25 & Trying

There Is No “The-End” In Passion

Passion doesn’t have a period or an ending. There is no end goal because it’s perpetually evolving and growing.

I’m inherently driven by passion. If you had to describe me in a few words, passion would be the first. I live my life with purpose, drive and often talk about sucking the risk, goodness and fun out of life.

This ‘Grace-full way of life’ (as I’ve dubbed it) can also be translated to my career.

I’m at the beginning of my career road. I feel as though I’ve only gone about ten miles (out of thousands, millions?) but I’m driving fast while still paying attention to my driving ability, the people in my ‘car,’ other cars on the ‘road,’ obtaining regular ‘tune-ups’ and paying attention to the vehicle I’m driving. To me, that is cultivating passion.

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Here’s what I know about my passion(s):

• People: I’m a relationship person. I may not be as tactical or experienced, but I know how to work with people, establish a connection and work off of something that is honest and genuine. I trust my people skills.
• I Like It Online: I came to Boulder with a background in environmentalism and sustainability. With that in mind, I want to work in the famed LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) in Boulder. Clearly, that didn’t happen and I couldn’t be happier. There’s a vibrant community online, it’s growing, it’s changing and exciting. I like all the above.
• Taking It As It Comes – Career Creativity: Here’s the difference, I still stayed true to that Grace-full way of life, by finding a job that wasn’t in the industry I thought I wanted to work in, and now I’ve learned, I love the new job and industry.
• Lifelong Learner: My boss and co-workers are teaching me constantly. There isn’t a day that goes by, where I haven’t learned something new at my job. This is invaluable. There isn’t anything mundane, basic or routine about my current job. The day I stop learning is the day I look for something new.

My dad didn’t find his passion in his career until he was in his early 30’s. Now, he couldn’t be happier. Even in times of stress and frustration, he knows he is in a career that fuels his passion. As one of the premiere Gemologists in the world, he is still learning about his field. The passion doesn’t end.

I’m not sure if I will ever “land” in “the job.” I even consider myself more career-oriented than most of my friends, but I use an internal compass that guides me by my feeling level, learning, opportunities and people within my career. If something doesn’t feel right, I will weigh my options and make something else happen.

Currently on the career road in my fast ride, I’m content. I’m bubbling with passion and contentment (this is a beautiful word, not about settling), so I’m staying put.

As soon as that changes, look out, you’ll see me on the move.

That is my passion.

Grace Boyle, a 20-something adventurista. She lives in Boulder, CO and is the Publisher Services Manager for the tech startup, Lijit. She blogs at Small Hands, Big Ideas (yes, she has really small hands) and tweets while she writes about the startup world, relationships, career and daily inspirations.