Passion Leads to Purpose

Passion is what will sustain your motivation to take the extra steps needed to be different from everybody else and overcome roadblocks and barriers. Many of you have found a job that taps into your passion. Some of you may still need to find out what energizes you and makes you enjoy Monday mornings. Either way, it is a helpful exercise to constantly be aware of your interests and strengths. This entails being in the moment as well as anticipating what the opportunity might provide in the years ahead. So, what is your passion? Ask yourself questions like the following:

-What do you do when you have free time?

-What causes you to lose track of time?

-When you walk into a bookstore, what section do you head toward?

-When you have nothing you have to think about, what do you think about?

-What would people who know you describe as your greatest strengths? What would YOU describe as your greatest strengths?

-What values and causes mean the most to you? When do you feel like you are making a difference in others' lives?

-What work schedule and environment fits best with your personality?

-Is there a specific goal you want to achieve at some point in your lifetime? Why?

-What do you love to talk about? Is there a subject matter in which you effortlessly absorb knowledge and are known for your expertise?

-What do you NOT want to do? Narrow down your choices by pinpointing what you do not want in your life or career.

Cast aside all cares for what others think and search for your true passion. It will become your foundation, because knowing your passion leads to purpose. If you are sure of your purpose, you will have confidence as you "do what you love, even if you do not love it every day (Katie Couric)."

I cannot tell you what your passion is, but I know you have something somewhere inside you that creates it. You will know it when you find it. And if you can learn to channel it and utilize it to add value (to someone or something), you can likely build a career based on living out your passion.