What did you want to be when you grew up?

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When we were little, people would ask us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Seemed like a simple question. Our imaginations run wild….Doctor, Lawyer, Cowboy, Ninja, Fireman (or woman), Superhero, Official Ice Cream Taster. Nothing was off-limits.

Well, I was one of those odd kids. I never knew. I knew only one thing. I wanted to be successful.  I had no idea how, or what it looked like (other than visions of lots of money) but I never knew what I would be doing.

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In my senior year when kids were deciding on college and what career paths to take. I was still at a loss. Being in honor’s classes, I was with all the kids who had their whole futures plotted out as lawyers, doctor’s, etc. These kids knew what they wanted and what schools they wanted to go to. They had it all mapped out.  Not me. `

I had no idea. I waited till school was almost out to even apply for schools. When I was accepted, I was like “now what”?  And much to my mother’s dismay, I chose not to go at the last-minute. I couldn’t imagine committing to four more years of school when I was clueless as to what was next. Like many kids, I decided to head out into the big bad world, with only my passion for excelling at what I do. I didn’t know what I would do, I just knew I would rock whatever it was.

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So I set out on my path to success. Unsure of what I would be when I grew up. Knowing it would come to me when it was supposed to.

I ended up in a great job that I loved (more on that later) but I was still plagued by the never answered question of “What I wanted to be when I grew up?”.

When I “retired” after 22 years to take over my ice cream shop, I thought for sure inspiration would hit me on what I wanted to do with the next phase of my career as I ran my small business. Surely I would finally figure out what I wanted to be. After all, I had been pretty successful in so many different areas with Home Depot and now this small business, surely something would have taken over. The reality is, I loved all the things I was able to do and be a part of.

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Now I am pondering once again, what I want to be when I grow up.  I spent the past year trying to figure it out, but nothing would ever stick. I was right back where I was 25+ years ago trying to figure out this age-old question. Now I need to head back out into the business world. (Yes, even bribes with ice cream doesn’t pay the bills).

I’m looking at various areas, but really want to find a company I can love as much as I did Home Depot. I loved it there (ok, there might have been a time or two – but overall, I loved it).  Do I go into areas I know I am great at? Do I try new things? I’d love to start a new business, but once again….doing what?

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One thing I know for sure how to do is be me. I’m passionate about everything I do. I’m passionate about being the best at what I do. And I know I will be successful at whatever I end up doing.

I just wish I knew what I was going to be when I grow up?

Maybe since I always say remain a kid at heart, having an answer to this question would mean I could no longer be a kid heart, I’d have to be “gasp” a real adult. Maybe that is why I have mental block.

This week I will be doing a different type of post. This week I will be sharing some of my thoughts on this process to discover what I want to be and how I got here. I know each of our stories help others, so maybe some of you are facing or have faced the same thing.

Don’t worry, we will still have fun along the way.   😀

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Today’s question is…..

Did you always know what you wanted to be when you grew up? 

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~~~till we laugh again~~~