1. What do you love to do? Think about your hobbies, interests, recreational and volunteer activities. Most of us enjoy doing things we are good at, so our leisure activities can be indicators of your gifts and talents.

2. Recall an event when you were so absorbed in what you were doing that you completely lost track of time. What activity were you engaged in? How did it make you feel?

3. What do you naturally do well? What actions are easy for you? (for example: writing stories, fixing things, analyzing trends, cooking, organizing events, managing money, remembering facts, teaching, envisioning new ways of being, resolving disputes, creating beauty, etc.)

4. What are five things in your life, past or present, which you are most proud of or feel were your most successful accomplishments?

5. Is there a cause, a movement, or an idea that you feel committed to and passionate about? What would you “put it all on the line” for?

6. Think of a time when you experienced a breakthrough
realization. Can you describe what you were doing and where you were when you had an “ah ha” moment?

7. Looking back over your life up to now, do you see any repeating incidents, patterns or themes? What can they tell you about what you like (or don’t like) to do with your time?

8. What do you daydream or fantasize about doing? Have you ever said, “Some day I’d like to do that?” What would that be?

9. Can you think of a time when you were watching or reading about another person’s accomplishment(s) and wished you could do that? Is there a person living or dead that you greatly admire? What do you most admire that person for?

10. Do you have a sense that you have things yet to accomplish? Try to identify those. From the perspective of being at the end of your life and looking back, what will it feel like if you never attempt to do these things? What do you still want to do in your life?

11. What are 3 things you would actually do if you knew you could not fail and money was not an issue?

12. What do you want to be remembered for? How will you have contributed to the world?

Many of us have felt this kind of restlessness in relation to our jobs and the work we do. When you feel restless, tense, or on edge at work, it may be a sign that you’re not doing work that is fulfilling to you, that you are not self-actualized. Self-actualization is achieved when we are successfully fulfilling all of our needs.

Maslow created a pyramid-shaped “Hierarchy of Human Needs;” the basic needs like breathing, food, and water are on the bottom and self-actualization is at the top. In order to be completely fulfilled, one must achieve self-actualization. When this occurs, many positive characteristics emerge. People become more accepting of themselves, more spontaneous, self-reliant, and independent. They gain a stronger sense of integrity, as well as an increased zest for life and sense of humor. Creativity and curiosity increase, self-esteem improves, and people become more altruistic, humanitarian, socially responsible, and adaptable to change.

What I find most interesting about this list is that the majority of successful entrepreneurs I know embody these traits. By stepping out of the world of traditional employment, they became more self-actualized and, in turn, more able to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship.

“If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves” – Thomas Edison

Why not consider starting your own enterprise? Use your skills and talents in a way that is not only personally satisfying but also fills a need in the marketplace. One of the advantages is the ambiguity; when you don’t know what’s coming next, you are pushed to be creative, to stretch your imagination and to live outside your “comfort zone.” If you try out an idea, a service, or product and you don’t get the results you want, you get to improvise, improve the design, or create something different. It’s wonderfully empowering to use your own skills, talents and abilities to turn an idea into a product or service that serves others and brings you income. Not ready to leave your steady job? That’s okay – you can always start a business on the side and see where it grows! Just remember to focus on thinking like an entrepreneur.

“You can do or be whatever you want in your own life. Nothing can stop you, except your own fears. Don’t blame anyone else…you have the power to make the decision. Just do it.” – Nola Diamantopoulos

“Victory always starts in the head. It’s a state of mind. It then spreads with such radiance and such affirmations that destiny can do nothing but obey.” –Douchan Gersi

In the movie we simultaneously get to view Julie’s experiences in modern day New York and Julia Child’s life during her years in France as she discovers her passion for cooking. As Americans in Paris in the 1950’s, Paul and Julia Child had a glamorous nightlife but when Paul went off to work at the embassy, Julia found herself looking for something with which to fill her days. After a few failed attempts at entertaining and educating herself, such as a hat making class which she found boring, and a bridge class with the same result, she decided to attend culinary school. Julia and her husband were enamored with the gustatory pleasures of French cuisine, and so it seemed natural that Julia would find her joy in taking classes at the renowned Cordon Bleu cooking school.

She delighted in the rigors of learning to prepare French cuisine, fearlessly attacking the tasks and holding her own in a class dominated by men. She thought about how wonderful it would be to have a cookbook in English so that “servantless” Americans could enjoy the pleasures of French cooking and collaborated with two French cooks in creating a mammoth manuscript.

