Often people attempt to live their lives backwards or in the wrong direction. They try to acquire more things (e.g. money, fancy car, big house, etc.), in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. Believe it or not, the way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be your true self, then do what you need to do with enthusiasm in order to have what you want. American Philosopher – Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” This is what we call finding your passion!
When it comes to applying for jobs, graduate school, or scholarships there is one essential requirement that the employer, school or awards committee seeks in applicants; PASSION! This quality is never mentioned in a position description or application, and is something that most applicants overlook. However, it is by far the most important credential you could possibly bring to the table when applying and is what typically leads to a more successful application process. Passion can be defined as an overwhelming or intense enthusiasm, conviction or love for something or to do something. With passion comes energy, and it is this energy that you should bring forward with any application you submit.
As individuals we all have our unique reasons or purpose for why you are choosing to apply for something; whether that be an employment opportunity, choosing a graduate program, or seeking a scholarship. We often hear from students about the importance of salary or job security has on their decision. However, we believe that the truest satisfaction, joy and success does not come from money or choosing a career based on the number employment opportunities available. Instead, we believe that they come from discovering your passion and putting that passion to work; do what you love and you will love what you do. There are different reasons individuals are motivated toward a career. One of these includes the passion for the career. When an individual is passionate about their career they tend to be less obsessive about their behaviors while in school or on their job, and result in greater production and extra satisfaction. When a person genuinely enjoys their profession and are motivated by their passion, they tend to be more satisfied with their work and have a healthier attitude. Ultimately, if you choose a career, job or program that fulfills you – getting up everyday for work, going to classes and studying will be much easier; oh, and the money you earn just might surprise you. Remember, everything worthwhile in life is work. But if it puts a smile on your face, it doesn’t feel like work.
With passion also comes purpose; they go hand-in-hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about. Purpose may point you in the right direction but it’s passion that propels you. So how does one solve the mystery of what one should do with their life. Our advice – find the path that allows you to answer these questions:
- What do I do well?
- What are my strengths?
- What is my giftedness?
- What is the talent, the uniqueness that sets me apart from everybody else?
Everyone has a uniqueness about them that, if they could discover it, educate it, fine-tune it, work hard and grow in it, would set them apart and result in a purposeful passion. Think about it – no one has ever been successful doing something that they didn’t like and no one has ever been successful doing something they can’t do well. Any yet many people everyday find themselves regretting getting up for work and doing something they hate doing and wonder why they are not successful. Basically, don’t be normal. Sadly, normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you financed, in order to get to the job that you don’t really like, but that you need, to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it. Do you want to be this person? There is only one remedy – discover your passion, do what you love and and you will love what you do!
