Take a look at your past life as if it were a world away, in another dimension. What things worked for you, and what things did not? What did you do that helped you to succeed? What lessons did you learn from past missteps? If you retrace your steps this way, there are clues about what will work in the future. As the saying goes, “If you keep doing what you have always done, you keep getting what you have always gotten.” That doesn’t mean you should throw the baby out with the bathwater.  Keep doing what you always done that has worked. But take a dispassionate look at your life and career. Be honest about the areas you are unhappy with. Don’t worry about blame. Just try to see where it went wrong so you can find ways to go right in this life.

•  Write your life story from beginning (looking back) to end (as if you are very old and have already achieved all the things you want).
•  What is something that makes you say to yourself (and others), ‘I will never do that again?” (I’m not talking about a hangover).
• List five boneheaded things you can remember doing. Now list five things you did well in the past. Which list came faster? Which was easier to compile?
• Look at your past life and ask yourself these questions: What do I wish I had done but did not do? What have I always wanted to do but never got around to doing?
• What are your most powerful memories from childhood, teenage years, and adulthood? Take a close look at the three memories. What do they have in common? What are the circumstances, the people involved, the tasks you were performing, the setting, the time of year?
• List your most rewarding life experiences (paid and unpaid). Are you still engaging in these activities? If not. why not? How can you bring these things back into your life?
• It is important to appreciate all the things you have and all the things you are. The more you appreciate all the things you have going for you, the more you love life. Start small: your work, a place to live, money in the bank, people who love you.
• Describe yourself as a cross between two celebrities.
• Write your own autobiography, or compile a collage or video of your past accomplishments.
• Draw yourself in your picture – perfect day. Put in as much detail as you can. Spend some time and thought on this one. Then pin it up where you’ll see it often. This is where you want to live your future life. This is where you’re going.
• Take a snapshot of your life today. Do you like what you do for a living? Are you happy? Are you using your talents? Are you able to create? Do you enjoy waking up on weekday morning? Is it good to be home?
• Do you have enough money? Do you have a goal for the future?

This is hard work. But no matter how you do this, you must do it honestly. Learn to dream aloud. It is the only way to make those dreams come true.