For most of us, what we do now is NOT what we set out to do. I’ve mentioned my long history of roles that have brought me to my happy place here today. My dad loves his job in food sales but has his degree in criminal justice. And you, what did you used to do?

My chiropractor wanted to be a surgeon. So there he was, in med school, shadowing surgeon after surgeon and they all told him this:

“Don’t become a surgeon.”

Wait, what? Exactly what my doc wondered too. Here’s why: “If you want a hobby, family time, or to do anything but live and breathe surgery,” they said, “don’t get into this profession.”

Doctor Kyle shadowed 10 different surgeons who all said the same thing. He took a look at his passions and dreams, realized surgery just wasn’t on the top of the list, and switched gears into chiropractic. After several years of running his own business, marrying the love of his life, and playing with his kids on a daily basis, my dear chiro will tell you himself that it was the best decision he ever made.

Now, there are two lessons here. Ready for them?

1) Seek advice of those who came before you.

2) Don’t devote your life to something you don’t really want. In a major way.

Summer jobs, internships, shadow shifts, apprentice gigs. We all did them in one way or another. These short term glimpses at your potential long term reality are dropped into our lives for a reason. Ask questions, take notes, really LISTEN. Your lesson is right in front of you.

And, when you are ready to take a deep long swim in that passion pool, be sure the water temperature is just right. And that you know how to swim. It might be the doggy paddle, but you have to at least tread water in order to hang out in the deep end.

Your life, career, health, love doesn’t just happen to you. Go out and seek it.

xo