You've heard the expression, "Do what you love and the money will follow." For many this means they'll have to jump from one career to another or that they'll have to fire their boss and start their own business. Of those who decide to venture out on their own, few get clear about their purpose or their passion. Most pursue this endeavor backwards. They have a need -- more money -- so they follow the money. 

Terri Zwierzynski who works with and markets solo-entrepreneurs through www.Solo-E.com warns against this flipped order of priorities, "If you've chosen your business because you read that this niche was the next hot one, or because your favorite uncle (or your best friend) thinks you'd be well-suited for this business, you may as well pack up now and save yourself some time and money. 

Are You Clear About What You Love to Do?

Most people have no clue what they love to do. They spend the majority of their lives stuck in jobs that bring decent incomes but little joy. In the day-to-day grind they don't have time to fully explore and decide what brings them happiness. They think that starting a business or switching careers will magically provide the solution. The danger is that if you don't get clear about your passion, you could easily create another "job" that is no more satisfying than the career you left.

How Do You Know What You Love?

 For example, I love to see and be a part of creating transformation whether it's transforming a neighborhood, a house, a business or someone's life. I get excited about the various facets of life and business that I'm involved with including real estate investing, coaching, and speaking because they all allow me to be creative and be a part of transformation. It's not that you are necessarily looking at first for the job or the industry that fits you; it's first looking for that common thread that brings you joy. Then seek jobs, industries or businesses that allow you to live your passion."

Terri Zwierzynski of Solo-e.com says, "You'll know what your passion is when you find yourself being incredibly productive, forgetting the time passing by, and not being able to wait to get up in the morning to do more!" 

Stephanie Chandler, author of From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, eBooks and Information Products and other infopreneur titles, explains how she came to discover what she loves doing: "To live a truly joyous life, find a way to make money doing what you love to do. For example, I'm a writer. When I left my high-stress job in the Silicon Valley in 2003, I planned to write novels and articles for women's magazines. Then I discovered my passion for all-things-small-business. I have since written countless articles and numerous books on business and marketing topics. I speak about business on the radio and at business conferences. I teach classes and educate readers through my website www.BusinessInfoGuide.com . 

"If you had asked me ten years ago if I would love writing about business topics, I would have laughed. But the fact is that I wake up every day looking forward to running my business. I never felt that way in corporate America. So my advice is to think outside the box when figuring out what you want to do with your life. Take what you love to do and become a consultant, trainer, author or whatever! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and the rewards are incredible." 

How Do You Make the Change?

If you've spent your life in a joyless career and you're thinking of making a radical change to pursue what you love doing, Sandy Reed, the Soulpreneur's Coach of www.SoulpreneurSuccessStrategies.com, specifically works with people such as yourself. She helps you create a career that satisfies you at a soul level. If you're looking at making a career leap, Sandy suggests you consider the following:

Timing is important. "What compels you to live fully and passionately? If you can't find your truth, then the time may not be right to make a drastic change in your life. Making changes at the wrong time can lead to stress; and stress robs you of your peace, good health, and well being. In my life, I have found that anything that feels stressful is not a right decision. If you already feel physically ill and overly stressed, anxious, nervous, and unable to function at your full capacity, consider waiting and reevaluating the changes you're considering. The time may be right at a later date. 

Take it one step at a time. Drastic changes are difficult to undo. It may be best to take baby steps on the way to your re-creation. If it's a career change, you may need to take a vacation and spend part of it 'walking in someone's shoes' who is already doing what you think you want to do. There is nothing like the education of actually doing the work of your aspired profession. There are resources on the internet that offer 'career tryouts,' which would place you in a volunteer internship lasting 1 to 30 days. This would allow you to be a silent observer or active participant, depending on your level of skills and courage. 

Be willing to face and embrace the unknown. Trying to look too far ahead may keep you right where you are. If I had known what was ahead of me, I'm not sure I would have made the decisions I made. I would have missed out on my new life that holds all the unlimited possibilities of freedom and abundance."

Recap

• Follow your passion, not your pocketbook. 
• Pay attention to the themes that thread through your life . . . the assorted activities that bring you joy. What keeps coming up for you? Now look for careers and businesses that help you follow your passion. 
• Time flies when you're having fun. You'll know you've found your passion when you're in the zone, are incredibly productive, and can't wait to get to work. 
• Be willing to explore and think outside the box. Be adaptable. What you start out doing may veer into other venues and formats. 
• Wait until you're clear about your purpose and passion and then act when you feel at peace. 
• Be willing to step into the darkness. Don't wait for all the answers or a clear path to appear. Take the leap and trust your instincts.