Heat radiating from a kitchen oven, the fragrance of cookie dough, of chopped walnuts and melting dark chocolate chips: thus begins many of my fondest childhood memories.

And it’s not only that chocolate is my greatest vice in life, perhaps even my greatest ‘sin.’ Figuratively. You know, I can romanticize a little. Some might even find the analogy appropriate, especially since I can gulp a pound at a time without an ounce of guilt.

And it doesn’t take me twelve hours to absorb a batch of cookies, even as I futilely attempt to make them last as long as possible. No, I’m not writing about confession, but artistry, the titillation of taste buds, memories and, above all else, you. (After all, who else would I expect to read this?)

There’s no denying that life in the twenty-first century is demanding. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things that need to be done: keep up with work or studies, spend time with family, earn enough money to pay the rent and buy necessities. With so many challenges to cope with, you may ask yourself, “Why should I expend any effort in giving?” or “I’m already scrambling to deal with all the demands and pressures on me. How will I find time and resources to give more?” or “No one gives to me, so why should I give to others?”

A vision is a picture or idea you have in your mind of yourself, your business, or anything this is going to happen. A clear vision helps you pursue dreams and achieve goals; an idea of the future, a strong wish. A vision that is clear will open your mind to the endless possibilities of the future.

A vision will help you to overcome obstacles in the way and helps you hold on when times are tough. A vision that is well defined helps you to focus and create a purpose that becomes your measurement for your success. If you do not have a vision of who you want to be, how you want to succeed or what you want out of life, you begin to lack drive and your life becomes just an order of events.

1. Make a list of all you can’t stand about work/life
Those who are really stuck may complain that they don’t know what they want. Not true. Make a list of all you do not want or like about your current situation and you will find on the flip side, something you DO want! Write it down.

2. Recognize that ALL change (good or bad) means loss
The ‘evil’ we know is sometimes less scary than the ‘evil’ we don’t know. It is normal to be afraid to make a change because of what you stand to lose. However, the only way is forward, so you might as well accept whatever perceived loss of status, money or identity and realize that more happiness awaits. In fact, if everyone else is telling you you are crazy for making a change, you are on the right track!