Who are the most successful people in your field. Would it be possible to write, call, email them, or meet with them, ask for their advice? Could you learn more about their path by reading articles about them? How did they get where they are? Any patterns you could follow? What are they doing that you are not?

The best thing i ever did for my career was asking fascinating, interesting people about their passion for their work. I learned more from their stories than i ever did from any book about entrepreneurship.  I picked up on their love for what they did, their enthusiasm and their energy. Passion is contagious, and the advice you can glean is great. Brainstorm with others for ideas on how to get where you want to go.

Are you worried that the path others have taken no longer exists, or that they somehow had it easier? I bet there is someone who made it to where you want to go with fewer resources than you have, and greater obstacles. Read their stories. Talk to them and get ideas. More than that, get fired up!

ACTION TIME

One way to make your career plan (once you have a goal in mind) is to do a simple Q&A:

Question:  What would it take to reach my goal?

Answer: Specific things you will need to be, do, have and share.

Action: Action steps you will take.

Acknowledge: Monitor your progress with benchmarks and deadlines.

Adjust: If your plan is not working, ask a better question.