The idea that we experiment and seek experiences in life until we find our true passion and calling is ingrained deeply in the human psyche. Consider the wisdom in this quote of unknown origin: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
I remember the day I discovered my true passion and calling - It was the first day of my Intro to Industrial/Organizational Psychology course with Professor Matt Riggs at CSUSB. I had always felt I looked at work differently than other people in my circles. It was never just a job for me. Every job I had since 14 was an opportunity to learn something new, to figure things out, and find better ways in doing the work. Working for the wrong bosses, this got me into trouble at times. But working with the right bosses, some of the best experiences in my life. I/O Psychology gave me the vocabulary to put names to things I encountered in my work and the methodology to take things to the next level. Twenty-four years later, I feel I approach work with the same amount of passion albeit maybe at a somewhat slower pace. I recently finished Ryan Holiday's Ego is the Enemy. Toward the end of the book is a quote from Joseph Conrad that I liked very much and I think applies to today's post: "I don't like work, nobody does, but I like what is in the work, the chance to find myself." (I'm paraphrasing). My advice, be passionate about the work you do and who you are. Don't apologize. If some people take issue with it, you're spending time with the wrong people. Get yourself some new people.
I absolutely love this. It makes me reflect on the importance of making a positive impact on the world. The importance of clarity in our impact. And the fuel that passion provides to unless brilliance in ourselves and those around us.
I love the clarity of this. It resonates with my own life experience. Perhaps passion does help us navigate to maximum effectiveness & or sustainability?? it certainly is disempowering though, to believe that we can only really "show up" energetically if we "feel like it" in that moment. Thanks again, Randall for these helpful daily articles.
I remember the day I discovered my true passion and calling - It was the first day of my Intro to Industrial/Organizational Psychology course with Professor Matt Riggs at CSUSB. I had always felt I looked at work differently than other people in my circles. It was never just a job for me. Every job I had since 14 was an opportunity to learn something new, to figure things out, and find better ways in doing the work. Working for the wrong bosses, this got me into trouble at times. But working with the right bosses, some of the best experiences in my life. I/O Psychology gave me the vocabulary to put names to things I encountered in my work and the methodology to take things to the next level. Twenty-four years later, I feel I approach work with the same amount of passion albeit maybe at a somewhat slower pace. I recently finished Ryan Holiday's Ego is the Enemy. Toward the end of the book is a quote from Joseph Conrad that I liked very much and I think applies to today's post: "I don't like work, nobody does, but I like what is in the work, the chance to find myself." (I'm paraphrasing). My advice, be passionate about the work you do and who you are. Don't apologize. If some people take issue with it, you're spending time with the wrong people. Get yourself some new people.
I absolutely love this. It makes me reflect on the importance of making a positive impact on the world. The importance of clarity in our impact. And the fuel that passion provides to unless brilliance in ourselves and those around us.
I love the clarity of this. It resonates with my own life experience. Perhaps passion does help us navigate to maximum effectiveness & or sustainability?? it certainly is disempowering though, to believe that we can only really "show up" energetically if we "feel like it" in that moment. Thanks again, Randall for these helpful daily articles.
I concur, great read. My question would be when does passion become your negative attribute?