As I begin here writing the first post on my freshly grined wordpress site, I ponder over what to write. It’s true writing is thinking. The first thing I write here will define who I am and so it’s really important what I choose to write or will it? In the end, what I write here will be my opinion out of many others out there. I hope to interest some with my words, for some might be a learning, some may even get inspired or some might even be kind enough to leave their feedback and help improve my knowledge.
If my first impression defines this whole initiative, I rather simply write the first thing which came on my mind when I opened the editor. That is how it is going to be, top of my mind thoughts to this e-paper. And so, here it goes.
Around 8 years ago, I was substituting my CEO at an event. It was PROCOM event held in FAST University of Karachi where he was invited as one of the guest speakers. I was not prepared to go on stage and had nothing readily prepared. However, I did attend the event and did get to spend time with the then graduating batches of the university. It was not only interacting with them but also the experience I have had even back then with the new generation of graduates passing out. I remember sitting next to other C level peers from various industries. One of them, Asad Umar, CEO of Engro at that time, with whom I quickly discussed as well. Surprisingly the following two speakers went on to quote me later as well, hence the importance of what I said then.
I spoke about Passion addressing to hundreds of students that day. I spoke my heart out and shared how real passion and commitment is deteriorating with every passing year. With every new batch of graduates being released to market, the intrinsic joy at work lacks. They all join the companies but at the back of their minds they are only wondering about doing something else. Usually, starting something of their own. They are not being honest to themselves neither their employers who are willing to invest in them. They are taking away a spot of someone more willing towards that job.
Isn’t it important to really earn the salary you get at the end of month? Why worry about two in the bush and not one in hand? I definitely am not negating the whole follow your passion advice but if that is the case then take a firm decision and focus on that. I have a firm belief if one cannot be dedicated to present, rare chances of being really in love with the next role.
Now, assuming you aren’t one who deliberately isn’t passionate and just never got a chance to realize it. You are somewhat lacking the productivity you feel you do have the potential for. In that case, below is some quick tips on how you may bring your 100% to work:
- Make work thrilling, take risks. Comfort is boring – adrenaline rush is healthy
- Be positive, talk positive
- Surround yourself with passionate co-workers
- Find like minded people
- Know your impact, believe in it
- Stay humble, stay hungry – keep learning
- Volunteer
- If it’s not working out, move out – but don’t be miserable
“If you just want to pursue something you enjoy, that might be a sign of laziness rather than genuine passion.”
Harry Briggs, Venture Capitalist and former Partner at BGF Ventures
One last point I must mention here before I close it off is a strong correlation between passion and quality of work any team or organization is producing. If quality is something you or your team struggle with, high probability is it’s due to shortfall in spirit and love towards work being done. Fix it and the rest will come together.