PDo you believe you can truly shine in your work environment if you're performing work that you don't like? Probably not unless you find something about your work that you enjoy. I progressed in several careers because I had a high expectation of myself. But I didn't truly shine until I founded my own business. I'm not suggesting that you go into business for yourself. I am suggesting that you find work you love.

PEighty percent of people are not satisfied with their work and want a more meaningful life. We're confused. We know we should be doing something else but, instead of meaningful changes, we revert to "fixing" the problem as fast as possible or staying in our current job and ending up in the familiar, though unfulfilling, situation. The positive alternative - self-evaluation: determining what we really want, then going after it.

PRecently, I did just that. Though I still have my business in Houston and I love it as much as ever, I'm ready to create another business. I attended a four-day intensive at The Life Purpose Institute in career consulting.

PFern Gorin, the founder, formulated a powerful and unique process to assist individuals in clarifying a career that would allow them to express their unique gifts and talents. With focused intent, she founded The Life Purpose Institute in 1984. Since then over 10,000 people have gone through the process and have been able to make positive life and career changes.

PDuring the four-day process, we learned a great deal about ourselves. It changed my life. Several "aha's" literally opened my eyes to the underlying reasons for blocks I'd been experiencing. It's doubtful that I would have uncovered these on my own.

PHow did I end up in this workshop? A few months ago, I was browsing through New Age Magazine and saw their ad in the Classified section. It intrigued me. The rest is history.

PThe mission of Life Purpose Institute dove-tailed so nicely with my company, Inner Sources for Change, I believed it would provide an additional service. I realize other baby boomers are in career transition, just as I've been. They've experienced career success and are now wondering, "Is that all there is?". With this question comes the process of introspection.

PUntil that question comes up, most people haven't done much introspection. Why? Because most of us are afraid we won't like ourselves. Yet, the reality is that you'll find a wonderful, thoughtful, loving person residing inside of you.

PAnother factor of career transition is that it's frightening to make such a radical change at THIS stage of life. But if not now, when? Sometimes we just need someone to hold our hand and be there to support us while we go through the process.

PIn addition to training someone to hold your hand, The Life Purpose Institute helps you clarify and focus by taking you through seven steps:

P1. Self-Exploration

PBy undertaking a thorough self-exploration, you'll discover your uniqueness and what you really want in your ideal career.

P2. Tailor-Make a Career

PTaking into account what you want and key aspects of your personality, you'll have the tools to design your career. You'll look at standard career options, as well as creative alternatives. There are plenty of career opportunities out there. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles lists over 12,000 occupations.

P3. Overcome the Blocks to Your Success

POften we have blocks and obstacles to achieving our goals. Usually a block or obstacle is a signal that you need to attend to something. These blocks can be internal feelings, such as fear of failure, fear of success, self-criticism, or self-doubt. Or, they can be external facts, such as lacking necessary business skills, a plan of action, etc.

P4. Research

PAt this stage you'll identify one to five career options that you wish to explore further. Then you gather information by reading books and meeting with people in your fields of interest. This process will help you be certain about the best career choice and help you to develop an effective plan of action.

P5. Plan of Action

PAfter researching your career options, you decide on short and long- term goals and develop a step-by-step strategy to obtain these goals.

P6. Learn to Play the Job/Business Game

PIn order to find work or develop a business, you must learn how to play the job/business game. Since only 10 percent of available jobs are listed in the want ads, learning to play the job game will greatly increase your chances of getting the job you want.

P7. Continue the Process

PClarification and achieving results is a continuing process. As you gain insights into yourself, new awareness may trigger more questions. Don't give up!!

PWhen you take these steps, you will be able to create the life of your dreams.

P(c)'99 by Aleta Pippin, founder Authentic Entrepreneuring, coaching for individuals and small business owners who want to unleash your inner power to create true success from the inside out. Take your life and your business to the next level. Visit http://www.aentrepreneur.com for more information and to sign up for your free newsletter.