When was the last time you stopped for a moment and asked yourself: “Am I living a life of my own design, following my passions, or am I merely following the crowd, living someone else’s dreams?” If you came to the shocking realization that you are not living your dreams, it might be time to take a stand for your life! NOW! You’re not getting any younger, and if you’ve been doing the same work, living the same life, buried in busyness numbing yourself to your true feelings, it’s time to STOP the madness and get off the treadmill.

You may have followed the path set out by parents or society—getting a college degree, taking a job that fit your skills, climbing the corporate ladder, working for others who got rich while you earned a paycheck, enjoying false security as an employee. And what have you given up—time with family, your original ideas, your freedom, unlimited income?

Why do so many creative people drown in mediocrity and scarcity, barely scraping by, beaten up by life? What happened to their dreams? What happened to their courage? It’s not to late for you to take responsibility to create a life of joy, fulfillment, and passion by making a commitment and taking action in the direction of your dreams. It’s not too late to find the courage to take the steps to build a more rewarding life.

If you’re one of the “working wounded” I know how you feel. For 22 years, I worked as an executive for network news and made my career a priority—and it nearly killed me. I lost my family for a time, and after many years working to make the dreams of my bosses a reality, I woke up, took responsibility for my life, did the inner work to gather the courage, and stepped into the life I wanted.

One great way to live a fully expressed life as boss of your own ideas, time, and income is by becoming an entrepreneur. The US was formed by mavericks who followed their passion to live a better, more self-directed life. Today, there is more financial opportunity then ever before, and small businesses are thriving, especially home-based businesses.

Do you have the courage to take a stand for your life? Are you ready to live a life of passion, joy, time with family, freedom, and abundance? As you find the courage to change your circumstances by examining your life, reassessing your dreams, and getting the support you need, you may decide to start your own business and work from home. When you do, you will find the rewards greater than you could ever imagine. I did it and I know you can too. It’s my mission to help as many people as possible live a truly magnificent life.

Tim McKee is Senior Partner at Pathways Business Associates, PBA’s mission for personal development of leaders, coaches and entrepreneurs through the shared values of passion, courage, service and small business opportunity success. http://www.pathwaysbusinessassociates.com/