| Start by asking yourself some specific questions. Keep | | | | "getting into college" would have been the choice you |
| a record of your answers in a notebook or journal. | | | | made if it hadn't been expected of you. Would you |
| Here are 10 questions to begin your journey and | | | | have preferred to learn a trade had it been an |
| remember, YOU will always be a WORK IN | | | | acceptable choice? What moments of triumph did you |
| PROGRESS. | | | | have as a child? |
| 1) If you could do anything you want to tomorrow, | | | | 7) What will you regret not doing in your life if you |
| what would it be? | | | | continue as you are now? |
| The answer should not be something that is an | | | | 8) What do you want people to say about you after |
| escape from what you ordinarily would be doing, but in | | | | you are no longer living? What is your legacy? |
| more positive terms of a true dream. | | | | 9) What do you want to do when you retire? |
| 2) What are your core values? | | | | 10) Outside of parents who influenced your life more |
| Core values became yours in childhood and you would | | | | than anyone else; who had an impact on your life and |
| not be you if you did not respect those. Make a list | | | | what was it about that person that meant something |
| and then pare it down to the 5 that speak to you most | | | | to you? |
| strongly. | | | | The next step is to put self knowledge into action. |
| 3) What are your special talents? | | | | That means you begin planning your life based on |
| 4) What do you do better than most people you | | | | what you know about yourself. You notice if WHAT |
| know? | | | | you do, act, behave, work, and make choices are in |
| 5) What were your dreams as a child? | | | | sync with WHO you are. It is complex because we |
| If you have trouble remembering, go back and look at | | | | are all influenced by the outside world to make the |
| early photographs. Notice details to jog your memory. | | | | choices we do. |
| 6) What is the thing you are most proud of | | | | In the immortal words of Joseph Campbell, "Follow |
| accomplishing in your life so far? | | | | your bliss." |
| If you are tempted to answer "getting into college" or | | | | When you know yourself and act in accordance, the |
| "passing the bar", ask yourself something more | | | | path becomes clear. |
| personal and unique. For example, ask yourself if | | | | |