When you think about what you want to do in life, you know that it is something that you both excel at and love doing. However, this is easier said than done in many cases.

Previously, we have discussed identifying gaps and becoming an expert in your industry to help turn your passion into a startup business. But doing your research and due diligence isn't always enough to escape from your day job or turn that unusual degree into something unexpected. 

To transform what you love doing into a strongly reputable and profitable business in 2023, you need to create a clear and strategic roadmap to guide your way and, if required, create a new passion for getting started.

The following three tips will provide you with a starting point in creating your dream job in the new year.

1. Stay cautious but optimistic

While having a passion for what you do is a great career goal, it is essential to realize that the path to success will not be easy. There will be times this year when you will want to give up, so persistence and hard work will be vital to succeeding now and in the future.

Recognize that finding your passion and turning it into a business isn't simply asking, "What do I love doing more than anything else?" It is also about understanding your mission and how that will transform your consumers' lives.

When you are cautiously optimistic about what you will be able to achieve now, and in the future, you are more likely to set yourself up for success rather than feeling you are on the wrong track.

2. Use your current expertise to build a solution

I once worked with the Founder and CEO of Zelus Sports, Inc., Scott Schultz, who found his inspiration from both his work in the healthcare industry and deciding to train for an upcoming marathon. Schultz leveraged those two experiences to help others avoid unnecessary health problems.

He said as an ER physician who had seen a college football player die from heat illness, he knew to be careful when training for his own marathon. He understood the best way to prevent heat stroke was to know the wet bulb globe temperature.

After a lot of research, he realized that the WBGT reading could be accurately calculated from standard weather data, and he could make it available to everyone. By focusing on a common problem and using his unique insights from his current career, Schultz built something new and changed countless lives.

Similarly, we all have insights that are explicitly tied to our life experiences. That being the case, it's our shared responsibility to correctly identify how these experiences and insights might help change the world for the better.

3. Build the right support system

There are several reputable organizations available that seek to help startup companies, entrepreneurs, and small business leaders hit the ground running. Likewise, you have numerous online and personal resources at your fingertips.

Do your research to see what local and state opportunities are available, whether with the US Small Business Administration or working at an area coworking space. 

These resources provide valuable development opportunities, whether creating a business plan, finding financial lending assistance, market research help, or regulatory guidance. Meanwhile, coworking spaces provide you with a work environment with additional resources and access to other business leaders in your community.

Once you have started turning your passion into a business, you will want to enlist your personal and professional networks across social media, your business website, and other digital platforms. This will give you a constant communication and sales platform in which you have complete control at all stages of your business.

Harnessing Intrinsic Motivation for Personal Success

There are few things more refreshing than waking up with purpose and passion. The old adage still stands: "Find what you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life."

Of course, passion alone won't get you anywhere. However, by being cautious, leaning into your expertise, and patiently building a solid platform for your work, you can lose track of time as you make your living...simply because you sincerely enjoy what you do.

Inc