Blog Post: What’s Passion Got To Do With It?

As we all search today for success, is there one thing we can do to move us closer to that goal?  Well, let me ask you something.  Do you know one successful person who is not passionate about what he or she is doing?  Passion is vital to success!  It is as simple as finding your passion, but finding your passion may not be that simple.

How wonderful it would be if we all spent our waking hours being totally engrossed and engaged in everything that we did.  The hours would slip by effortlessly and we would be totally fulfilled.  Now, that may not be how you spend your day; however, there are a lot of people who do.  Is that because they are doing what they are passionate about . . . . . or have they learned to be passionate about what they are doing?

Let’s face it. Today a lot of people may be spending their day at something that is not their highest choice and isn’t really what they want to do.  After all, sometimes you simply need a job.  So how can you motivate yourself to be the best at what you are doing, even if what you are doing is not what you really want to do?

By using a modified version of an acting technique called “The Method”, you can find your passion, or at least increase your enthusiasm, for whatever you are doing.

In outlining the five basic steps, we will use a Customer Service Rep position as an example.

1.        Make a list of all the tasks you do in your job.  In our example, this may include talking on the phone, working with customers, solving problems, doing research, and learning new methods.

2.        Find one or two of these tasks that you enjoy doing on its own whether it was a part of your job or not.  Write them down.  In our example, these might be solving problems and doing research.

3.        Under each of the selected tasks, make a list of what this allows you to do, be or have.  And be honest with yourself!  No one is going to see this except you.  In our example, this may include being helpful, feeling needed, getting variety, learning new information, interacting with fellow workers or getting to leave your work station.

4.        Beside each entry, write what makes you feel good, happy or excited about it.  Relate each item to a positive event that you have experienced.

5.        Finally, pull it all together in a statement.  For each task that you do in your job, write a statement using the following format:

When I   (particular task – i.e. do research),

I get to   (do, be or have statement – i.e. learn new information)

and that makes me feel    (positive feeling – i.e. good)

because I remember    (experienced event  -  i.e.  having such fun doing research at college)

Keep the statement list close by you at your job.  You can keep it in a drawer or a file.  Read it at the beginning of every day and anytime you feel like you are losing your enthusiasm.  You will soon find that you will be so enthused  - or even passionate! -  about the aspects of your job that you do like, that the feeling will carry over to the other tasks as well.

To your passion and your success!

Linda Sherwin is a professional speaker, author and coach who works with your people to develop better personal and organizational effectiveness and improve productivity and performance.  With over 25 years of corporate consulting and theatrical experience, Linda uses acting techniques that create award-winning performances on stage and translates them into a communication method for use in the world of business.  To learn more, contact Linda at 954-536-1813 or Linda@LindaSherwin.com or visit www.LindaSherwin.com.