I have heard this saying over and over again, "Have you found your passion?" or "when you find your passion, the money will come" really? It seems to me that being passionate about something is all well and good, but the reality is that I don't hire people because they claim to be passionate about what they do. I hire them because I want them to be amazing at what they do and I want them to work hard the job and on themselves.
Google "finding your passion" and you should get about 8,6000,000 results. Apparently, this seems to be the catch phrase of the decade. Go to Amazon.com and look up books on" finding your passion" you should get about 656 results. So what does this prove? That there are a lot of people out there chasing their tails looking for their passion when what they should invest their time in, is working hard at developing themselves.
Now I know what you must be thinking, if you're passionate about what you do, then you are amazing at it... NOT TRUE! I know a lot of people who are passionate about what they do and their performance is dismal! They are just not good at what they do! I've also heard the saying "I'd rather fail at something I love than succeed at something I hate!" this is total B.S.! Loving what you do has no qualitative or quantitative value in the workplace and neither does passion. I don't know anybody who truly cares if their employees love their jobs! I also don't know of anybody who would prefer to fail at anything! The reality is that your customers don't care if you're passionate about your job - so long as you give them amazing service and go above and beyond to help them.
I am amazing at my job and that's why my employers pay me. I've done some consulting jobs over the years, and no one has ever hired me because of my passion! I recently facilitated a workshop on Leadership and a participant said to me during the lunch break, "I really enjoyed your workshop, your words were so inspiring, I can tell how passionate you are about this subject." I politely thanked her but then told her that what she saw up there was the result of years of research, hard work and practice. I am good at what I do, because I work hard at it. That's how you achieve excellence, that's how you become amazing at what you do. She said, "but you make it seem so effortless" I told that's why I work hard to prepare... so that when I'm up there it appears to be effortless. True excellence is always the result of hard work.
I know many of you who are reading this blog totally disagree with me, and that's fine. If you would prefer to continue to believe that finding your passion will somehow lead you to success then go ahead. I certainly won't stop you, I would imagine it's because passion requires very little effort from us and let's face it, mention the word "work" to most people and they go running for the hills. The truth is, hard work and excellence requires almost everything from us and that's why so few of us are amazing at what we do...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Cacica Yve's World: Discover Your "Younique" Talents In Six Simple Ste...
Cacica Yve's World: Discover Your "Younique" Talents In Six Simple Ste...: "It is truly sad how many women do not understand the process of discovering their unique talents and strengths. A few years ago, I bought t..."
Discover Your "Younique" Talents In Six Simple Steps!
It is truly sad how many women do not understand the process of discovering their unique talents and strengths. A few years ago, I bought the book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath and decided to explore my personal strengths using the code found in the book I logged on to the website and proceeded to take a twenty minute strengthsquest. At the end of my strengthsquest, I was surprised to find out that my top five strengths are: Futuristic, Activator, Ideation, Strategic and Woo.Well, to tell the truth, the woo didn't really surrpise me,nor did the ideation, because I have always been good at coming up with ideas. What I later learned as I went through this process of self-discovery on how to put my strengths to use is that when you maximize your strengths you are in a better position to begin to fulfill your purpose and become great in your chosen field. Unfortunately, we live in a society that focuses on weaknesses, when we think of improving, we think in terms of remediating weaknesses. This approach is really a waste of energy. What you should focus your time and energy on is in further developing and strengthening your natural talents - your strengths. The reason I favor this approach is that it makes much more sense to spend your time developing strengths so you can be amazing then it would remediating weaknesses so you could, at best, be mediocre. Here are six simple ways you can begin your own self-discovery:
1. Ask. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers what talents, gifts or strengths they perceive you having. Make a list of the feedback you get, include artistic tendencies, are you good at fixing things, counseling others, are your writing skills, etc. List everything that you can do well.
2. Think creatively. Don't limit yourself in the way you think. As a matter of fact, don't even think the same way about your life that you normally would, try to remove all limitations that your family may have taught you, or your upbringing may have embraced. Forget all those limiting thoughts planted in your mind by fear, by teachers, friends, society, family, your mate... Great thinkers do great things! If you believe this statement to be true then begin to think big and you will be motivated to accomplish extraordinary goals. Visit places that inspire creativity, like museums, libraries, a live play or the opera. Make it a point to meet new people and strike up conversations with them.... go to a book signing and talk to the author. Network with the "movers and shakers" in your community and outside your current circle of acquaintences. Take your networking to the next level by connecting with people outside your usual circle of friends. By doing so, you will begin to look at life and your gifts from a whole new perspective. Find a mentor or consult a life coach.
3. Engage in Reflection. What activities were you drawn to do as a child? What were your favorite types of books or movies? What places did you visit or want to visit? What sort of things did you do? Are there some ideas that you've thought of which you have sitting on a back-burning waiting to implement "someday?" What has been your biggest accomplishments? Look through your book collection, be it on your bookshelf or you Kindle/iPad/reading device and see what genres you read most about. Recently I inventoried my own personal library and found that the recurring theme of the books I read have to do with leadership, self-improvement, spiriual growth, life achievement and biograpies. Go back and review these choices because I guarantee that the key to your purpose is hidden within these texts.
