What Does It Mean to Have Passion in Your Work? And Why Is It Essential?

A lot of people talk about passion when it comes to what they do every day. But is it a lot of talk, or is there truly something to be said about passion in your work?

Passion is an essential ingredient in being the best you can be, bringing you pride and purpose—and advancing your career to heights you may not have considered. And for a successful career, it’s key.

Here’s What Happens When You’re Passionate about Your Work

Beyond its importance, being passionate about what you do is the difference between simply doing a job and setting yourself up for success. When you are passionate about your career, you bring energy to your work and motivate others around you. You are much more productive and happier overall. Plus, passionate employees attract other passionate employees.

In business, passion can make all the difference and tends to have the following effects:

• More effective leadership
• Enhanced problem-solving
• Purposeful decisions
• Sustained, long-term performance
• Positivity
• Increased creativity
• Openness to experiment
• Higher urgency to follow through
• Continuous and improved learning
• More diligent pursuit of goals

Passion naturally increases your contribution. So, the more you care, the more you are willing to contribute. The more you contribute, the more you flourish as an individual in your work. And the more the company grows because of your efforts!

Where Does Passion Come From?

Passion stems from within, guided by both your heart and your mind and caring deeply about something… loving it and truly believing in it. Once you find what you love and have the opportunity to focus on this for your career, you will benefit.

For example, an executive can be passionate about leading their company to be a revolutionary change agent. And a school custodian can be just as passionate about providing a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment for children.

Ultimately, being highly motivated and driven to be the best you can be in life, regardless of your career, is where passion begins. Even if you’re not happy with the job you have now, being passionate about your work will help you find your next stepping-stone.

Just a Job vs. an Exciting Career

Many individuals are not passionate about what they do; they work simply to earn money. When you are passionate about your career, it never feels like you are working.

Integrity, authenticity, perseverance, effective communication, and leading with empathy are some key factors that contribute to career success. However, I strongly believe that when you add passion to the mix—and you love what you do—it can often make the biggest difference of all. Passion can help lead you on the path to career success.

We spend many hours every week working, so why not be passionate about it? The company you represent and the individuals you work with are just as important. If you are passionate about your work, but not passionate about the company you work for or the leaders you report to, then you are cheating yourself—and it’s time to make a change. 

Career success takes time, commitment, and dedication. It takes energy and much initiative, but passion is the driver to get there. Think about how much more successful you could be if you approached your work with passion. Every meeting, every interaction, every decision could be handled with swift confidence. Setbacks and challenges won’t hold you back because you love what you do. And knowing you got there doing something you love that is meaningful and adds value to the world is truly a great feeling.

Need to find passion in your work?

Want to find the right workplace to be passionate about or the right people for your workplace?

Reach out to me to learn more and to discuss your needs!