· Am I utilizing these natural means described above for becoming clear within yourself?

· If not, what is preventing me from doing so?

· Am I lacking the tools or techniques for career clarification?

· What fears, beliefs or other limiting factors might be getting in my way of discovering and knowing the truth for myself?

· Am I struggling to resolve this by myself?

· Would it help to receive the input of someone experienced in this area? There are many people today who can help you. They are skilled career and life coaches who create breakthroughs for people like you all the time.

There are many things that often get in the way of people knowing what they want. For example, some people hold on to the viewpoint (and the fear) that they will never be able to make money doing what they love. As a result, they unconsciously stop themselves from even attempting to know what it is they truly love. Their lack of clarity in turn perpetuates the cycle of being unmotivated, confused and stuck in a job that is unsatisfying. We often see people like this spending the best years of their life unhappy and in dead end jobs. Ultimately, this prevents them from ever attaining the level of success and fulfillment they truly want and deserve. Does this sound familiar?

By virtue of the fact that you are reading this, it is time for you to take a close look at what is standing in the way of knowing what you want. You can begin by writing down all that you do know about the life you want and also where you're still unclear. Wherever possible, formulate questions in areas where you are having difficulty. Even better, ask a friend to ask you questions which will help you determine where you are stuck. If you're not sure who to ask or simply don't have resources available, consider getting someone to coach you.

Step 3: Tools for Gaining Clarity

Analytical Assessment consists of exercises that identify your interests, skills and values. This systematic identification is basic to any career assessment and is highly recommended as a good place to begin your journey.

Perhaps you have always been intrigued by some area but never studied it in school because you felt it was impractical or because you were lacking in some ability or talent. Well, now is a good time for you to open your mind to these areas and discover the potential they have for you. You will have plenty of opportunity later to identify the income potential of these interests but do not let your beliefs about this deter you.

Creative Assessment methods allow you to include "right brain" skills such as imagination, intuition and creativity in the clarification process. Some examples are visualization and creative writing exercises. One of the most powerful of the creative assessment techniques is called Clarity Dialogue. It is an interactive technique done with two or more people that allow you to clarify just about anything in your life. It's fun, creative and VERY revealing.

How do you do a Clarity Dialogue? You simply ask questions in a fashion that bring about discoveries and insights. Clarity Dialogue sessions are directed by a friend or a guide or coach. The idea is to unravel your interests more and more and discover what is really the passion underneath it all. After going through several Clarity Dialogues you will have gained tremendous insights about what you love! You will also see how you unknowingly have placed barriers in your path and how to remove them.

Step 4: Learning to Live Life Passionately

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.