The difficulties of the Muse...

[Tulkas]

Alright, I am 30, I have recently left my job and been on a miniretirement. I was in management, and hated working for the company I was working for.

Financially I am ok right now, but pretty soon, I'm going to need to start getting income again, hence my dilemma...the muse.

Reading some of the other posts, it seems as if some of you had muses while working other jobs, or at least fantasized about them.

I have no muse, nor can I come up with one to expound on. A few weeks ago, I made a list of things I want to accomplish during the rest of my life. They are things I want to do:

1) To learn to sail.

2) To travel throughout the Carribean.

3) To fish regularly for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish.

4) To own a home on the beach in Florida (yes I am well aware of the real estate cost).

5) To be financially secure.

6) To get better at playing my guitar.

7) To own a boat and get my Captain's License.

8) To learn to scuba dive.

9) To learn to fly fish.

10) To learn Spanish.

I have finished graduate school, have read regularly since high school, consider myself intelligent, and in fact excellent at solving problems (hence this is very humbling). However, I have been unable to solve this one as of yet and am in need of some help.

When I look at those interest of mine, I don't see a muse. Am I missing the forrest for trees? I simply see my future recreational outings and life goals/desires.

I have a history in the sport of basketball. I played and have coached on the collegiate level. It's arrogant, but truthful, I know as much about the game as anyone. Including coaches you see on TV. But I have no desire to coach anymore.

I have been a strength and conditioning coach, I have written articles for websites, and on various website forums, if my real name is brought up, people will recognize it as one with an air of authority, but I have become bored and disillusioned with that industry as well.

I cannot find anything to enjoy or be passionate about other than vacationing. I love traveling. I think I got addicted while playing and coaching, as we constantly traveled during the season. I like airports, I like hotels, I like destinations.

Since leaving my job, the only two jobs that have interested me are real estate sales (I have a standing job offer), and pharmaceutical sales (I have not been able to secure an interview). I'm not positive on either of these, but they both seem like I could enjoy them to varying degrees.


So I suppose my questions are:

1) Am I missing something? Do you have any specific advice for me with the details I have given?

2) How did you find your muse? Was it a lifelong hobby? Was it a new found interest?

3) Once you found your muse, how did you manipulate or manage it into becoming and income source?

I have considered simply opening some sort of online business that sales various products that perhaps I have an interst in, or that I could find a niche market for (for example travel products for the New Rich), but frankly that doesn't interest me. But is that the way to go in order to generate income so that I can follow my interests? I mean, it could be virtuall totally automated, and would not require a ton of my time, but it would be just another travel website.....I've googled it.

Anyway, thanks for your time, and I will appreciate any advice or criticism.

Tulkas

[AntonTheKhan]

I can suggest a couple of things, but whats the point. you are not going to do any of them anyway. Good luck tho.

[Tulkas]

Well, thanks anyway, that was so helpful.

[padma]

Don't force a muse, that is my first piece of advice.

I see you are thinking in the way of the muse, but you aren't thinking outside the box enough yet (I hate that phrase, but it applies here). Start examining EVERYTHING in your life as an opportunity for a muse. Once you get in that habit, you'll start seeing niches everywhere.

I have a few examples from your post:

If I were you, I would take one of those jobs and make sure that they allow you sufficient time to travel. Then, write a travel blog or find some sort of travelling niche. Blog about your journey to accomplishing your goals. Find some sort of interesting product on your travels and set up a drop shipping arrangement. Write a fly fishing ebook. Make a content site about scuba diving and then monetize it. These are just generic ideas, but thinking in generic terms will get your mind moving in the right direction. Then you can start developing better ideas and go from there.

I really didn't start figuring niches out (still working on it too) until I just started throwing a bunch of stuff on the wall to see what stuck. I have about 10 sites and some of them make money/some don't, but I have REALLY learned from the experience and haven't spent more than $100 max. I've gotten to the point where I don't have enough time to develop all of the ideas I find.

Find some case studies, start reading blogs, and then you'll start to figure it out. It doesn't just happen sitting around and thinking about what doesn't motivate you.

[Tulkas]

Don't force a muse, that is my first piece of advice.

I see you are thinking in the way of the muse, but you aren't thinking outside the box enough yet (I hate that phrase, but it applies here).


I agree completely. And most of the time I can't understand the concepts people have within the box. I mean I traditionally have lived outside the box, except this, and it's perplexing. I have ideas, but none excite me. But thanks, I will start reading more blogs, as that is something I don't do, and perhaps it will jar something.

