Jeff’s feeling that there was something missing in his career is all too common. Despite money, telecommuting—and even sandals—a growing number of IT professionals are complaining that their work lives seem to have no meaning. And on surface, this doesn’t seem to make sense. These folks seem to have necessary interest in technology, even basic aptitudes for it. But they are frustrated by their work, find it tedious and rarely spend their free time reading trade magazines about their profession.

What’s explanation?

In nature, plants and animals flourish when environment matches their needs. That’s why you don’t find frogs in desert. But this is a lesson too many people ignore.

According to one recent study, 80% of corporate employees were in jobs that did not make use of their talents. So is it any wonder that up to 60% of polled workforce plans to switch jobs in next 12 months?

Most people—including IT professionals—spend more time researching a home computer purchase than they do deciding on their life’s work. They simply assume because they’re fascinated with computers that IT is career for them. Besides, it pays well. But this kind of thinking is all-too-often a direct route to a “toxic job”.

What to do?

We all know how to figure out which computer is best for us. We make a chart. We gather information. We assign values. We find right match between our needs, our desires and pocketbooks. The same kind of evaluation can help us find right career match. We just need to evaluate a different set of parameters: our interests, values, personality style, temperament and life goals.

Take case of cancer patients who were given placebo pills. These are just plain pills that have no healing capabilities. So how did they get well?

The power came from their thoughts. They were told that these pills contain highest amounts of cancer-fighting ingredients which can successfully cure them in a matter of days.

See how powerful your mind is?

They believed that their health will be restored. They have registered in their minds that these pills will cure them of their illnesses. In process, belief entrenched within their subconscious came to reality.

So how can you use your mind to achieve your dreams? One of most effective ways is to use "as if" principle.

Act as if you are person you want to be. Act as if you are already in possession of whatever you long to have.

So what do you want to be? You want to be a lawyer, doctor, athlete, or newscaster? Think, act, and feel like one. You'll be much closer to your goal if you're continuously intact with your objective. Be fanatical with your dream. It doesn't mean that if you want to be Superman you'll fly out window. Not a good idea!