John Wood dreamed of big responsibilities at Microsoft and became a senior charge of forging software markets in Asia in the 1990s. While that part of the world, he went on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas.  This experience triggered a revelation about a much deeper calling.  Instead of serving as a refreshing change of scenery from life in the rat race, it caused him to re-direct his boundless energy and entrepreneurship in completely new directions. 

To the surprise of his peers, he decided to resign from Microsoft  and create Room to Read.  As of late 2006, this organisation had already donated over 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship, and enabled over 875,000 children to access the priceless gift of education they wouldn't otherwise have touched.  The idea of strapping books to a yak and trekking to high altitudes may not be your ultimate desire, but you may be inspired by John Wood to examine your life and re-evaluate your dreams:

1) Ask yourself if your career is all-consuming.  Some people discover they have convinced themselves they love what they do and they realize they forget why.  If you feel you're involved in some activity for the wrong reasons, this is a sign to take steps outside your comfort zone.  Allowing yoruself to become consumed by some pursuit as a means of escape from other things isn't the answer that is best for you. Your conditions are actually drawing your attention to something beneath the surface.  Its up to you to determine why you aren't caring for your needs.

2) Do you feel you do something lasting and significant?  Whatever your focus, consider what kind of legacy you are leaving and for whom.  You set an example for people you know and people you don't know.  What you leave behind can be things like lasting reputation, a structure, a foundation, a sense of motivation and inspiration that is contagious for other people who can contribute and ultimately continue what you start.    

3) Are your pursuits compatible with your deepest values?  Certain people make choices based on money alone, yet these people aren't usually happy at the core.  Reflect on your beliefs and whether how you devote your time enables you to share yourself and those things you perceive as important. The more you encourage people to develop themselves in an area you value, the more you are actually expressing love, reinforcing human connections and justifying your own inner passion.  The more time you spend on specific pursuits, the higher the priority these things should have for you.  If you don't commit to what you love, are you not wasting time?

*I highly recommend the book Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children by John Wood (Harper Collins, 2006)