusing your book (again). Any advice about living and working (starting a business) in Anguilla? Coincidence or fate?…We’re trying to figure that out now.
For us, living and working in Anguilla is just about as perfect as can be. Like anywhere, of course, there are pros and cons, but we wouldn’t trade our life for anything at all. If Anguilla is calling you, come on down and take a look around. That’s your first step!
To Mel and Bob. My husband Brian and I are are in Anguilla on vacation and dined at your restaurant 2 nights ago where I picked up a copy of your book – A Trip To The Beach. I’m amazed at your bravery, ambition (in a healthy way), and your desire to live your life through authnticity and fierce courage. You are both an inspiration. Thank you for a wonderfully romantic dinner which I know we’ll do again and for sharing your story of building your dream life in Anguilla.
With the upmost respect,
Joan
Joan & Brian, we’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your evening at Blanchards and thank you for your kind words. Living an honest, authentic life does indeed take courage at times but to us, the choice is clear. When you spend your time doing something you’re passionate about, every day has purpose and meaning. We’d love to hear more about your own dreams and passions when you have a chance. Thanks for taking the time to post a note on our blog!