[CDRomma]

Anything that is going to last and be of true value in your life should take some time in developing and nurturing.
Look at all of those lottery winners who get thrown a huge windfall of money and are worse off in two or three years later after they have spent the dough.
Awaken yourself to the muse around you and trust yourself enough to know that you will find your calling.(Or at least come across something to start with until your next muse will show herself.)

[AntonTheKhan]

I agree completely. And most of the time I can't understand the concepts people have within the box. I mean I traditionally have lived outside the box, except this, and it's perplexing. I have ideas, but none excite me. But thanks, I will start reading more blogs, as that is something I don't do, and perhaps it will jar something.

How about the super secret endurance training for basketball players, known only to the pros? And you can reveal it to them for $50 the ebook course, with bonus videos.

[Tulkas]

How about the super secret endurance training for basketball players, known only to the pros? And you can reveal it to them for $50 the ebook course, with bonus videos.


The reason is books such as that don't sale well in the basketball community. Players, of any level don't buy them, nor do coaches. Sure, you can sale a few, but you're better off marketing such a book to the strength and conditioning community. Baskebtall coaches don't even read that many books on basketball strategy, philosophy and theory, much less conditioning. There's a reason Coach K. Rick Patino, & virtually all successful professional coaches, write and sale motivational/leadership books. They sale, not only to coaches, but to fans, CEO's etc. It's because their instructional books, DVD's etc. don't sale worth a crap. They have them out there, but other than a few handfuls they sale to coaches who work their camps, coaches don't buy them. Players, are typically young, have no money, lack the dedication, to use the book, and their coach is going to have the say so in their conditioning. I know this, because even at the college level I was forced to perform ignorant training routines, despite having amassed a library at that time that provided me greater knowledge in the area of conditioning than either my coaches or strength and conditioning staff.

Furthermore, to properly do a strength and conditioning book it will take some money if you want to do the illustrations correctly, otherwise, it's like every other fitness book on the market. In a word, CRAP. There are few to zero generic pictures you can get off getty or flickr that are going to serve the purpose of one that is done well.

[AntonTheKhan]

Somehow you proved my first reply to your post correct.

The reason is books such as that don't sale well in the basketball community. Players, of any level don't buy them, nor do coaches. Sure, you can sale a few, but you're better off marketing such a book to the strength and conditioning community. Baskebtall coaches don't even read that many books on basketball strategy, philosophy and theory, much less conditioning. There's a reason Coach K. Rick Patino, & virtually all successful professional coaches, write and sale motivational/leadership books. They sale, not only to coaches, but to fans, CEO's etc. It's because their instructional books, DVD's etc. don't sale worth a crap. They have them out there, but other than a few handfuls they sale to coaches who work their camps, coaches don't buy them. Players, are typically young, have no money, lack the dedication, to use the book, and their coach is going to have the say so in their conditioning. I know this, because even at the college level I was forced to perform ignorant training routines, despite having amassed a library at that time that provided me greater knowledge in the area of conditioning than either my coaches or strength and conditioning staff.

Furthermore, to properly do a strength and conditioning book it will take some money if you want to do the illustrations correctly, otherwise, it's like every other fitness book on the market. In a word, CRAP. There are few to zero generic pictures you can get off getty or flickr that are going to serve the purpose of one that is done well.

[webgal]

There's a reason Coach K. Rick Patino, & virtually all successful professional coaches, write and sale motivational/leadership books.

And Roy Williams and Dean Smith. You dare mention Coach K without those two. I shudder. Besides, Dean's book is good.

[froldt]

I am in the process of getting my first muse up and running. Honestly, it's not something that excites me, it will quickly become monotonous, I am sure. However, while it will be very hands-on for the first 2-3 of months, I will then be able to out-source 90% of it, and so only spend a few hours each week. If I have to work day a week, but it provides the finances I need/want, then I feel that it is a good temporary resource. I will use the time freedom and the available finances to pursue a business opportunity that excites me.

As I read your first post, I thought that perhaps you are trying to look forward to find a muse, when backwards might be easier? Instead of things that you want to do, find something that you can do and capitalize on that. Use the time/money freedom to grow a new muse in an area that excites you and then let the boring muse slip away, or sell it to someone. If you can automate it enough, then you won't have to be actively involved.

