Either you love what you are doing or you don’t. So where’s the opportunity to land what you really want?

Our parents raised us to think, “Where’s the opportunity?” But with the skill set that you have, you shouldn’t be shifting to hot industries that don’t interest you. Focus on what you really are. I wonder how many of those dotcoms that survived did so because the founders’ goal wasn’t only the quick buck; they had passion for the work they did. The opportunity already lies within you. The challenge, of course, is finding that ability and fostering it.

Focus on qualities that you already have

I think that the opportunity is right here. Instead of focusing on what’s next in your life, try thinking about what you have right now. What avenue of your life do people come to you for help and advice? I think that you can find a niche here.

My good friend dislikes his job and doesn’t find his situation fulfilling. (I think we can all relate.) He started to think about how he’d really prefer to spend his time creating wealth. He’s taken his skill set of electronic know-how to other people to present his ideas, and now his thoughts are fostering into a business plan. The opportunity is already within him. His specific target has shifted at least a dozen times, and he’s made some mistakes along the way. Yet each shift seems to make him happier.

Happiness is what counts. People don’t win at business because they hate what they do. People make money when they engage themselves and create a service/product that engages hearts and minds of their clients.

Shift your focus to where you want to be

If you can shift your focus from what you have to do to what you really want to do, I think you’ll find a spark within yourself. You’ll be the envy of your friends. How many of them love what they do? Doing only something that you hate is ridiculous in today’s society. No one is requiring you to be a 10th generation blacksmith. You have the opportunity to choose your career, and more importantly, the opportunity to choose your purpose.

See yourself changing… in the wrong direction?

Before I started working from 9 to 5, I recall being more enjoyable person. Have you noticed a negative transformation in yourself that accompanies your dream to liftoff? That “real world experience” hoopla is important. But how much of it?

Some experts say that a successful startup needs $10,000 to get off of the ground. So should you and I start pushing ourselves a little harder so that we can fund our ideas? You know, pay our dues?

Gaining the financial ability to walk away from our current situation seldom results in walking away. Like I said, work changes you. Money changes you even more. You’ll become so attached to the situation that you realize the sacrifices of starting your dream aren’t worth it. You don’t want to dump that security. Living on less is scary.

You have to find a balance between escaping the situation you’re in and doing what you love. Are you devoting yourself to the greatest good of all? Of yourself? Your vision of becoming something more can drive you to work harder. The drive won’t give you the vision, though. Focus on what you want to be.

You can’t achieve anything if you’re just standing still.