We hear all the time how important it is to listen to your heart when searching for a career path. But when I read, a commencement address that Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers, gave at a graduation ceremony at Stanford University in 2005, I wondered how often do we actually follow that advice?
Steve's journey started with a simple calligraphy class he sat in on after dropping out of college. In his search to find what interested him, he found himself mesmerized by this style of writing. What he didn't know was that this would later influence him when he started designing the first Macintosh computer. It became the first computer with beautiful typography.
In his address, Steve spoke about three specific times in his life that got him to where he is today. The first story was about connecting the dots, the second focused on love and loss, and the third story spoke about death.
These three ideas can help you find your own passion. Here's how:
Connect the Dots. Examine your past. What are some of the things that have interested you the most? Whether it's a bio-chemistry class or a calligraphy class like it was for Steve, no interest is too small to help point you into the right career.
Love It and Lose It. Stick to your passion. It doesn't matter that you may have tried to be successful doing what you love and failed. Try again from another angle. Persistence pays off. Remember the old saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Find creative ways to interject your passion into your work life, and see what happens.
Live Each Day. If you haven't discovered your passion, live each day to the fullest by trying new things until you have found your niche. Explore new hobbies or chase your dreams. There is something out there for everyone; it just takes initiative and courage to find out what you love and let it change the way you work and live.
Remember, hardly anyone is born knowing their passion. It takes time and a little soul-searching. So, follow your heart. Dig into your curiosity. You never know where your dreams might lead you!
Thanks for sharing the Steve Jobs story. I have use it before to demonstrate the same point. We at ROAR tell people to awaken the lion within and that the first step is to Find the Lion within. I find that for most, they do not know what their passion is of their passions is merely something that pays. We believe that the passion is God given and that you need to find what is natural to only you. Your unique path will excite you and impact the lives of many. thanks for sharing. I may put this message on our blog.
Posted by: Joe Sturniolo | July 31, 2008 at 10:56 AM