4. Involve a Higher Power. The Creator wants you to live a life of abundance, but you must take the steps to grow in the things of God, or your spiritual guide. You should involve a Higher Power in your passions and pursuits, for the Most High has created the passion you have and your desires, seek guidance from your Spiritual guide, that you may be instructed on how to make the best use of your talents.
5. Keep a Journal. Record ideas, quotes, poems, and your reflections in your journal. What inspires you? Are you reading something and a passage strikes a cord? Record the passage, spend time journaling about your dreams and goals. Whatever it is that sparks enthusiasm and motivates you. Your journal is written documentation of where you are, where you'd like to be, where you're going and cand be used as your personal roadmap to get there.
6. Access. Identify those things that limits you, be it in your thinking or actions. Is it financial limitations that keeps you from achieving your life's goals or lack of education? Is it a lack of self-esteem or lack of spiritual growth? Are there things that are going on in your life that maybe limiting your progress? Take stock and access what it is that is limiting you, then devise a plan of action to overcome or eliminate them. This is an area in which a mentor or coach can help you to access what's going on and what can be done to break out of the chains that limit you.
Your "youniqe" talents and strengths are waiting to be tapped and harnassed, you only need to take that first step. Don't continue to lead a life that is smaller than your potential. Take an active role in shaping the life you want.
Many thanks for reading my blog. I appreciate your comments and insights and will be sure to respond to every one.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Professionalism: Are Today's Job Seekers Unprofessional?
More than 500 human resources professionals and business leaders responding to a survey conducted by York College of Pennsylvania's Center for Professional Excellence (source InsideHigherEd) , defined professionalism roughly as follows:
"as being related to a person rather than the position. The traits or behaviors mentioned most by the respondents as being characteristic of professional employees were personal interaction skills, including courtesy and respect; the ability to communicate, which includes listening skills; a work ethic which includes being motivated and working on a task until it is complete; and appearance.”
Given this definition, do you think that you display professionalism to your organization, co-workers, in the community? Now remember, this question will require you to be honest with yourself, however, whether you are aware of it or not, your actions always define you. If you find that you have areas for improvement, and we all do, ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you identify areas in which you can improve and develop an action plan for obtaining professional development.
Once you have identified what you need, and have developed a plan, the only thing left to do is TO DO IT! Often this is the most difficult part of the process, getting started. We look for excuses and call them reasons why we aren't where we want to be, we haven't started or achieved a goal, the bottom line is what are we waiting for? It is not necessary to have the right conditions or to know the outcome before we start this journey in order to start, we cannot wait to be motivated before we start, because motivation comes from doing something successfully. You must first try something, before you will be motivated to continue.
So the next time you wonder why you aren't being chosen for a particular job, or to work on a new project ask yourself or a trusted mentor- am I perceived as a professional individual? If not, work hard on your job, but work harder on yourself.
"as being related to a person rather than the position. The traits or behaviors mentioned most by the respondents as being characteristic of professional employees were personal interaction skills, including courtesy and respect; the ability to communicate, which includes listening skills; a work ethic which includes being motivated and working on a task until it is complete; and appearance.”
Given this definition, do you think that you display professionalism to your organization, co-workers, in the community? Now remember, this question will require you to be honest with yourself, however, whether you are aware of it or not, your actions always define you. If you find that you have areas for improvement, and we all do, ask a trusted friend or mentor to help you identify areas in which you can improve and develop an action plan for obtaining professional development.
Once you have identified what you need, and have developed a plan, the only thing left to do is TO DO IT! Often this is the most difficult part of the process, getting started. We look for excuses and call them reasons why we aren't where we want to be, we haven't started or achieved a goal, the bottom line is what are we waiting for? It is not necessary to have the right conditions or to know the outcome before we start this journey in order to start, we cannot wait to be motivated before we start, because motivation comes from doing something successfully. You must first try something, before you will be motivated to continue.
So the next time you wonder why you aren't being chosen for a particular job, or to work on a new project ask yourself or a trusted mentor- am I perceived as a professional individual? If not, work hard on your job, but work harder on yourself.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Teaching Life Skills As Easy As ABC
I attended a fireside chat yesterday at the Liacouras Center at Temple University with Bill Cosby, Jon Oliver and Dr. Wesley. The chat was geared towards Educators and the challenges we sometimes face with creating an environment which is conducive of learning. The event was really interesting and I was super excited to meet Mr. Cosby in person. Growing up a Cosby fan and getting to meet the man in person was an unforgettable experience for me.
