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There are many people who don’t know what they want in life and it is especially difficult to know what you want when it comes to looking for jobs. You need to choose a career path that most of the time you aren’t ready for. It’s difficult isn’t it? Do you find yourself asking the question “what do I really want?” a few times a year?

Here are six steps you can take to help you get some answers:

1. Take the time or a moment to think about what you want. Don’t judge yourself too soon with thoughts like: I cannot do this or this path isn’t for me. Even if your ideas are not realistic to begin with, you need to take them seriously. Try to find out what you really like, stripped from all external influences like friends, family and colleagues. Let go of your fears and start thinking about your ideal career or “dream job”; more often than not if you do what you love and are passionate about you’ll be successful.
2. Formulate your career wishes in a positive way. People are strange creatures because we tend to think about negative aspects in life before we consider the positive ones. So try to think positively  – what do I want? Would you like to meet people through work and I like to travel for instance. Or would you like to do something hands-on where you can see the results of your hard work on a daily basis? Try to block negative thoughts and feelings and use a positive approach. Try to think about what you really want!!
3. If you find formulating career ideas a difficult task, start with small aspects. Some people are not used to thinking about themselves first so then it is better to start off with the smaller details that interest you about certain jobs. For example: I would like to cut someone’s hair; or I would love to see what work on a farm is like; or I would love to spend a day at the office to see what goes on.
4. Don’t be too modest. If you are ready for it and you know what you want, don’t hesitate. Rather, be confident that you can achieve what you set your mind to. No matter how challenging that job may be. It is very important to convince yourself that you can do it. Many people hold themselves in due to a wide range of aspects, most of the time to do with their environment. You should keep in mind that your friends and family wants you to be happy so they will support you eventually… and it is your life!
5. Take yourself seriously. Don’t let go of dreams or your future, because others don’t believe in it or don’t support you. Try to develop your own career path and make sure thinking about it makes you happy. If you still receive mixed feelings than it is probable not the right one so dig deeper. Remember clearly; it is your life, so live it your way!
6. Look for others that have gone out on a limb and chased their career dreams. They may be famous or just the guys next door, but they are simply people you admire for following their dreams. Keep them in mind at each stage of your career – this will help you get through some of the challenging times in your career.

Never one to quash a career dream, still remember to always be realistic. Think about the skills and personality traits you possess e.g. are you a good problem solver? Then maybe you’d make a good mechanic. Or are you a social person that likes to talk to people? Then maybe you’d make a good hairdresser.

It is always good to think about where you would like to be in say 5 years time. Many career paths are exactly that – a path – be prepared to do things you don’t like or don’t find all that interesting as it is all these little steps that will get you to where you want to be. Chasing that career dream and turning it into reality is all a matter of confidence, working hard and maintaining focus on your ultimate goal.