To figure out what you like to do and get someone to pay you for doing it-that’s the goal. Get focused by taking some quiet time to complete the worksheet below. Don’t dwell on each question or over-think each answer. Simply jot down any idea that comes to you, no matter how ridiculous it may sound. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can. A few days later, review the worksheet to see if you can come up with any additional ideas.
Once you have assessed your strengths, interests, passions, and assets, you can search for careers that seem appropriate. Start with your local Yellow Pages, looking up words from your answers or about which you feel strongly. Find businesses that might interest you, and start researching! Don’t get discouraged if your search doesn’t pan out right away: remember, a chicken doesn’t stop scratching just because worms are scarce.
Your Strengths
| Things that people frequently compliment or praise me for: |
| Things that people ask me to help with or do for them: |
| Things people have told me that I ought to get paid for doing: |
| Things I’ve always thought were my “hidden talents” |
Your Interests
| Things I enjoy most: |
| Things I would still do even if I won the lottery: |
| Things I have always wanted to do: |
| Things I do in my spare time: |
Your Passions
| Things that I’ve overcome that others struggle with: |
| Things that bother me deeply: |
| Things I know I could do a better way: |
| Things I could do to make the world a better place: |
| Things I am inspired to do: |
Your Assets
| Things I have done as a job or volunteer, or through general life experience: |
| Things I have education or training to do: |
| Things I could do based on whom I know: |
| Things I could do based on equipment, facilities, property, or other possessions I own: |
