You are really getting tired of the 9 to 5 “rat race” and are thinking about chucking it for your own business. All your friends keep telling you that you could do for yourself exactly what you are doing for your boss now. Why shouldn’t you profit from your ideas instead of your boss?

You keep thinking about it because you know that you will never be financially where you want to be with a monthly paycheck. The question is: What business would you start?

Before you pack in that weekly paycheck, it is time to evaluate yourself and your future and it is going to take some real honesty. If you want to change your life for the better, the following are some tips on how you can start.

Did you know that you have the potential to do and be anything you want? People have different perceptions of the ideal life, and it can range from obtaining financial freedom to something as simple as owning a new pair of sneakers. Unfortunately, many fail to reach their aspirations because they cannot create a solid, clear picture in their minds of what they want.

Over the next few days, embark on a fact-finding journey that will be a life-changing experience. Get a pad and pencil and work on the following:

First things first, KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT.  Be specific in your passions then focus all your efforts on that particular desire.

Remember that people who always change their minds and who give up easily when the going gets tough will never get anywhere. If you don’t really know what you really want in life, start by answering these questions:

1. What makes your heart beat with excitement?
2. What makes you happy?
3. What are you constantly thinking of day and night?
4. What do you want to do with the rest of your life?
5. What do you enjoy doing?
6. What are your obsessions?
7. What things make you jump for joy?

Write down all your possible answers to the above questions. Write down everything, no matter how silly or unimportant it seems. Put all your desires on paper that answers any of the above questions.

When you are done, go back and circle five to seven items that interest you the most. Then evaluate and choose with your heart, not your mind, the one and only thing worthy to spend all your time and resources on and that brings out the best in you.

Now you may have something like, “I want to be a number one tennis player like Roger Federer.” If you are 30, chances are this is not going to happen. However, you could do something related to tennis or sports if that is where your passions lies - like starting a sports publication, a sporting goods retail business, sports memorabilia business, or even a gym. You can also read books and surf the net to help you in your search.

The most important thing to remember, no matter how impossible or unlikely it appears, is to USE YOUR HEART. Even if others disagree with you, be firm with what you really want. You can take comments or advice from others, but always make the final decision yourself. It’s your life, so concentrate on what you want, not what others want.

Remember you only get one shot at living your life. There are no replays and you don’t get to do it over. You may not do it right, but at least you’re doing it. Too many lives have been lived in quiet desperation waiting until – until they had saved a nest egg, until the children are out of school, until I retire – and they depart this life before “until” ever arrives.

Don’t go to sleep tonight without making a decision on WHAT YOU REALLY WANT IN LIFE MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. Then spend a few days evaluating how to make it possible and make a living out of it. Begin living every day as if it were the last day you had – never leaving anything to be done next week, next month, or next year.

There will always be bills, things will always break down eventually and need replacing, there may be storms and earthquakes and repairs – but there will only be one life for you to live. It can’t be put on “hold”! The final outcome of your efforts may be in the future, but you will be living each day by taking steps toward that outcome.