If you're reading all this thinking, "Hallelujah! Sign me up for it all!" I suggest writing what I call a future diary post — one that's dated a year from now.
Write that diary post as if you just had the perfect day. What happened when you woke up? What did you smell, say, do? What did you do that day for work? Who did you see? Did you travel or stay close to home? What was your interaction with your family like?
Write this diary post in a way that feels only about 50% accurate. This is important because it ensures you don't just chase what you think is possible. Instead, you start to define the impossible life. (Hint: It's not at all impossible.)
I've written two of these future diary posts in the last two years. I'm now working on my third version, because most of the others have already come true. For example, one of my future diary posts said I'd recorded a podcast episode with my friend, Nicole, and then gone out for drinks. Today, we do cohost a podcast and we frequently drink while we're recording. What can I say? Sometimes real life exceeds your plans!
Not only does this future-journaling technique help you define your own "top," it helps bring that top your way through the power of manifestation. Manifestation is a slightly woo-woo technique that is taught by nearly every coach out there. Why? Because it works.
For me, this has meant that I no longer simply dream in my head. Instead, I now write what I call a "future diary," which is a written account one year in the future as if I'm already living out my dream. This has made a profound impact on my life. I now spend every day taking simple steps that ensure I achieve the future that is so clearly laid out in front of me.
Once you know what your top is — what will bring you the most joy — start by taking one step toward it. And then another. And another.
I couldn't be happier that I ditched the job that I thought looked good on paper and created my own, new version that doesn't just look good — it feels fantastic.
Erin Hatzikostas is a former corporate CEO turned career coach, speaker, and podcast host. She is the founder and CEO of b Authentic inc. She's on a mission to help people rise in their career, without compromise and is hell-bent on doing that by empowering more authenticity in the workplace. You can listen to her offbeat career podcast, b CAUSE with Erin & Nicole, or you can start pumping up your career with her free guide, "10 Simple Steps to a Rich Career."