The Pursuit of Passion

Last Wednesday, I had two bookend experiences in one day that made me stop and rethink what the meaning and the demonstration of being passionate about a subject matter.

The first came in the morning as I watched my colleague present about data analytics. For some of you, as soon as you read that, you may have thought it was a pretty dry topic. Except that it wasn't. Because her presentation detailed how she's been able to increase impact by making data more accessible, transparent and usable to make purchasing decisions. And then she got to the good stuff - like how the new Gen AI technologies could and should be leveraged to create more economic opportunities for diverse-owned businesses. Watching her, her passion was apparent -and that wasn't just because I know?she spends her "off-the-clock" hours thinking about and testing possibilities. In that moment, I asked myself

"What have you cared so much about that you investigate or pursue it even when there's no financial benefit?"

?A few hours later, I'd find myself posing that same question to myself again.

?The same colleague and I decided to have a true Chicago experience which landed us-among many places - on an architecture boat tour. Our tour guide, Victor (sp) was phenomenal. I should have known we were in for an incredible experience when he alerted us before the tour started to view the bridge rising because it was occurring outside of its normal cadence (Weds & Sat in Spring & Fall and holidays) AND he knew approximately how much the special event likely paid to cover the cost of the unscheduled rising (~40K USD).?

Combined with his wit, the intensity for his interest in Chicago architecture shone through as he gave us updates on the decisions made by the planning commissions (which he attends in person) and referenced several designs submitted by firms for projects - both completed and proposed-in a bound portfolio. I watched in fascination as he snapped photos of building in the middle of construction - no doubt to be added to his already robust exhibit collection- as he continued his narrative. I absorbed as much as I could from him - grateful for the opportunity to see someone doing what they genuinely loved.

In the days following, I've been able to answer that question I posed to myself. It started with recognizing I've chosen roles professionally and personally that provide me fulfillment. Sure, my favorite local "spirits" establishment may never use the marketing ideas I've brainstormed, but that doesn't stop me from writing them down when they come to me -even if it is at 2 am. That travel tip IG account may one day see the light of day (as well as all the content I've shot for it). And, once I recognized how important education and career development were to moving forward in life, I made it a point to volunteer in areas that allowed me to encourage, share and coach people to their highest potential. This is something I look forward to doing even more in the future and as I prepare, you better believe I'm taking notes from podcasts, lecturers, etc.

?While my previous examples were work-related, I think its worth noting that sometimes your passions don't always align with work. Sometimes work is just work, and it allows you to fund your passion. And despite what some internet talking heads may tell you, as long as you're okay with the balance, that is an acceptable way to live (or work...you get my drift).

My one hope however is that you do find the thing that wakes you up at night, excited to implement or learn something new. And that when you find it, you continue to nurture that relationship because you never know who's watching and who you may inspire.?