Having gone through the preliminary internal exercises, it's time to brainstorm some logical options, and then narrow down the possibilities to a carefully-thought-out list of initial career options and job choices. From your exploration and reflection on the previous pages, start to eliminate the pipe dreams and focus on the opportunities that fit best with your strengths, experience, and preferences. For example, if you always wanted to be a fighter pilot, but you've spent the last 20 years as an accountant, then maybe going to work as a financial executive for a major airline headquartered in your city would make more sense than climbing into a cockpit.

Make your initial cut by sitting down and writing out a list of possible careers or jobs that are a realistic fit with what you've learned about yourself. Then develop some related options, perhaps with the help of a relative or close friend. Solicit market feedback from former colleagues, associates, and other professionals who are in a position to know both your skills and the requirements of your target positions.

Then do some research on what is required to enter that field. If all signs point to a good fit, then mobilize your resources, get into action, and go after those opportunities.