Back in the states Julia Child not only got her book published but became the acclaimed “French Chef” on TV, introducing millions to the joy of boeuf bourguignon, chocolate soufflés, and the like. Julia never set out to become an entrepreneur, she simply pursued her passion and shared it with others. Similarly, Julie Powell rose to literary prominence after she was interviewed by the New York Times about her Julie/Julia project blog. Her story became a book and then a major motion picture. She has a new blog, was interviewed by Nightline (check out the clip, it has vintage footage of Julia Child!)and a second book soon to be released and isn’t working at that cubicle job anymore!

When we follow our passions, we flourish. We may find ourselves as these women did, making a living without a job.

“Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” –Howard Thurman

With the number of professionals downsized out of corporate America lately, there has been a lot of interest in self employment as a consultant. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q. How can I get started as a consultant?

A. First, identify your area of expertise. Define what services you can provide a potential employer. What problems can you solve? If you are not already recognized as an expert in your field, here are some suggestions:
- Volunteer to do a presentation at a professional organization that is interested in your subject area. For instance, I gave a presentation today to an organized job search support group on “Small Business Startup.”
- Start a blog
- Submit articles to www.ezineartlicles.com – Write a letter to the editor when you see a topic in the paper on your area of expertise.
- Get networking! Create and carry business cards at all times – you never know who you may run into that could be a great connection to a project.
- Put up a website ASAP and get into social media: Linked In, Twitter, Facebook.

Q. What form of business structure is best as a consultant, sole proprietor or limited liability company?

A. In general, I suggest the LLC as it enables you to separate out your personal assets and liabilities from what is in your business. If things go south, you don’t want someone putting a lien on your car, your house, or any other personal property. To learn more about the requirements and how to file in your state, contact your local Small Business Development Center: http://sbdcnet.org/sbdc.php . If you are in Wisconsin, go to: www.wdfi.org to file the LLC (or Inc for that matter). It’ll cost you $130 and there is a $25 annual renewal fee. You will also need to contact the IRS and obtain the Federal Employer Identification Number which will become your tax ID for your business. There is no cost for the FEIN and you can get it quickly by calling 1-800 829-4933.

Q. What tax deductions can I take working from a home office?

A. For starters, you can deduct the space within your home designated as an office. There are two ways to do this, either by the room itself or by square footage. You can also deduct mileage from your home office to wherever you conduct business with a client; their office, a coffee shop, whatever. The same goes for entertainment expenses. If you meet a prospective client over lunch, keep your receipt. Nolo.com has an excellent article: “What are some tax deductions for the self employed?” tinyurl.com/lf869b

More Q and A coming soon!

Have a topic you’d like to see a Q&A on? Email Dee [at] careerlifecoaching [dot] com

“Why is that dog so happy?”

“He’s not happy, he is appreciating.  He’s at the end of the world’s largest retractable leash, and the handle slipped out of his master’s hand and is hurtling toward him.  He’s now appreciating all the little things in life he took for granted.  It’s actually a valuable lesson.  In a way, we’re all at the end of  retractable leashes that have slipped out of our masters’ hand.”

This is a striking metaphor, and particularly pertinent to me as over the weekend, my only aunt, “Sis,” was pulled back home by the “master’s leash.”  Sis was my father’s sister, hence the nickname.  Anne, as she was known to everyone else, was an artist who lived in Greenwich Village in NYC during the heyday of the early 60′s.  In addition to being a masterful painter of modern art, she was a fabulous photographer.  Her work can be found in the pages of old Book of Knowledge encyclopedias; she is listed as the Art Editor on the cover pages of most volumes.

In the last five years of her life, Sis found great peace and serenity while living in a spiritual community with like-minded others.  She thrived there in the natural landscape of rural North Carolina, where all of the community members worked together to tend the grounds, prepare organic meals with the locally grown produce, and share in the stillness of daily meditations.  Although her health and peace of mind improved dramatically in her time there, she could not reverse congestive heart failure, and she passed away lovingly surrounded by members of her community.

I celebrate her life and will cherish the memories I hold of times we shared.  Her passing and the subtly profound comic strip remind me that we are only here until the leash retracts, and none of us knows how long it is.  Just like the dog in the strip and my aunt in her later years, we should remember to appreciate our lives.

