Start out by listing every person in your network. Include business colleagues as well as friends, fellow club and church members and your kids' friends' parents. Evaluate your contact list and decide whom to add in 1998. Scout out people who hold senior jobs in your organization, those who earn a living doing work you'd like to do, those who can help you fine-tune your career goals, those who could be a new friend or a potential mentor. Take a risk.
Many people regret lacking the courage or discipline to excel.
Calif. Even if your new direction doesn't pan out, the new experience is bound to teach you a lot about yourself. Go back to school. Today's workers must be continuous learners. There are plenty of places that offer classes, workshops and seminars where you can expand your skills and broaden your knowledge. And don't forget to look into your employer's educational assistance program - you could get a free ride if your employer reimburses tuition.