I was recently asked how I’ve managed to sustain passion in my work after nearly three decades in the business. Truth be told, I got into the world of EQ because I had been searching for something that sparked excitement in me and nothing took root until I found Emotional Intelligence. My path to start my own business took some twists and turns, but once I found the courage and dug into it, I never looked back, nor have I regretted for even a moment, my decision to throw everything I had into it.
Finding one’s passion may involve time and some luck, but sustaining it requires much more than idealism or self-belief. Happily, I still wake up every day excited to dive into my day, and time simply flies whenever I’m creating a new program or planning new ideas. I’ve thought about why I’ve been able to sustain my passion:
Curiosity. I am genuinely fascinated by human behavior and emotions, and this curiosity has driven me to learn from the best in the world and hone my craft by pursuing qualifications and competencies that dig into the realms of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience. Along the way, I began to integrate EQ, NLP, Resilience and the Enneagram, which enriched my programs and made them truly mine.
Commitment to personal growth has been instrumental in sustaining my passion. As an EQ practitioner, it is non-negotiable to practice what I preach. I had to be willing to take an honest look at my strengths and areas of development. Nothing screams fraud more than inauthenticity, so cultivating my self-awareness, managing my own emotions effectively, and fostering healthy relationships became an uncompromising part of me “walking the talk”.
Adaptability. The ability to evolve along with the changing landscape has been essential in keeping my passion alive. Embracing new methodologies, incorporating new research findings, and staying lean and flexible during Covid have kept me on my toes, and pushed me to ensure my skills stayed relevant and effective.
Intrinsic motivation. Having the privilege to witness the positive impact of EQ and the Enneagram on individuals and organizations has been incredibly rewarding. From overcoming personal hurdles to driving real change in corporations, these tangible outcomes reaffirm my belief in why I do the work I do, which sustains my passion on a daily basis.
In essence, sustaining passion as an EQ practitioner for 27 years has been a journey marked by unwavering curiosity, personal growth, adaptability, and a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of Emotional Intelligence. As I look towards the future, I am filled with renewed enthusiasm about how I can continue to add value, and empower individuals and communities to lead more fulfilling lives.
