Passion in the Workplace: What’s passion got to do with it?

Written By VP Finance

Have you ever found yourself going through the motions at work, feeling drained rather than energized by your daily tasks? If so, you’re not alone. In her dynamic and thought-provoking talk at the February ABWA meeting, LuAnn Buechler, creator of Make Your Passion Pay Playbook, shed light on how passion fuels success, why it’s essential in business, and how we can reignite our own professional fire.

What’s Passion Got to Do With It?

Passion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful force that determines whether we thrive or simply survive in our careers. LuAnn reminded us that only 20-30% of working Americans are truly passionate about their jobs. The rest? They’re just collecting a paycheck. But what if we could change that?

LuAnn’s message was clear: When you align your work with your passion, you stop feeling like you’re working altogether. You become energized, engaged, and ultimately more successful.

Key Takeaways for the Working Woman:

  1. Define What Passion Means to You
    Passion isn’t just about loving your job—it’s about feeling connected to your work on a deeper level. Whether it’s creativity, helping others, or problem-solving, identifying what truly excites you is the first step toward building a fulfilling career.

  2. Monetize Your Passion
    Many of us have hobbies or causes we love, but we assume we can’t make a living from them. LuAnn challenges that thinking. With the right strategy, your passion can be profitable. It’s about positioning your skills in a way that creates value for others while bringing you joy.

  3. Passion Fuels Productivity
    When you do what you love, time flies, and work feels less like an obligation and more like an opportunity. Passion-driven employees and entrepreneurs are more engaged, creative, and impactful.

  4. Company Culture Matters
    If you’re an employer or team leader, fostering a workplace culture that aligns with personal passions can increase engagement and reduce turnover. Employees want meaning in their work, and companies that nurture this drive outperform those that focus solely on profits.

  5. Reignite Lost Passion
    If you’re feeling burnt out, it may not be the work itself but how you're approaching it. LuAnn shared the story of a plumber who lost his passion because of the way he structured his business. By making small shifts, he fell back in love with his work. If you’ve lost your spark, assess what’s draining you and make intentional changes.

Actionable Steps to Apply Today

✅ Take the Passion Test: Identify what truly excites you in work and life. (LuAnn offers this tool to help clarify your top five passions.)
✅ Audit Your Workday: Are you spending time on things that energize you or deplete you? Adjust where possible.
✅ Align with Your Strengths: Use tools like StrengthsFinder to understand where you shine and how to leverage those skills.
✅ Be Intentional in Your Career Path: Seek opportunities that align with your core values and passions.
✅ Support a Culture of Passion: If you’re in a leadership role, encourage employees to integrate their passions into their work.

Final Thought

LuAnn left us with a powerful reminder: Do what you love in service to people who love what you do. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or just looking to bring more joy into your career, embracing your passions isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

So, ask yourself: Are you living your passion, or just clocking in? It’s never too late to shift towards a career that truly lights you up.

Want to dive deeper? Connect with LuAnn for a free consultation and explore how you can make your passion pay.

Join us next month for our networking and chapter launch party—let’s keep the momentum going!

VP Finance
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