When's the last time that you told someone that you are
passionate about your work? If you're like most people, you
probably don't even associate the word passion with your job. In
last month's Red Ladder survey, only 34% of respondents said that
they do not wake up easily or feel excited about the day ahead.
Only 44% of respondents felt that they were doing their best work
and living up to their full potential. Further, 56% of
respondents indicated that they would like to pursue new
interests but often procrastinate or feel paralyzed, and thus, do
nothing. Doesn't that make you feel sad?

So, what is passion? According to Webster's Ninth New Collegiate
Dictionary, passion can be defined as an object of desire or deep
interest, or an intense emotion compelling action. You know when
you see someone that has passion for what they are doing. They
typically exhibit high energy and the ability to put 100% focus
on moving something forward no matter what the obstacles are. You
know who these people are. Their energy is contagious and most of
us are attracted to them like moths to a spotlight because we'd
like even a small part of the energy that they exude in the
world.

For me, passion is about doing work that resonates with my core
values and is aligned with my heart's true desire. I want to help
other women (and men) successfully navigate corporate challenges
and be successful in their careers. This passion plays out in
numerous ways in my work as a management consultant, project
manager and coach to organizations of all sizes and, as a seminar
leader and keynote speaker.

I recently met a woman at an author event at Bound to Be Read in
St. Paul, MN. The topic was on earning what you're worth, an area
that I not only feel passionate about but am knowledgeable about
as well. One of the keys to earning what you're worth is doing
something that you have passion for.

This young woman seemed very discouraged and de-energized with
her work at a large medical company. It was clear she had no
passion for what she was doing. When I asked her about what she
had passion for, she was able to articulate it immediately and
with much energy. However, she then proceeded to tell me that she
didn't see anyway to tie that passion to a job. With the limited
information that she shared, I rattled off several ideas and
contacts for her to explore.

Before parting ways, we exchanged business cards. When I went
home that night, I wrote a quick inspirational note and mailed it
off to her the next day. Below is an excerpt from an email she
sent me in response.

"It was such a delight to get your letter in the mail! It really
made my day and kept the momentum going, that I really do need to
pursue my dreams instead of just being willing to accept any
position in the company. I had written about you in my journal
the night we met - your energy and confidence really made an
impression on me and I wrote about how I wanted to really feel
and exhibit those qualities. Then I got your note - what a joy to
have another touch point."

The magic about working with passion is that it usually only
takes a small belief in yourself to start making things happen.
Here are a few questions to get you started:

1. What is your passion inviting you to do?

2. What would your life be like if you were able to incorporate
   some aspect of your passion into your work life every day?

3. How would working with your passion benefit you? Your company?

4. What obstacles are standing in your way?

5. What is one small step you could take to move you forward and
   begin working with your passion today?

In the words of author H. Jackson Browne, "Find a job you like
and you add five days to every week." The only way I know how to
do that is to work with passion. So, what are you waiting for? 

Regina Barr is a management consultant and speaker with a 
special passion for helping women achieve leadership success. 
Regina helps companies develop strategies to attract, develop 
and retain women leaders. Her consulting firm, Red Ladder, Inc., 
also helps organizations and their leaders develop their full 
potential through strategic project management and coaching. 
For more information visit http://www.RedLadder.com or 
http://www.RedLadder.blogs.com.