What’s Passion got to do with it?
Actually, a lot. Research shows that you excel at what you love to do and perform at high levels when you are completely engaged in your work. In addition, scientists say the brain is very happy when it’s focused on what you love. You think more clearly, are less stressed, and healthier all around. Read on to see how some readers can integrate their passions into their work:

Dear Debbie:
What’s all this talk about putting your passion into your work? I keep reading about “follow your bliss” and “do what you love” in your job. I don’t get it. How can I possibly do what I love (photography) in my work when I have a boring, but well-paying, bookkeeping job? -Josh P.
Dear Josh:
Our passions are our unique gifts and typically our strengths. We tend to be very good at what we love to do. I’m willing to bet you’re a very good photographer or have the potential to become one. Wouldn’t your job be more exciting if you got the chance to put some of that passion into it? Here are some ideas. First, be sure to display your photos in your work area so you’re reminded constantly of this passion. That’s a very simple and obvious way to bring it to work! Get permission to do the same in the break room so coworkers know about your talent. Offer to take photos at the next company picnic or party and post them online and around the office. Ask to take photos to be published in the next company brochure or annual report. Eventually, you will find ways to make photography your main work activity. Your growing confidence and competency will allow you to move onto other jobs more related to this field you love. Take small steps and see what happens!

Dear Debbie:
I could splash around in the retail end of the swimming pool for the rest of my life if my parents didn’t care. I love people and making them happy makes me happy, plus the commissions are great! But my parents did put me through college and now expect me to “do better” than retail, and get a “real job”. How do I make them happy while still being happy myself?
-Liza T.
Dear Liza:
When you are working with your passions, you are happy, time flies by, and others benefit by being around you and feel inspired to be like you. The enthusiasm and positive attitude of your letter indicates to me that you are great with customers, which means you will be great at retail! Large percentages of people are so unhappy in their work – it’s refreshing to hear that you are not one of them.

To convince your parents that you are already doing what you love to do, I recommend you create a retail career plan that proves your commitment to utilizing your education and to your passion. This is for them, and more importantly for yourself to plan your future and develop your career with specific goals and action steps. Start by looking at management and growth opportunities within your current employer’s organization. Talk to your supervisor, the Human Resources department, and the Store Manager.

While leveraging your experience where you already are is a wise idea, also look outside at other retail companies to compare and see what they offer. You can then make the decision to stay put or get your resume out to other companies. Put your findings on paper, plot out what your career path will look like and where you’ll be in 1, 3, and 5 years from now. Develop goals and action steps for each one and begin your journey to making this work you love into your life’s career. Good luck!

Dear Debbie:
I want more than anything to build my work around my favorite thing in the whole world – making and decorating wedding cakes. So far, it’s just been a hobby and people tell me I’m really talented and should think about opening a business. That sounds so exciting but I don’t’ know how I’d make a living at it and I’m scared to leave the security of my full time medical clerk job. I need some advice. -Tammy P.

Dear Tammy:
Congratulations on being aware of your passion! That’s the first step in making it a bigger part of your life – identifying it, getting specific, then taking action steps toward it. I recommend you start by doing some research on what it will take to turn it into a business. Jump on the internet and look at bakery or wedding cake business sites and learn what you can from others. There are many hats a business owner wears and sometimes the thing they love to do (like making and decorating cakes) gets lost in the paperwork and marketing. You might consider working for someone part-time who’s already taken that step. This way, you can see the inner workings of a cake business and decide if that’s the route you want to go. You can also spread the word about your passion a little more with some basic business cards and see how you handle the additional business.

As far as making the money you need and want to earn - with a good plan, a clear understanding of what you are taking on, and lots of patience and persistence, it can be done. You’ll discover that as you follow your true passion, it becomes second nature to talk about what you do, people become excited along with you, start telling others, and business will come your way. Did I mention patience and persistence? Go for it – step-by-step and you’ll make it happen!

©2008 Debbie Lousberg, Lousberg Unlimited, Smart Career Moves