A meditation on appreciation:

Stop whatever you are doing in this moment, close you eyes and take a breath.  Appreciate that breath, the way it feels  and the life it brings into your body.  Appreciate the health that you have.  Open your eyes and look at your surroundings.  Be grateful for what you can see and appreciate where you are.  Think of your family and friends and appreciate them for who they are and what they bring into your life.   Now come back to your breath, and appreciate who you are, and the expression of life that you bring into the world.

–in appreciation of my daughter Nicole Relyea (@nicolerelyea) for her ongoing support of my work and her wonderful editing of my writings.  – Dee

Finding fulfilling work is sort of like an Easter egg hunt.  First you look at the obvious:  what your education, skills and training qualify you to do and hope there is a match in the current market.  When there isn’t, we need to look harder.  Consider:  How might your particular set of gifts, experience, and abilities benefit others? What talents do you possess that the world needs?  Who needs your talents?  This applies whether you are seeking employment or entrepreneurship.

We often discount our gifts; things that come easily to us, as not being marketable skills.  Do you have a green thumb with plants?  Are you creative in the kitchen?  Do you tinker with cars or bikes on the weekends?  Are you a movie buff that enjoys critiquing films?  How might your interests, where your talents are often demonstrated, be applicable to the workplace? What are your transferable (non-occupational specific) skills?

I challenge you to look beyond your work history, your education, and your stated “qualifications”. Find those less obvious eggs and put them into your basket, err..search for fulfilling work.

You know that pesky inner critic that pipes in and says stuff like;  “you can’t do that because…” or “that’s a stupid idea” or “you don’t have what it takes”?  That is fear talking.  Inertia kicks in and we damp down our yearnings and convince ourselves that we are okay staying with the familiar, safe, and standard pattern of working.  (Not that it is any of those things given our current economic climate).  What if instead, we listened to the voice of our hearts, our brilliant ideas, our yearnings, and put real action into creating the career of our dreams doing work we are passionate about? 

What is one thing you can do today to support your vision of an ideal work situation?  Is it starting your own business?  Working in a non-profit?  Being an independent consultant?  Working part time and writing a book? Owning a bed and breakfast?  Being a travel photographer?  The opportunities are endless.  Just taking action in the direction of your vision can kick you out of inertia, help you overcome your resistance, and silence your inner critic (for a while anyway).  It may be two steps forward, one step back for a time but once you get some momentum going, as Dr. Seuss said; “Oh the places you’ll go!”

• Disposable mittens made from biodegradable materials in vending machines I love the idea of disposables that are environmentally friendly.  Think of all the kids playing outside, losing mittens to thrown snowballs, or on tree limbs not to mention leaving them on school buses. With a mitten machine they’d be cheaper to replace and biodegradable in the snow.  Imagine the market opportunity in places with long winters.

• Feng Shui online: Feng Shui has been gaining popularity for years, particularly with creative and healing arts facilities.  Imagine being able to upload your floor plan and other details and get input on how to layout your space and color your walls?  I know of an accounting firm in MN that said having their offices feng shui-ed increased their profit margin!  Do you know where your wealth corner is?

• Herbal Flavored Gum: This one in my personal favorite! I suspect there are some currently on the market but what about adding ingredients containing health producing properties?  Along with the gum, introduce an alternative medicine or homeopathic online service that diagnoses your ailment and gives you the proper corresponding alternative treatment.

To view the entire list of interesting and sometimes wacky business ideas go to: http://www.sixmonthmba.com/2009/02/999ideas.html “Hamster Burial Kits and 998 Other Business Ideas”

I’d love to hear your ideas!  Please share them with readers in your comments below. No idea is too small or too outrageous.  Just remember the fortune made with patenting Silly Putty!

Dee  dee@careerlifecoaching.com

There are some terrific sites out there to help you get the gray matter moving.  One I frequently suggest is www.springwise.com .   They have 8000 or so spotters who “scan the globe looking for smart new business ideas delivering instant inspiration to entrepreneurial minds”.  What is so great about this is that many of the ideas that have been put into action are from Europe and Asia.  (Meaning that maybe no one stateside has thought of it yet). For instance, I recall a story of a clever enterprise using coin operated/card powered stationary bikes to charge cell phones at music festivals in England.  The attendees waited in line, cash/card in hand to jump on the bikes getting some exercise and the ability to text their buddies at the same time.  After the concert the guys simply packed up the bikes and moved on to the next venue.  Brilliant!

Need some ideas?  Check out Springwise.  And if you find some other interesting sites, please post them in comments to share ‘em.   

Dee