What Would You Do if You had a Million Dollars?: An Article for Creating Passion

Last month, I had the privilege of showcasing and exhibiting at the annual convention of my favorite professional organization, the Association of Fraternity Advisors, AFA. AFA is made up of higher education professionals who oversee and direct the activities of college students. It’s great networking, but more than anything, the AFA folks are just a heck of a lot of fun!

Before the conference began, I went to the orientation for exhibitors. Sue, AFA’s executive director, briefed everyone on what they might expect in the exhibit hall. Then, she said something that, at first, struck me as odd. “One thing you’ll notice about AFA members is that they are quite passionate about what they do. It’s rare to find someone in this field who puts in a 40 hour week and feels like they’re just doing a ‘job.’”

My first thought was…”Duh! Why would anyone do this job if they didn’t like it?” Then, I remembered that this is a small, very specialized segment of the working world; a segment that is fortunate to do a job they love, that has benefit to others and one where people are able to see, on a day to day basis, the fruits of labor. Sue’s explanation was one of those gentle slaps that reminds me just how lucky I am. Not everyone gets a career that they love. I do. But sometimes I forget just how good I have it.

Ever watched the classic, Office Space? In it, the main character (disenchanted by the menial corporate job he holds) discusses the age old question, “What would you do if you had a million dollars?” I HATE his answer; “Nothing. I would sit here and do nothing.”

How uninspiring can one be that, if given the chance, he/she would choose to be stagnate? It sickens me that there are people in the world that, if handed everything they want on a silver platter, would still choose to be stagnate. No ideal career to pursue, no places in the world to visit, no charitable organizations to help, no true loves to pursue. Nothing. Know what that person is to me? Booooooring!

We don’t all get to work in a field we love. But, we all work to have the freedom to pursue our passions.

It’s really interesting for me to learn where peoples’ passions lie: my client at a PA university who teaches kids to play jazz, my friends who work in corporate America, but are always training for triathlons, my colleague who dons a leather jacket and chaps and climbs on his Harley every Saturday morning. These are people who may not embrace their career as I do, but they use what they have to get what they want.

Now, move this on up the ladder of status and celebrity. How many of us were taken in during Bill Clinton’s first campaign as he threw on sunglasses and grabbed a sax on late night TV, a la Clarence Clemons from the E Street Band? To me, one of the most impressive things about our current Secretary of State is that she has embraced her passion and is a concert quality pianist. With the accomplishments of individuals such as the last two examples, I think it’s just really cool that they’ve seen the importance of pursuing something they love outside of a career.

Having a positive outlet for creativity, relaxation and enjoyment is a vital necessity of life. No, We may not all get this in our job, but outside of the office, it benefits everyone to have a place to release their creativity. If your day-to-day life doesn’t provide you with the opportunity to pursue your passion, then think outside the box! Can you go back to school and learn a new trade? For most of us that would be a resounding “are you kidding?!?” But wait! Can you take a night class once a week and indulge your passion for music? Sculpture? Cooking? How about volunteering at an animal shelter or Assisted Living Facility? There are so many opportunities available to find something – anything -that you enjoy or that benefits greater humanity.

This year, 2006, is one that I’ve decided to live with uninhibited passion… but don’t expect me to learn the sax.

Marcus Engel is a professional speaker/author who inspires audiences to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Blinded by a drunk driver at age 18, Marcus battled through two years of recovery and 300 hours of reconstructive facial surgery to reach his goal of returning to college. After graduating from Missouri State University in 2000, Marcus began sharing his story professionally to audiences nationwide. In 2002, Marcus founded his own publishing company with the release of his autobiography, “After This…An Inspirational Journey For All the Wrong Reasons.” His messages of empowerment and motivation have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands through his keynotes, his autobiography and his monthly newsletters. Marcus Engel is a speaker, a message, a story you will never forget! Visit http://www.MarcusEngel.com for more information!