Pursue Your Passion

Do you love your job? Do you have passion for the work when you get up in the morning?

If the answer to either of these questions is “no,” how can you make changes? As Steve Jobs reminds us, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

I love my job. I am passionate about the work that we do together. I truly believe we are shaping the future; we are preparing thousands of young people to be successful in the future. As an educational leader, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with an exceptional team. I get to work with friends who inspire me, with colleagues who push me to be better, and with professionals who model true servant leadership. Honestly, there are a panoply of reasons that I am eager to get to work.

Nevertheless, there are parts of any job that challenge us. There are parts of my job that I don’t enjoy – there are tasks and responsibilities associated with being a superintendent that are simply work. You know what? It’s simply reality. I am sure the same is true for you; there are parts of your job that drive you crazy. There may be parts of your job – at given times and days – that the “grind” of your jobs clouds your passion for the work you love to do.

Today, when you encounter part of the job that brings you down – right now, as you reflect on the things that you may be dreading when you get to work – press pause. This is when it is most important to “get your mind right.” It is important to schedule time – to create opportunities – to do pursue your passion for the work. Do not permit “the work” to take the joy out of your day. It takes skill, it is intentional, and it is on purpose . . . feed your passion. Get out into a classroom . . . talk with a student . . . coach a teacher to be better. Regardless of the activity, take time each and every day to do what you love. It’s the only way to be great!