I used to do the same commute every day for over four years. Catching the 0653 train from Maidenhead and sat having coffee near my office by 730am. I often asked myself why do I need to be in the office every day, and could I not be more productive working from home some days of the week?

During that period, life was a bit of a blur. I was always tired and had more colds than at any other point in my life, particularly when holidays came around. How burnt out was I? Was it the work I was doing or was it the commute?

I know we can all be guilty of believing that this is a lifestyle choice - to follow the path others expect. I kept with these thoughts for many years.

I now realise that this limited self-talk can only restrict career possibilities.

We have a choice we can stay fixed on the mind-set we learnt some time ago or we can commit to adapting – which will you choose?

A daily long commute is madness. We are in 2019 not 1979, there has never been such opportunity to combine what you are great at doing, with what you are passionate about. And do it on your terms, whilst being paid your worth.

James Corden the comedian and writer mused on his incredibly successful career “There is an inner steel that comes from knowing you’re good at something…

-When it comes to this I know what I’m doing is good for one’s confidence. So, my advice to someone younger is search for the thing you’re good at and don’t stop.”

There is a truism of the UK’s professional job market:

Opportunities don’t go to the most qualified - they go to the most connected who are focused on doing the activities they do best.

I urge you to take four simple steps, to create greater choice in your career:

1) Find your A game what do you do better than most people?

2) Give yourself permission… Yes, you can do the work you want, and be appropriately rewarded.

3) Grow into the career you want to be in over time...Don’t go into it…

4) Embrace uncertainty…Do the work you are best at and on your terms.

Finally after many years, I was brave enough to form my own business and start to do the work I was born to do – helping individuals optimise their careers and lives.

One of my clients Rob Howes (an overachieving technology sales director) recently said “Adrian Evans has enabled me to focus only on the high value activities I do best that bring me influence, income and greater career opportunities.”

I know these first steps can be tough, but I encourage you to take them. Be great to hear how you are going, mail me [email protected]