EXAMPLE: I had a coaching client Sam take assessment. He was miserable selling insurance. His profile: Positivity, WOO, Empathy, Communicator, Activator. He hated paperwork (Activator) and believed he couldn't sell. Positivity greases any wheel; Empathy meant he was sincere, Activators need to move fast; Communicator...? He was born to sell and didn't know it. He'd been focusing on his weaknesses as we're taught to do. He needed a bigger playing field, to embrace his strengths and be self-assured, and a different product to sell.

Now he's soaring.

It's typical that person does not "believe" their assessment at first because we just don't know our innate talents. Coaching can pick up where book and assessment leave off -- where do I go from here?

You may get some revelations. I did when I took it.

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Example: The property you bought on lake that turned out to be environmentally protected so you couldn't build on it; or your first spouse.

6. Were any of these dreams pure fantasy that you never meant to have happen?

Example: Marrying a count and living in France, which got you through college in Grinnell, Iowa.

7. Did having any of these dreams come true prove transitory and unsatisfying?

Example: Buying El Dorado with leather seats.

8. Did this dream come true in essence though not in particulars?

Example: You dreamt of being a chef and instead turned your culinary talents and love into some unparalleled dining engagements at your house which was entirely satisfying.

9. Which of these dreams turned out to be met and enjoyed?

Celebrate them!

10. What have your learned by going over this list?

Example: That many of dreams you no longer want or that some of them weren't really yours to begin with.

One of privileges of midlife is being able to change your dreams. Plant seeds for some new ones and watch them grow!