Page 60 - Harnett Life Fall 2018

Entrepreneurs: Exploring Your

Professional Passion By: Dr. Veronica L. Hardy

What do you want to be when you grow up? This is a ques- Now it is time to consider your surroundings and the input
tion that has been posed to children across the country. I re- of those closest to you. Take a look at your immediate en-
member that I wanted to work in a hospital until I took my vironment: your home, your office, your car. What do these
first health assistance course and realized it was not my true spaces communicate about you, your personality, and your
passion. After that, I entered the field of social work and the interests? Next, ask those who are closest to you to state
rest is history. What is a passion? It is an underlying force, their observations of what your passions may include. It
emotional influence that energizes and motivates. Y our may be very interesting to hear if their feedback is consis-
passion can guide you both personally and professionally, tent with your personal reflections.
which can lead to a fulfilling life. To begin exploring your
passion, consider these three guiding points: Guiding Point #3: Pursue

Guiding Point #1: Reflect You have reflected and explored, now it is time to deter-
mine if you want to pursue your passion. Pursuit consists
Y ou may learn a lot about yourself from reflecting on your of commitment to achieve your goal, identifying the nec-
childhood interests. Consider the places and activities you essary steps to move forward, gathering information from
most enjoyed. When are you most creative and motivated? appropriate resources for guidance, surrounding yourself
What are your values, beliefs, and interests? A question to with supportive people, and anticipating obstacles so you
consider is, if you had no limits such as money or time, can have a plan to overcome them.
what is it that you would do? Take a little time to know
yourself better because you may learn a lot. Certainly, exploring one’s passion is a process that may
take a considerable amount of time, yet the above steps
Guiding Point #2: Explore may get you started on that road.

Page 60 Harnett Life ~ Winter 2018