Putting Passion into Practice, part 2

Last week I mentioned some ways to identify your passions or even clarify those you are already aware of. A really good book on the topic, The Passion Test, gives much more information and in-depth exercises for identifying them. It’s definitely a process. The passions I started with last year when I read the book have been reworked and refined until they are much more specific. For instance, I started with “inspire and encourage others to reach higher to discover their potential”. Now it reads “leading and facilitating groups where new ideas and methods are discussed, thus getting each person closer to doing what they love”. Here’s the next step in connecting the dots between work and passion: integrating them into your work life.

Putting that Passion into Practice
The best way I know for making a change (like integrating your now identified passions into your life) is to make a goal of it and create a realistic action plan. I’ve mentioned many times that studies show the most successful people set goals, and not only that, they write their goals down, keep them visible, and review them often. Next, think of ways to achieve this goal by creating an action plan, step by step activities that answer the question, “how can I do more of that?” And last but not least, hold yourself accountable for achieving them.

Let’s take an example of someone who is passionate about teaching and training. Their goal becomes “Spend more time each week in a training/teaching role until it becomes my primary function.” Their action plan may include such steps as “determine training needs in my department”, “find or develop appropriate classes for my employees, clients and colleagues”, “attend ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) monthly meetings for exposure to the field”, and “volunteer at xyz organization to teach xyz class”. These can be broken down into even smaller steps if needed – whatever it takes to make them feel realistic and achievable. The next step is to assign a date that each step will be completed by and put it on the calendar and weekly to-do lists to ensure activity. Regular review of progress, realigning with other priorities when needed, and noting accomplishments toward reaching the goal are all critical parts of the process.

Need some help getting started? I have a very simple worksheet for identifying and integrating Passions into your work life that I’ll be happy share with you. Please add a comment to this post and I'll send it to you.

To-Do this Week: Write down at least one goal that will add more passion to your life. Next, determine the action steps required which help you “do more of that”. Write these down and assign a due date – add to your calendar and hold yourself accountable. Even better, share this process with a friend and hold each other accountable. Celebrate your accomplishments and progress toward making your work more fulfilling and exciting, step by step.

“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”
~Arnold H. Glasow, American humorist and author, 1905-1998