What to do if you don't win the lottery

Most of us who have played the lottery have dreamed up ways of living the lifestyles of our choosing when we get those millions of dollars to play with. There will be big homes, new cars, lots of travel, exotic food and even a gigantic party to celebrate with all of our friends before we set sail on a brand new horizon. All of that dreaming does take up time, however. That time could actually be used in a more practical way by focusing on what it is we actually want out of life and how we are going to get it.

Perhaps the biggest questions are: "What would you do with your life if you won the lottery?" and "Why aren't you doing it, anyway?" Perhaps the biggest answers would be: "A) I would do all of the things that would make me happy." and "B) because I feel like I'm trapped and can't escape my situation." Does this sound familiar?

I'm sure no city planner sets out to build the perfect community and eventually accept entropy as the  inevitable outcome. In fact, in finding ways to sustain a project and eventually revitalize it, they and others can keep it going for many decades and not let it go to waste. 

It's safe to say that the initial excitement of anything usually wanes if daily life gets in the way. For example, how many people do you know who have exercise gear in their house somewhere collecting dust? The initial idea of getting into shape seemed like a no-brainer but the excitement faded over time. The same can be said for a person's line of work; it's exciting at first, but then all the ugly little details eventually come out of the woodwork and can ruin the mood...if a person lets them.

So, you didn't win the lottery...

The chances of winning a lottery with six choices in forty nine numbers are about one in fourteen million, according to the math. With odds like that, is it wise to continue to slug it out in our daily routines and wait for something good to happen that we think will make us happy and free, even if it is very unlikely?

If you go back to the question "What would you do with your life if you won the lottery?" and have a clear, concise answer, you should be able to start on it right away, regardless of a lottery win. If that is what would truly make you happy, then start doing it. It may take longer to do with less money at the start, but it could also grow into something bigger than you quite rapidly. You have to try it to know.

Also, would you really lie on a beach every day if you won the lottery? I know some people say they would, but like everything else in history, the novelty will wear off, eventually. I've heard people say they would start working on all the hobbies they'd put off over the years, travel more often or start a business. So my question is "Why can't it happen, anyway?"

In my experience, many people want a quick solution to their problems or fast transition from one career to another. Maybe it's because of the aforementioned 'life getting in the way' and the fact that ideas lose steam over time. 

So, with all of that said, here is what to do if you don't win the lottery:

1) Stop waiting for the perfect time to begin something you've always wanted to do. There are many ways of getting paid to do what you want and many people who can help you get there.

2) Use what you have to get what you want. Chances are, if you have been dreaming of something, you have probably read a few relevant articles or have even bought an industry magazine related to what you want. Now is the time to form ideas and look at the classified ads, display ads and read every article you can to get a clear picture of what you want.

3) Try to see the end as clearly as possible. Create a company logo and tag-line for the company you want to build or even super-impose a picture of yourself over an exotic destination you want to visit. Learn everything you can about what you want in order to generate and sustain excitement.

4) Ask for support from family and friends. Family and friends who really care about you will help you get what you want. If people tell you 'it's not worth it' or 'you can't afford it' tell them you are going to do it anyway because you'll find a way to do it.

If you dream about it every day, do the physical and mental work necessary to make it happen. If you follow through, you will become successful at it and you won't need a lottery win. Best of all, you can be proud that you built the lifestyle you wanted.

Keep moving!

- Buck Moore