I have been a strength and conditioning coach, I have written articles for websites, and on various website forums, if my real name is brought up, people will recognize it as one with an air of authority, but I have become bored and disillusioned with that industry as well.

Create a video with a "new" workout routine that you have created. Make a two-part DVD set, one with the how-to for the individual exercises, and one for the routine itself. This does away with the trouble of needing high-quality pictures for a book, as the video will explain the moves while simultaneously demonstrating it.

Using the example from Tim's book, the start up costs are negligable. You need a video camera, a computer with editing software, a tape and a script. You can oursource much of this (pay someone to demonstrate the exercises while you narrate, pay someone to do the editing), and after the video is completed you can either burn the first few yourself or find a fulfillment company to do it for you.
So while you might be disillusioned about the industry, you can use the weight of your name to provide some income at a minimal time requirement. The market testing using Google ads, time to layout the workout routine and script for the video, the shooting/narrating of the video, and some time each week forwarding the orders to the fulfillment company.

[AntonTheKhan]

Apparently there are enough reasons for why this won't work. Did you bother to read the original poster's replies.

I am in the process of getting my first muse up and running. Honestly, it's not something that excites me, it will quickly become monotonous, I am sure. However, while it will be very hands-on for the first 2-3 of months, I will then be able to out-source 90% of it, and so only spend a few hours each week. If I have to work day a week, but it provides the finances I need/want, then I feel that it is a good temporary resource. I will use the time freedom and the available finances to pursue a business opportunity that excites me.

As I read your first post, I thought that perhaps you are trying to look forward to find a muse, when backwards might be easier? Instead of things that you want to do, find something that you can do and capitalize on that. Use the time/money freedom to grow a new muse in an area that excites you and then let the boring muse slip away, or sell it to someone. If you can automate it enough, then you won't have to be actively involved.



Create a video with a "new" workout routine that you have created. Make a two-part DVD set, one with the how-to for the individual exercises, and one for the routine itself. This does away with the trouble of needing high-quality pictures for a book, as the video will explain the moves while simultaneously demonstrating it.

Using the example from Tim's book, the start up costs are negligable. You need a video camera, a computer with editing software, a tape and a script. You can oursource much of this (pay someone to demonstrate the exercises while you narrate, pay someone to do the editing), and after the video is completed you can either burn the first few yourself or find a fulfillment company to do it for you.
So while you might be disillusioned about the industry, you can use the weight of your name to provide some income at a minimal time requirement. The market testing using Google ads, time to layout the workout routine and script for the video, the shooting/narrating of the video, and some time each week forwarding the orders to the fulfillment company.

[JFrenzel]

Well,

I carefully read the suggestions on here and would say that they have been more than insightful. It does not have to be expense to setup a site. Make your list and start narrowing it down.

Cheers

Jose

[Tulkas]

Somehow you proved my first reply to your post correct.

Or perhaps I have enough business sense not to make a poor investment of time. Have you read the part in Tim's book about testing the muse. Have you ever read any business book? If a product doesn't sale well it is a poor product to invest in or try to sale. I know coaches who have books on the market. I could start a website selling snickers too, but most people pick them up when they run into the gas station don't they? I mean, this is an area I have expertise in. Instructional and informational books for basketball coaches do not sale. It's silly that they don't, there are excellent ones out there. I own an extensive library, but I'm one of the few coaches who bought such products.

Tell, you what, I will write that book for you for the right price and you can attempt to sale it. Just post the job on elance. Flat rate.

[Tulkas]

And Roy Williams and Dean Smith. You dare mention Coach K without those two. I shudder. Besides, Dean's book is good.


Which one? I have a half dozen books by Dean Smith. His latest about success principles is his best selling. The one he wrote about his famed T-game never sold much. Only few coaches buy such books.


Besides, you evidently bleed columbia blue, but Roy has never impressed me. Sorry.

[JFrenzel]

Just a quick observation, and not that I am too concerned, but it seems like this post has been flooded with negative feedback going back and forth. Heres an idea, ok don't do the business e-book, but rather tie in your hobbies to your muse. Too much on the problem and not enough on the solution.


Hope it works out 4 ya

jose

[Tulkas]

Just a quick observation, and not that I am too concerned, but it seems like this post has been flooded with negative feedback going back and forth. Heres an idea, ok don't do the business e-book, but rather tie in your hobbies to your muse. Too much on the problem and not enough on the solution.


