In the relentless pursuit of professional success, it's easy to sideline our passions. We get caught up in the demands of our careers, believing that dedicating time to hobbies or interests detracts from our professional focus. However, what if I told you that integrating your passions into your life can actually enhance your career? Not everyone knows but one of my biggest passions has been modeling and bodybuilding. For years I felt most excited and most confident on a stage or in front of a camera. Coming from a former child dance competitor, I loved that in adult hood I could still feel the rush of the make up, the lights, the stage! It gave me a boost of confidence that I was addicted to! Admittedly, in the past two year of having my son and really focusing on my career, I had forgotten about the passion and love I had for being in front of the camera, until a friend asked me to model for her clothing line. I was almost in tears remembering that this was a part of me I tucked away and forgot about, and to be honest I missed "her", but that moment was so powerful, I realized I can not only be a mom and a professional, but I can also do these things that make me feel powerful. I had done that photoshoot on my break and went back into the rest of my day with a smile on my face, I could tell I was more confident than ever in my conversations with clients and I had felt refreshed in a time I was beginning to feel burnt out. That's when I realized why it's crucial not to forget your passions, even amid the hustle of your professional and parenthood life.
How practicing your passions can make you a better professional:
Engaging in activities we're passionate about isn't just about personal fulfillment; it also cultivates skills that are highly transferable to the workplace. Whether it's modeling, painting, fitness, or practicing a sport, our passions often require dedication, discipline, and creativity—qualities that are invaluable in any professional setting. For instance, in my case I am passionate about photography and modeling, which plays into my eye for detail, composition, and storytelling. These skills can translate seamlessly into the business world, enhancing your ability to communicate ideas effectively, think critically, and problem-solve creatively. So I challenge you to remember a passion that you have and then sit down and think about how those passions, make you a better professional. This way instead of feeling like you don't have time for your passions, you realize it is like studying in a unique way to be better at your profession.
How passions can give you extra confidence in the workplace:
For me, modeling and fitness not only provide an outlet for self-expression but also contribute to enhanced confidence and self-assurance. Lighting up in front of a camera or conquering a challenging workout, instills a sense of empowerment that carries over into the workplace. Confidence is key in all professional settings—it enables you to assert yourself, take on leadership roles, and navigate challenges with resilience. By nurturing passions that boost your confidence, you're equipping yourself with a powerful asset that can propel your career forward. Focusing on passions that give you the confidence to speak at that conference, make that vlog you've been wanting to start, or even ask for that new role or promotion, is just as important as the rest of the work you do! By sleeping on your passions, you are sleeping on the key to unlocking confidence that could take your career to new heights. Don't let that be you this year!
How wearing multiple hats doesn't make you less of a professional:
In a society that often compartmentalizes individuals into singular roles (especially women), it's important to embrace the concept of multifaceted identities. In my case I can be a dedicated professional, a fitness enthusiast, a model, a parent, and more—all without compromising my expertise or commitment in any domain.
Wearing multiple hats not only enriches your life but also broadens your perspective and enhances your adaptability. Juggling various roles teaches valuable time-management skills, fosters empathy, and encourages a holistic approach to problem-solving. The day I had my photoshoot I had woken up, worked out, got ready for the shoot before work, worked the morning, took my break, did the photoshoot, came back finished my work day, got my kids home and settled and made it out to bingo night with my husband and friends. In that day I was a good professional, mother, friend and wife, while still adding in my passion and not one of those hats I wore that day got less of me. While it does take some planning and time management, it was completely doable and by the time I was home and tucking my kids into bed I felt a major sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that trickled through the rest of my week.
Unlock your passion again
Every passion holds within it a treasure trove of lessons waiting to be unearthed. Whether it's learning resilience from setbacks in sports, cultivating patience through artistic pursuits, or mastering the art of multitasking as a parent, there are valuable insights to be gained from every experience. Integrating these lessons into your professional life can catalyze growth and innovation. For example, the discipline learned from training for a marathon can instill a strong work ethic and goal-oriented mindset in the workplace. Similarly, the creativity fostered through hobbies like cooking or gardening can inspire innovative solutions to business challenges. Stop with the mindset that taking time for your passions takes away from your career!
In conclusion, our passions are not distractions from our professional lives but rather integral components that enrich and enhance them. By nurturing our interests outside of work, we cultivate skills, confidence, and perspectives that ultimately make us more effective and fulfilled professionals. So, don't forget your passions—embrace them, integrate them, and watch as they fuel your success in all aspects of life.
Love it Kristina! Your passion for all you put your heart into shows day in and day out!