Trish Skram’s Blog

Money has never really been the focal point of why I do what I do. In fact, I just realized a few days ago that money doesn’t matter to me, and I don’t think it ever will. So why do I work? Well, yes, I have to pay the bills some way or another but my work and profession goes well beyond doing a job for money. It’s about passion. That matters. As many of you know, I work in health care public relations and community relations. A big part of my job is spotlighting the experiences our patients, families and employees have, finding accomplishments and recognizing them for the impact they make on the community. The best part of my job is bringing out the good in my company and its community.

But this post isn’t about what I do or how I do it. It’s about having a passion in your work, profession or job. Do you have it? Can you honestly say that you’d do your job for free? Especially in these hard economic times and hearing about how many people hate their jobs, losing them, etc. Do you feel you have ‘that passion’? ‘that optimism’ in your work?

I just finished reading a fabulous book. Maybe you’ve read it, saw it on TV or heard about it—“The Last Lecture,” by Randy Pausch, late professor and speaker at Carnegie Mellon University. It’s a truly inspirational book that I encourage everyone to read. The book was heavy in ‘take-a-ways’ so it’s hard to pinpoint just one. I can say there was a part that stood out to me, how to understand optimism and embrace it. Even though it doesn’t pertain to work passion, it does highlight the importance of optimism. After Randy learned he’d had cancer, he didn’t let it consume or burden his life. Instead, he thought positive and continued to live his life to the fullest. It eventually brought him to new heights. In chapter 57, he says this, “My personal take on optimism is that as a mental state, it can enable you to do tangible things to improve your physical state. If you’re optimistic, your better able to endure brutal chemo, or keep searching for late-breaking medical treatments.” Randy found a true balance between optimism and realism. Even when he knew he couldn’t fight the cancer, his optimism helped him get through each day with a smile. That’s powerful!

I don’t have an uplifting story like Randy’s but I do strive to be as optimistic and passionate about what I do. I’m lucky to have the courage and strength to go after what I believe in and choose a work profession that I have a genuine passion for.

Trish Skram’s advice to a happy, passionate, optimistic work:

#1 Look for the good
If you wait long enough, your clients and co-workers will impress you. Same with situations, events and happenings. This does take patience, especially with the people and or ‘things’ that frustrate and anger you the most, but do know that they will eventually show you their good side. I believe everybody and everything has a good side.

#2 Listen and learn, no matter what
My boyfriend says I’m the best in the world at this. Between you and me, I think he’s just glad I’m there for him and his babbles [I love his rambling, babbling mind]. Honestly though, when you really listen, you absorb so many new things. Make it a personal mission in your line of work to learn one new thing about someone or something⎯it will amaze you how much that one thing can make a lasting, positive impression on you.

#3 Don’t sweat the small stuff
“Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Life is too short to worry about what everyone else thinks, acts like or does. Don’t be afraid to discuss new ideas at work, express your feelings, bad or good, learn you can’t control everything and understand that everyone has different perspectives and perceptions⎯Really. Don’t let small problems or challenges ruin your day. Don’t worry about it. You’ll be fine.

#4 If you don’t like it, fix it
If you find yourself in a job that truly has no meaning to you or you dread going everyday⎯find out why and fix it. I’ve been there. Again, life’s too short to put so much effort in something not worth the time or energy. Try to find the strength and courage to fix the negative aspects of your job. If that means putting in your two-week notice, great! But if you can’t [because we can’t control everything] go back to #1. I realize that sometimes you can’t just quit. But try to have that passion and optimism if you need to stay. Don’t think of your job as just a paycheck.

So I ask you, do you have passion for what you do? Do you live your life, feeling optimistic and excited to take on a task at work? Would you quit, even if it wasn’t the most popular choice? Now … I don’t claim to love everything about my job. I wouldn’t even say that I do. But I can say that I love having the opportunity to make a difference and follow my dreams. I admire people that actually do, like Randy Pausch has.

Photo courtesy of http://post-gazette.com

Technorati Tags: job, passion for your work, public relations professionals in Wisconsin, Random "Trish" Thoughts, Randy Pausch, Tricia Skram