Hope it works out 4 ya

jose



Well, this is what I would hope for, but understand, some of those things are not even hobbies.. It's simply things I would like to expierience. I would love for my muse to somehow be tied in, but at the same time, I am not against having a muse that I have not even considered. I was really hoping for some examples of how others discovered or developed their muses. I mean ebooks are neat, but on average they bring in about 1500-3500 dollars initially (within about 18 months) and then that's about it. And in that field, it's an even worse idea. I apologize for being negative, but I know the difference between good and poor investments, as well good business decisions.

Sure, you can put anything on the internet for sale, but that doesn't mean people want to buy it....see my snicker bar example. I've been pretty good with money and money decisions. I would like to do something different, but I would like to maintain my lifestyle.

[padma]

After reading the op's replies to several helpful posts which didn't have to be made in the first place, I can clearly and confidently confirm that the problem here is one of attitude and there is nothing we can do to help. :(

[Tulkas]

I have a bad attitude because I don't want to waste time trying to make $500 bucks?


Wow...

Tell you what...froldt, padma, & CDRomma, I sincerely thank you for your efforts.

As for the rest of you, I apologize and I ABSOLUTELY will not bother you with my piss poor attitude anymore.

[badhank]

sorry to jump in so late and derail things here, but you listed like 20 things u know and you didnt have a muse idea. If nothing came up when you were reading the book, perhaps you should take another route.

Maybe you would b better to resell something, or but the rights to something (perhaps from another country ?)

[padma]

Reality checks are painful sometimes...this community helps a lot of people. It isn't our fault you aren't receptive to help. Seems to me you just want to hear what you want to hear or some sort of magic idea. Probably not going to find that here.

[JFrenzel]

I never said anything about your attitude. I have just noticed the back and forth on concentration on the problem. Perhaps a gourmet brew of coffee... Brainstorm and write things down like crazy. It will come to you but you need to have the certainty to know that you will succeed. There are no guarantees and the best you can do is to take action. Travel, example, find something really cool or something you enjoy. For example a candy made overseas and have an internet presence here in the states


Jose

[webgal]

Which one? I have a half dozen books by Dean Smith. His latest about success principles is his best selling. The one he wrote about his famed T-game never sold much. Only few coaches buy such books.


Besides, you evidently bleed columbia blue, but Roy has never impressed me. Sorry.


WHAT? Are you kidding? And for your information I bleed CAROLINA blue. And so does the other moderator Marcie. I respectfully advise you to kiss up! I am kidding. By the way, I was only a coach for rec league basketball.

As for the book, I forgot the name right now. Late in the day and it's friday. My brain is fried. I'll check.

[forgiven]

waste time trying to make $500 bucks?

I think if you replace the word "waste" with "invest" it might tilt closer to the optimistic side of the scale and be more exciting for you to be part of.

You are obviously here for similar reasons to me (finding your muse)... I don't think this is going to be easy for either of us.

it's been a week since your original post. What have you done to get closer to your muse?

don't stop processing the ideas - there is bubble wrap and a guy in little brown shorts waiting to help you move your product.

[outofbandii]

I was listening to something from Brian Tracy (highly recommended) about brainstorming and ideas. Here's an article which describes it: http://www.briantracyarticles.com/business/Creative-Problem-Solving.html -- this might help you with looking for ideas.

OP, whatever you do, do not let any negative attitudes get you down - either your own, or that of anyone on here. You WILL find something that will work (because you have the positive attitude) :)

[Tulkas]

I was listening to something from Brian Tracy (highly recommended) about brainstorming and ideas. Here's an article which describes it: http://www.briantracyarticles.com/business/Creative-Problem-Solving.html -- this might help you with looking for ideas.

OP, whatever you do, do not let any negative attitudes get you down - either your own, or that of anyone on here. You WILL find something that will work (because you have the positive attitude) :)

Good article. Thanks.

[Tulkas]

I think if you replace the word "waste" with "invest" it might tilt closer to the optimistic side of the scale and be more exciting for you to be part of.

it's been a week since your original post. What have you done to get closer to your muse?



Well, a $500 profit, for several weeks worth of effort, doesn't appeal as a good investment.....I can make $500. I mean, I can do that with simple investments. Some consulting, etc. I ideally was looking at something that I could develop a more consistent income with, as oppose to a once bought product.

As for getting closer, I have recently bought a pile of books that I have either been wanting to read, or have heard good things by people who's opinions I trust, and am sifting through them.....Getting some ideas.....got some wheels turning anyway.

