Follow Your Passion?

"Follow your bliss"
(or, passion).

I was having a discussion about this phrase with one of my brothers a while back, as it relates to work.

Following our passions is fine for hobbies, but when it comes to a career direction or job choice, I don't think it's the best advice. Too simplistic.

Just because we love something doesn't mean that positive thinking and lots of effort lead to success. Nashville is filled with musicians and songwriters following their passion. Most of them are barely scraping by and waiting on tables.

I think it's more valuable to think in terms of following your value. What is that?

Your value is the greatest contribution you can make to the professional success of others (companies, clients, colleagues, customers).

How do you arrive at that? Here's a more useful formula: your professional value is found at the intersection of your passion + skills + experience + network + market need.

Example: I set out, in my youth, to become an astronomer. I LOVED all things space (still do, in fact). It's an enduring passion. But then I encountered college-level physics and calculus, and it was quickly apparent that I was woeful at some needed skills (also, there isn't a huge market need for astronomers).

My "bliss" was not going to provide a successful career direction.

Here in middle Tennessee, there are thousands of talented musicians. But the ones who get someplace have a network of key contacts that open doors for them.

I do much of my consulting work with pharmaceutical professionals, and some of that involves career coaching. Some folks start off well, then get promoted into a position that no longer fits their passion (or skills). Others do a reasonable job at their starting point, but their best skills are identified and then channeled through a network of supportive colleagues and leaders.

I did a deep dive recently with a consultant who was trying to refine their direction, offerings, and message. Sometimes we actually do have a great set of skills and lots of potential opportunities, but it comes down to finding a narrow focus where the biggest market need exists - in line with your experience and your network of contacts.

If you're going to communicate with clarity, first you need clarity around your own purpose and direction.

Consult your passion? -Absolutely. But don't follow it blindly. Professional success is more than personal feelings. It's providing value that people willingly pay for because you have the skills, experience, drive, focus, and contacts to succeed!