Career
Middle Aged man Career Search Part 2
By Career Writer
Aug 13, 2008 - 9:03:15 PM

So what do you want now that you are all grown up.

Here is an exercise to get those brain cells going.  In these next three exercises, get a notebook....yes a notebook because on this journey you want to keep a notebook so you don't have pieces of paper all over the place.

Okay now get a good pen.  What I want you to do is answer these questions.  Just write whatever comes to your mind.  The key is to keep writing.  Look at the clock in the corner of your screen.  When you write, write for 1 minute non-stop.

Ok... the first question I want you to write about is:

If I knew I could not fail, what would I want to do for the next 5 years?  Start writing for 1 full minute non stop.

When you are done, read what you wrote as is.

Now, answer this next question by making a list on a clean page.  You have one minute.  At the top of the page, write Assets.   Okay ready?

Write down in a list all your skills that you have - I mean anything you can do from I can drive a car, I can speak english, I can type 20 words per minute, I can teach aerobics, I can cook....all the way to I can balance books, I can create webpages, I have a bachelors of science, I have a high school diploma...write down anything that is an asset.  Go...for 1 minute.

Ok now read this list to yourself.  Jot down anymore you think of.

Is there any connection between what you would do if you knew you could not fail?  I am sure there is.  If you cannot see any connection look deeper.  What asset did you not list.  Did you think of all your assets.  Who are you?  Have you raised kids?  What challenges have you overcome?

Sit and think about this.  If I could not fail....What are my assets....

Now the next question I want you to write about for 1 minute is What am I afraid of?  No explanation on this one...just start writing.  What am I afraid of?

Here is the next question.  Get ready. 1 minute.  Who are my allies?  People that will support me as I go forward.   Who will give me advice, just listen, may be even connect me with an opportunity?  Who will challenge me?  Most importantly who is on my side...my team?  Go, list them all out.   You can even write God.

Okay, now read it all back in order.

Once you are done.  Sit straight in your chair, close your eyes and breathe naturally.  Relax your shoulders and once you feel relaxed, create a picture in your mind of yourself five years from now.  You have arrived 5 years later having succeeded at what you had written.  Sit with it as long as you need to, become aware of the sounds, the smell, what you here....who is in your life...what you are doing...then think about how you got there...how you perservered...how you smile with fond memories.  If you feel yourself judging what you see or becoming cynical, just let that feeling go, just let it go.

Once you are ready to move forward.  Just open your eyes.

Are you done?  Now date all the pages you just wrote on.  These are your Hero Journey notes.