Do You Feel Like Issuing a Personal Ad for the Person You Once Were?

This article was inspired by an enchanting 2½ year-old named Freddie whom I got to know while visiting in France. Some of you may be asking, “What’s Freddie got to do with this article?” Please allow me to introduce you to him further…

I saw magic happen with Freddie. Naturally, he is growing into a confident, fun loving boy but as I watched him run around, clothes free, without a care in the world, I was drawn back to a simpler time in my life when joy was so much more accessible. I enjoyed watching him explore his passion for cars, never tiring from his amazement of them. Many times he attempted to enter his uncle’s car in hopes of driving somewhere! When he did finally manage to get inside, he “drove it” with all the elation in his heart; beeping the horn and waving at passers-by. The joy on his face was irreplaceable! Watching Freddie inspired me to ask you a few questions:

• Where does this passion and joy go as we grow older? Can we recapture our “true love” when it comes to our careers?
  

• What types of things do you enjoy doing? Can we make a good living out of doing what we are passionate about?

• Do you find it difficult to recall the things you were once passionate about? Do you feel pride in the job you are doing right now?

• What’s been lost? Can you find a way to create income by doing the things you are most passionate about?

With life’s’ daily demands and duties, focusing on your passions can be difficult. We are constantly pressured for time and the roles we play: be it mother, wife, daughter, or friend. Our daily responsibilities engulf us leaving little time for our passions. If you find it hard to think of things that you enjoy or are passionate about; don’t despair! They are still there you just need to find a way to coax them out of hiding.

When thinking about rediscovering passion, it is easy to imagine you’ve got to do something big; but in reality sometimes all it takes are small steps. The things we are passionate about can be identified by the way we feel about them (energetic, authentic, alive, and totally present). You must be vigilant about observing your passions to turn them into your dream career. For example: do you feel energized listening to people’s problems and making them feel at ease? If so, this could potentially translate into a career as a coach or counselor.

I am focusing on passion this week! Even if you are good at something, you won’t excel unless you enjoy it. Try thinking twice before you bail out on your previous experience or expertise. If you have a talent but are unsatisfied, it may just be the way you are using it that limits your satisfaction.

When you were young what did you want to be? Did you envision yourself a singer, explorer, teacher, footballer or maybe even a doctor? What attracted you to that role? What are you passionate about? This is part of the jigsaw puzzle of getting to know you again. Combine your interests with values, skills, strengths and personality preferences. Imagine getting all you desire from a career!

This is where Freddie comes in. At this young age, he certainly has an interest in cars and his face lights up when he sees anything vaguely automotive! Recall your childhood dreams and use those dreams to lay valuable pointers where your adult passions lie.