Let Passion be the Compass for your Work and Life

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya AngelouIntro

Your identity is shaped by your actions and how you invest your time. This concept constantly occupies my thoughts as I navigate my career and pursue external goals. Our regular activities define who we are and influence the image we present to others, often revolving around our passions. The ideal scenario would be for everyone to engage in work fueled by passion. Opinions on whether one should work on their passion vary, but the essence of working passionately raises questions. Is it possible to sustain passion over the long term, or can one work without passion and maintain enthusiasm? I believe both perspectives have valid arguments.

Some argue that one can pursue other activities aligned with their passion, providing a source of income while maintaining a connection to their true interests. This approach allows for financial stability while still nurturing personal passions, as suggested in a recent Harvard Business Review article. For instance, if writing is a passion with the goal of becoming an author, one might choose a job that offers flexibility, allowing them to work from home and set specific goals on their own time. This flexibility could then provide the time and space needed to write, potentially leading to publication and career growth.

The famous quote, "Choose a job that you love and you will never work a day in your life," resonates with many, but a Deloitte study reveals that the majority of Americans (87.7%) do not directly align their work with their passion. Why is this the case? It could be due to the need for financial stability during slow periods of growth or diminishing motivation. In such times, maintaining a growth mindset and persevering through challenges becomes crucial, as discussed in my previous blog. The fear of living with the lingering question of "what if?" can be a powerful motivator.

As time progresses, passions may undergo transformations, leading individuals to adjust and explore new interests. For those deeply passionate about specific aspects of their work, pursuing specialization or consultancy within that field becomes a feasible avenue. Employing creative thinking and self-confidence can serve as keys to unlock these opportunities. This involves creatively strategizing methods to acquire new clients, continuously learning and evolving in a dynamic environment, and maintaining motivation in the face of frequent rejections. Similarly, cultivating and preserving self-confidence contributes to the reinforcement of one's passions, potentially enhancing employability and appeal to others.

Drawing from my own experiences, a shift away from public education didn't diminish my passion for the field. While I chose not to continue as a principal due to family commitments, I found alternative ways to contribute to education through coaching and consulting. This transition allowed me to deepen my engagement with what I excelled at in public education, offering exceptional services to clients while still connecting with students.

As one ages, becoming a specialist in a chosen field becomes a possibility. Embracing a strength-based approach, acknowledging individual exceptionalism, and leveraging personal strengths can lead to exceptional outcomes. My journey involves using the Strengths Finders protocol to identify and develop strengths, ultimately providing outstanding service to clients. This process is ongoing, and I am excited about the positive impact it can have on those I serve.