Remember the days when you loved going to work? You were challenged, excited and up for the next adventure. Or maybe you never felt that passion.
Either way, this article is for you. You can discover the passion that's available in your work or rediscover the passion you once had.
Passion is the energy that drives us forward and inspires us to focus our efforts toward our goals and dreams. Without passion, we cut off the vitality to our life and work.
The good news is that passion is like a fire that never dies and will blaze again at the will of its owner.
Passion comes from your heart, which means no one can light the fire for you. Everyone has to find the source within to ignite his or her flame.
Good leadership, great examples and advice can inspire a spark, but the ultimate responsibility is yours. The following strategies can help get you started:
SBlt Declare your desires. Often, the first step to igniting, or re-igniting, passion at work is to publicly acknowledge your desire and willingness to make a change, even if you're not sure what that will look like in the end. Embrace change as a welcome new challenge instead of something to dread.
SBlt What started it all? It's easy to forget "why" you do your work and focus only on the "how." Make a list of compelling reasons why you chose this career. Identify the benefits to you, customers, co-workers, employees and others. Put the list where you can refer to it constantly.
SBlt Redefine your passion. What motivated you early in your career may not motivate you now. You have different perspectives, skill sets and values than you did before.
Set goals that match this stage in your career. Shift your focus accordingly and passion will follow.
SBlt Get uncomfortable. Often, a slump in passion results from increased monotony at work. Do things differently or do new things. With new territory comes renewed passion. Utilize your accumulated skills and wisdom, and take the leap!
SBlt Reach beyond yourself. Now that you have conquered your career, you could use your talents and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. Ask if you can help in training, mentoring or working with teams. Think about a cause you are passionate about and get involved.
SBlt Consider your options. Is there a position in your organization that would motivate you? Could your job be restructured to focus more on your strengths and passions? Is it time to expand your skills? Or is it time to polish your resume and move on?
Organizations that encourage their employees to follow their passions will find workers who are more engaged, aware and contributory. Wouldn't you rather have your organization represented by somebody who cared about the organization's mission instead of somebody who just wanted a job?
"Follow your passion" is good advice for achieving professional fulfillment and success. The source of passion's flame may shift over time, and you have to shift with it.
If you do, you will find that your career can remain fresh and vital for as long as you choose to stay in the arena.
Brad Larsen is a Northern Utah life coach and corporate consultant. He can be reached at blarsenart@q.com.
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