[Pleiades]

What about an instruction DVD on the fundamentals of the game. Basics of throwing, passing etc. Designed toward the student player who would like to improve his game? How about targeting the player instead of the coaches.

Instructional DVD on anything you might know, targeted to a particular group. I saw instructional DVDs on self rescure.

[andyYY]

If you may hire someone from the "pro" league (I mean someone like steve nash or any famous and loved from everyone player) you can give it a total boost..


BTW,celtics rocks..paul pierce is the truth:cool:

[kamakiri]

I have been avoiding this thread, but here goes.

You obviously know too much about your hobbies for any of us to make suggestions. That said, making a muse of your hobby usually makes your hobby a chore, causing you not to do it any more. Many people say do what you love and the money will come. I thing that advice is shit.

If you do what you like expecting the money to come, you will end up working 16 hour days for no money 'enjoying' doing what you love. Kind of the opposite of the 4HWW.

Selling ebooks you wrote pretty much stinks. Selling ones that others wrote isn't so bad. You don't have to spend the weeks writing them, just a simple revision, and you are good to go. If you can only make $500 from one, then you had better be selling 50 different ebooks. 50 x $500 isn't such a waste of time.

Start looking at muses outside of your hobbies.

[Doreen]

Another approach to finding an idea is to start paying attention to things you use, or things you have to do that are time consuming. If you've got an idea about how to make that problem easier, there's a good chance there's a real idea there you could turn into a business.

Here's a freebie as an example (because I want it to exist, but am not going to pursue it anytime soon if at all...)

I work out of Google Calendar and Maps all the time, and periodically Google Docs. Because I spend a lot of time getting to meetings, I've got two inefficiencies that could be dramatically improved by a software app that combines them.

Putting appointments in my calendar isn't useful when I share it unless I also block out my travel time so people know when I'm _really_ available. So it would be great if when I enter an appointment, and it has an address that is different than my default Google Maps location, my calendar automatically blocks out travel time. Even better if it can string together appointments and email me my route every morning along with my daily schedule.

To make it worth money to a business because of the time savings, it would be even better if the travel distances for those appointments were transferred to a Google Docs spreadsheet with the mileage reimbursement calculation so I could submit it once a month to accounting without having to keep a notepad in my car and transfer the information over.

That's an easy one to outsource, or an easy one to write yourself if you have the skills.

Looking for that kind of minor problem, and thinking about whether you've got a way to improve on it is a great way to find an idea as well.

[JFrenzel]

That was a good idea! Perhaps someone will jump on it.


Jose

[Sven]

As a rule, I keep away from treads that are more than one page. This one is proof to me this is a valid rule...

[Outsource Success]

from memory you mentioned fishing and a property in florida.

Lets take the Florida property idea, I'd imagine loads of people would like to do that and there is a nbig markte for it. I live in the UK and loads of brits have places over there.

You cna start off by promoting other peoples products on how to do that.

Just go to clickbank.com

i quickly found these 2 products

1) Florida Retirement Secrets. Offers Comprehensive Insiders Guide To Retiring In Florida.

2) Florida Tax Deed Foreclosure Sales - 75% Affiliate Commission.

build a list and promote those products.


That way you are getting closer to your dream, your touching it you can find out the hot buttons of your market, learning about something you want and then you'll see a gap in the market and you can create your product to fulfill that need.


Gavin Allinson

[kamakiri]

As a rule, I keep away from treads that are more than one page. This one is proof to me this is a valid rule...

Thanks Sven, I knew I should have stayed away.

[DaveB13]

I cannot find anything to enjoy or be passionate about other than vacationing. I love traveling. I think I got addicted while playing and coaching, as we constantly traveled during the season. I like airports, I like hotels, I like destinations.

Maybe I missed it as I skimmed the responses, but it seems to me that something with traveling could be a muse. Writing short articles on the places you travel to or have travelled to, etc.

[AshokanKid]

Hmmm., I've been way too busy lately (4 months or so?) developing my own "Muses" to even check in on this Wonderful site / resource, and now when I do I hear SOOO many people WHINING and being very unkind and WAY less than helpful.

If I am not going to at least TRY to assist or mentor, then I should just keep my mouse and keyboard to myself. What is this "advice", "Oh, you're not going to listen or follow this anyway, so what is the use".