The basis of our topic was the book The ABCs of Life: Lesson One: The Skills We All Need but Were Never Taught. What was most striking to me was the fact that educators sometimes tend to forget that basic life skills aren't always taught at home and that part of our classroom time may have to be spent teaching these much needed skills. This indispensable book gives adults a proven plan to help children develop the life skills and internal discipline necessary to learn and thrive in today's society. I can tell you as a educator of adult learners. In my day job as an Human Resource administrator I often encounter individuals how lack these vital social and life skills which sabotages their chances for success and promotions.
Although the chat yesterday was mainly geared towards best practices and strategies for educators of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, I could easily adapt this training to adults - seeing as how this train-the-trainer session was for adults. I have had to find ways to integrate some of these skills into many of my trainings, sometimes dedicating workshops specifically to Life Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competence, Time Management, Financial Management and Work Readiness.
If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it, there is truly something for everyone, whether your a parent, and educator or someone who needs personal development.
The basis of our topic was the book The ABCs of Life: Lesson One: The Skills We All Need but Were Never Taught. What was most striking to me was the fact that educators sometimes tend to forget that basic life skills aren't always taught at home and that part of our classroom time may have to be spent teaching these much needed skills. This indispensable book gives adults a proven plan to help children develop the life skills and internal discipline necessary to learn and thrive in today's society. I can tell you as a educator of adult learners. In my day job as an Human Resource administrator I often encounter individuals how lack these vital social and life skills which sabotages their chances for success and promotions.
Although the chat yesterday was mainly geared towards best practices and strategies for educators of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, I could easily adapt this training to adults - seeing as how this train-the-trainer session was for adults. I have had to find ways to integrate some of these skills into many of my trainings, sometimes dedicating workshops specifically to Life Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competence, Time Management, Financial Management and Work Readiness.
If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it, there is truly something for everyone, whether your a parent, and educator or someone who needs personal development.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Influence vs. Cajoling
The following is an excerpt from The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life...~ Roz and Ben Zander:
Influence is about getting others to buy-in to your vision or ideas, it's about enrollment. Enrollment is not about forcing, cajoling, tricking, bargaining, pressuring or guilt-tripping someone into doing something your way. Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share. Our universe is alive with sparks. We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force.
Abundance, rather than scarcity is the context. So, the practice of influence is about giving yourself as a possibility to others and being ready, in turn, to catch their spark. It is about paying together as partners in a field of light.
So I ask you, are you open to catch someone else's spark? Are you operating from a context of scarcity or abundance? Are your fears extinquishing your spark?
Influence is about getting others to buy-in to your vision or ideas, it's about enrollment. Enrollment is not about forcing, cajoling, tricking, bargaining, pressuring or guilt-tripping someone into doing something your way. Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share. Our universe is alive with sparks. We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force.
Abundance, rather than scarcity is the context. So, the practice of influence is about giving yourself as a possibility to others and being ready, in turn, to catch their spark. It is about paying together as partners in a field of light.
So I ask you, are you open to catch someone else's spark? Are you operating from a context of scarcity or abundance? Are your fears extinquishing your spark?
Cacica Yve's World: Republican Transition Team in PA
Cacica Yve's World: Republican Transition Team in PA: "As the time draws near for Governor Ed Rendell to step down and Governor Elect Corbett to take office, some of us are wondering... why the t..."
Friday, January 7, 2011
Republican Transition Team in PA
As the time draws near for Governor Ed Rendell to step down and Governor Elect Corbett to take office, some of us are wondering... why the transition team does not include a Latino? I'm wondering why no one is talking about it other than a select few who are concerned that the needs of Latinos in Pennsylvania will be overlooked when the republicans take office.
Here is the Latino reality in Pennsylvania:
Total Hispanic population in Pennsylvania: 589,000 (U.S. Rank - 14)
Median Age of Hispanics: 25
Median Income of Hispanics 16+: $22,405
Poverty Rate of Hispanics 17 & younger: 31%
Hispanics Without Health Insurance: 23%
Hispanic Homeownership: 46%
Hispanics as Percent of all K-12 students: 7%
These are sobering statistics for Pennsylvania, so why aren't more people taking action to ensure that WE have representation in our State government? Comment, tell me what you think...
http://pewhispanic.org/states/?stateid=PA
Here is the Latino reality in Pennsylvania:
Total Hispanic population in Pennsylvania: 589,000 (U.S. Rank - 14)
Median Age of Hispanics: 25
Median Income of Hispanics 16+: $22,405
Poverty Rate of Hispanics 17 & younger: 31%
Hispanics Without Health Insurance: 23%
Hispanic Homeownership: 46%
Hispanics as Percent of all K-12 students: 7%
These are sobering statistics for Pennsylvania, so why aren't more people taking action to ensure that WE have representation in our State government? Comment, tell me what you think...
http://pewhispanic.org/states/?stateid=PA
| Total Hispanic Population in Pennsylvania | 589,000 |
Our Greatest Fear ~ Marianne Williamson
Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson
it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson
it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson
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