If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!

I want to do something different.... but I'm not sure what.

Have you ever said these words?

Well here's an idea that may help you figure out what will make you happy in the workplace. Write your own story! That's right, think about all the things you love to do and create the ideal script for your life.

Start with a serious brainstorming session. What pushes your buttons? What really excites you? It's been said that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life ... or words to that extent. There's even a best selling book called Do what you love and the money will follow ...

Think about the daily tasks and responsibilities you enjoy and write your own job description. Let your imagination run wild! Also think about your ideal work environment. Close your eyes and picture it. Are you in a glass and steel skyscraper surrounded by suits, or in a converted warehouse, sitting on the beanbag in the break out area patting the company dog?

What are your co-workers like? Is it a small, friendly, informal team? Are you a small cog in a large corporate wheel? Or maybe you're running your own company.

How does your future to look? Are you getting excited thinking about it? Now I'm not guaranteeing that everything will happen in real life exactly as it does in your story but don't underestimate the power of visualisation. This exercise will help you see your authentic self. It is a great analytical tool - when career opportunities arise in the future ask yourself how close they are to the story you've created. If it doesn't feel, right steer clear! But if there are synergies then go for it!

Image courtesy of: marsi