
My Life Changed in An Instant
Elizabeth Kanna
My life changed in an instant eight years ago. While reading one night, I ran into a familiar quote, and its significance ignited a passion long forgotten in the hubbub of my daily life. Excited with my discovery, I grabbed a pen and paper and, until the sun declared the start of a new day for me, I captured the vision of what I wanted my life to be. This vision set in motion a personal and professional transformation that continues to empower and transform my life all these years later.
I’m often asked, “How did you do it? How did you create your dream?” That night I vowed to let passion guide, inspire, and shield that vision against the dream killers we all have; well-meaning friends, coworkers, life situations, lack of the “right” degree, and our own fear. No more would dream killers stop me from creating work that I was passionate about and that utilized my talents and gifts. Unless you are passionate about what you do, you’ll never achieve true success in your career. Passion provides the power and conviction to break through any barriers that come your way. And if you’re moving towards your dream, barriers will show up. Count on it. And who doesn’t take notice of an individual passionate about his or her work? If you decide to change employers or careers, your passion will set you apart from the pack. When you reach out to others for connections to that dream job, your passion will inspire them to help you as much as they can.
What is your next move? A great way to figure it out is to discover — or rediscover — your true passion. Try these exercises: Close your eyes, and in your mind and heart live your idea of a perfect day in which you’re doing work you love. See every detail of that day. Think about inheriting $10 million. After several months (okay, maybe several years) of traveling, sitting on the beach, and playing, what would you do next? Hidden somewhere within these reflections is the key to your passion.
The quote that changed my life? “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau
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