Dear Dr. Cruz:
There's so many things I want to do with my life but I feel like I can't do any of them. Can you tell me how to make something out of nothing with my life?  ~~Anonymous
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​~ Dr. Cruz, Creator of The ULTIMATE Success Mentorship Program ~

Dear Anonymous:
This feeling of “there's so much I want to do with my life” represents the wild fire in your soul. It knows there's something out there for you; it’s the energy of countless wild horses ready to be freed. It’s the “je ne sais quoi” that activates Greatness from within. Understand what you're feeling is life inside of you ready to break through the dam. Your job is to harness it and focus it in a purposeful direction so that you don't waste your energy on unproductive activities or spread yourself thin in directions you should not venture. You possess untapped energy. You are plentiful, but energy without direction could be futile.

Focus on identifying your purposeful direction, not your limitations. Limitations are mental constructs. They are acknowledged only when you acknowledge them - so don't. You have Greatness within you - Greatness knows no boundaries. What you ultimately need is a worthy focus and the corresponding identity. First you must identify your focus. Who do you want to become? What do you want to do with your life? What is your heart calling you to do? Spend as much time as you need identifying the specific messaging because it's the beginning of your creative journey. It will dictate who you surround yourself with (always like-minded people). It will dictate your priorities. It will dictate how you occupy your time. In essence this will become the purpose for your life.

Mark Twain said, “The most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why”. You're doing the work to find out why you were born. And once you do, you must take on the identity of that person whether or not you feel worthy, ready, or qualified. As an Identity Coach I can unequivocally tell you that when you “become it, you will see it (manifest in your life)”. But you absolutely must become it first. Visualize the person you want to become, the life you want to live, the work you want to do, and the service you want to provide to others to help improve the world. This is how our self-esteem increases, our self image improves, and our identity begins to shift. This is how we begin to step into our power. This is how we release our greatness. 

Continue adding to your knowledge base through self-improvement books, YouTubes, seminars, and mentoring. Continue to strengthen your spiritual relationship with your higher power. Continue to believe in that which you can only see in your imagination because as Walt Disney said, "Logic will get you from A to B but imagination will take you everywhere”. Let nothing deplete your energy or the inner herds of horsepower. Once you identify the vision for your life, remain laser-focused in that direction until it comes into physical form. You must continue to increase your consciousness of “the thing” because as believers, we know that “You can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthens you” (Philippians 4:13). 

Discovering your inner vision, the path for your future, is the most important work you'll do to bring forth the fullness of your life. Employment, on the other hand, is just a means to an end, at least until that vision is revealed. Since I don't know your personal location or situation, it's difficult for me to guide you specifically. But the easiest approach is to journal your options and ideas so you can move confusion from your mind to be analyzed on paper, ultimately allowing you to gain greater clarity. If you do not have personal transportation (ie: a car, a bike, a scooter etc.), consider how you can get your own transportation by a certain deadline. Deadlines are important because they hold us accountable for achieving the goal. In the meantime, consider your options without transportation (ie: walking, public transportation, can someone take and pick you up, can you get a bike or a scooter?). Scooters are more economical than cars, but have limitations such as where you can ride them. Oftentimes, you do not need a drivers license for a scooter but you want to check your state laws. Speaking of Drivers License, do you have yours? If not, try to make that a priority. If it's not possible right now, that's OK, put it on your to do list.

Another option for employment is to join the military. I personally joined the U.S. Navy and I recommend it as a place you can park yourself while you figure out what your calling is in life. I was able to depart for boot camp within 30 days of signing up. It's different for everyone so make sure you do your research. The key to being successful in the military and beyond is to have a plan ahead of time. The operative phrase is “a head of time”. There are many benefits that come along with joining the military to include free housing, medical, dental, regular income, retirement investing, learning discipline, regular exercising, learning leadership skills, educational benefits while on active duty, G.I. Bill after three years of honorable service, 30 days vacation a year, and much more. But the cost is high, as well. The military will require many things of you such as discipline, respect, wearing of their uniform daily, regular physical fitness exams, zero tolerance of drug use, and so much more. It's a great starting point when you're trying to make something out of nothing.

If you decide to join, some of my suggestions are to save at least 75% of your income, max out on your TSP retirement account, do not get married or have children in your first four year contract, (which is a common trap many military service members fall into during their first contract because they feel lonely), and pick a job that has transferable skills in the civilian sector. Remember, many civilian companies love hiring military veterans after they discharge from active duty, so this could be a great stepping stone to sustain your basic needs while you’re planning out your future. 

In closing, the way you make something out of nothing is to create a grand vision FOR your life, and use the stepping stones IN life to climb the mountain OF life. Life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about developing a healthy mindset, surrounding yourself with excellent evolving people, rooting yourself in your spiritual relationship with your higher power, and knowing that you have a calling on your life. Your job for the rest of your life is to get clarity on what that calling is. Step one is to listen to your inner voice and then do something to move toward it. That “something” will take you to the next something, and as you gain momentum you can refresh your mental screen to get updates on the development of your vision as time progresses. The most important thing is to start, so start with journaling your likes, dislikes, talents, and gifts. These will lead you in the right direction. 

Onward and upward, 
Dr. Cruz