How to choose among all of your love.

[Manomanman]

It's been about 6 months since my first StevePavlina.com visit.

Today, after months of searching, I was able to clearly and definitively state my primary goal in life: I want to be wealthy. By wealthy, I mean that I want to be able to do anything I want without having to ask permission. And all of the things I want to do are big, creative things.

The problem I'm facing is that I have several paths in front of me that could lead to wealth, and they all look awesome and fun and fulfilling. I can see myself doing any of these and going into a state of flow. They are as follows: 1) create and sell information products, 2) become a rock star, 3) become a game designer, 4) become a trial consultant, 5) invent true AI.

Because I would be living in alignment with my true values, and because each path contributes to society in some way, I could become wealthy doing any of these. In addition, I have had a life-long interest in each area - 1) teaching, 2) music, 3) videogames, 4) the legal system, 5) psychology. Of course, things will overlap once I get going (for example, psychology can be applied to any area, music can be created in a game, etc. etc.). But for the most part, these are specific "vehicles" to attain my goal that are each separate and distinct.

It seems like Steve had an easy time finding his specific direction once it became clear to him that "growth" and having growth experiences was his main goal and driving force. My problem is that I'm aligned with so many different core values or themes - the state of joy arising from games and music, the psychological warfare of the courtroom, the intellectual stimulation from tackling complex theoretical problems. I feel like I need to live 5 lifes just to begin satisfying all of these needs.

I touch upon each of them regularly - but I'm ready to make one of them the real deal. I've flirted with the "next level" in each - for example, I've made 1/4 of an album, written AI subroutines on paper, designed games on paper, laid out strategies for consulting, etc. etc.

Whenever I do the exercises that Steve recommends to find my "meaning in life", I always end up with something to the effect of, "Seek wisdom." Hence, I created the goal of becoming wealthy in order to put myself in a position to acquire wisdom. I've acquired a lot of wisdom, and I continue to acquire it, but it's clear that the most effective way to acquire wisdom is "to do". And the "do" has become "acquire wealth."

Given that I derive such joy from lots of different activities, how do I figure out which vehicle will most efficiently fulfill my goal of being wealthy? (And by wealthy, I mean give myself the time, money, and social connections to pursue all of my interests and ultimately gain all of the knowledge that gives my existence meaning).

-Manomanman

[Dimond]

The only way to know, is to choose one path and find out. You can always change things later. You can write out all the pros and cons of each direction you could choose, if that helps you see things more clearly. Meditating/praying on it for awhile can also give you answers. Use your intuition. And of course, lots of research, if you haven't done so yet.

Wealthy, may not be the best word to use in defining your primary goal. Sometimes the wrong word can create obstacles, even if subconsciously. Though if that word really resonates with you, maybe not in your case. Substitute ideas: unlimited abundance, successful, living passionately and authentically, etc.

Good luck.

[Manomanman]

So I came up with two approaches.

1) Focus on the one that a) plays the most to my current strengths and b) seems like it would lead to the greatest monetary gains. At that point, I can freely do everything.

2) Spread myself out among as many as I can handle and pick the one I end up "loving" the most. (This might be a good strategy, as I've never tried to financially support myself doing any of these).

Option 1 is like the pro bass fisherman who dedicate their energy to specifically catching one type of fish.

Option 2 would be a like a bobber/hook/jug type of fisherman who sets up 4 or 5 different lines and waits until a fish wanders by.

Is being a jug fisher or a bass fisher a better strategy when your goal is to be "wealthy" as I've defined it (i.e. having the means to do whatever creative work pleases you).

[Manomanman]

Originally Posted by Dimond

Sometimes the wrong word can create obstacles, even if subconsciously.

I'm very strongly aligned with the concept of wealth. It took me a long time to figure that out, but once I did, things really started clicking for me. I went from, "Maybe I'd like to do some stuff, but I'm not sure why," to, "Yep, I want to be wealthy. That would make me happy." In retrospect, it's clear to me that I always wanted wealth, but that I had mental barriers in the way that kept me from consciously realizing it.

[Dimond]

That's good. Whatever works for you, I always say.

Option 1 sounds like the smartest one. I personally prefer to go with I love the most. Guess it would depend on the time frame for #1 to work.

[Manomanman]

Update:

I've been laying out "marketing plans" for each of the different pathways, basically seeing how willing I would be to "sell myself" in each of the different areas. For example: I laid out a 1-page business plan for starting a rock band, that basically went from "recruit members" all the way through "how to make sustainable profits through the first year." I laid out only the functional details (i.e. the meat on the bones that will make it work).

I'm doing the same thing for each of my potential pathways. I've almost crossed out one of my options as a result.

I think the best approach is a mix between active and passive fishing.