Jeez, I'll bet Tim would just LOVE that kind of sentiment (even IF it may be true). AND, you know what? This sounds MUCH more like a cop out., I can't think of anything truly creative to say so I will just dump my OWN negativity on the whole thread.

Yikes., any thread over a page in length., ., blah, blah, blah., now THAT takes some real effort too. Sheeesh., OK., so enough of my own drivel, but I did come out to actually SAY something other than to rag on the LAMENESS factor of some of the sorry "users" that I see in attendance here these days.

Even Tim did not create in a vacuum., he had his own mentors as well and probably learned from nearly EVERYONE who he came in contact with (even the ones who were making "mistakes", sometimes they are the best teachers at any particular time!).

For one thing, Tulkas, you DO indeed seem to have a pretty good idea of what you want to do., this puts you WAY ahead of the pack who may just be "dissatisfied" with what they are currently doing, but really do not know WHAT they would do differently. Kudos to you., :-)

You also have a HUGE amount of talents and capabilities., this can seem daunting (what do I focus on?), but at least gives you HUGE amounts of options. Here is what I might do in your situation;

Choose one or several of the things that you would like to do., kick into your HIGH gear dreams., charter or PARTNER a Caribean sailing vessel to begin with, bring your guitar and be ready for ANYTHING. If nothing else., go to some of the coastal resort areas that you deem "dreamworthy" and then.,

LOOK for SOMEONE else who IS DOING what YOU WANT TO DO ALREADY! Or, at least as close to what you want to do at least. You may need to tap into SEVERAL people because your list is so long. Find these people, befriend them and then ASK nicely, "Hey, how is it that you are able to do this?"

If nothing else, this is going to give you ideas and or examples IN YOUR DREAM plan that you may NOT have considered already., AND you may even stumble upon your "Muse" in the process (or again, several). This may mean finding someone who owns the vessel and needs / wants one (or more) of YOUR particular talents or gifts.

Since you are already accustomed to (and seem to be willing to continue) living on a shoestring, you should have little or no problem adjusting to a "meager" Life while continuing in your search for Muse materials. Do not feel in too much of a rush., as Tim says, Life is going to be LONG (or hopefully will be).,

Brian Tracy was mentioned earlier and I am a BIG fan of everything Brian Tracy., another great Mentor is T. Harv Eker., and one of the things that BOTH men say is to GET IN THE STREAM of what it is that you want., make SOME effort or action in that direction, no matter how small., and then let the Universe add to your efforts. If this sounds "corny"., well. ,SO WHAT.,

Men MUCH greater than I am have said AND DONE and swear by this practice., give it a shot.,

Take your time., ENJOY the Journey., Breathe., relax., have fun., :-)

[bhake]

Wow, this thread sure went off on some strange tangents. Tulkas, hang in there. You are in a sweet position (off work) to start your next venture. I believe it's not just about pursuing your hobbies as a muse, but your passions. From your list below, you seem quite passionate about boating and fishing. I know very little about those two, but here are some ideas that come to my mind:

1) Buy/Finance a boat that you like and rent it out when you are not using it. Think of it like a vacation/rental home concept.
2) Deep sea fishing tours/guides. Not you as the guide, but the owner. I bet you know what a good fishing tour is like. Get a boat and a guide and start your own.
3) Boating vacations around the Carribean
4) Scuba tours
5) or any other business plans following your fishing or boating interests

I know they are pretty common businesses around most coastlines, but it sounds like you would enjoy those types of businesses based on your list. But I may be way off on what you are really passionate about.

I hope you good luck on finding that muse of yours and going after it like there is no tomorrow!

- BHake



I have no muse, nor can I come up with one to expound on. A few weeks ago, I made a list of things I want to accomplish during the rest of my life. They are things I want to do:

1) To learn to sail.

2) To travel throughout the Carribean.

3) To fish regularly for Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish.

4) To own a home on the beach in Florida (yes I am well aware of the real estate cost).

5) To be financially secure.

6) To get better at playing my guitar.

7) To own a boat and get my Captain's License.

8) To learn to scuba dive.

9) To learn to fly fish.

10) To learn Spanish.
Tulkas

[HzR]

Or, take the idea form the previous entry a bit further. Since you are used to live on a small budget, get down to Florida and go work for one of the fishing trip operators. You're doing what you want to do, can talk to the customers and might pick up some good ideas for a muse. It's maybe a bit radical thinking from what you are looking are now, but just my 2 cents.