So many of us are going to college in pursuit of a fulfilling and great career. As IDS majors we have so many interests, but what are we passionate about? I know I am passionate about Agriculture, which is why I study Environmental Studies. I want to pursue gardening and education in some form, and I know this will make me happy. But I often think, “what if I don’t make enough money”, “what if I could do something else and be more comfortable” , or another words- what if I fail?
Larry Smith goes over “Why you will fail to have a great career” in his 2011 TED Talk. I thought of his talk this week because in our class I completed an exercise that had me write out all the things I want to do and why I haven’t.
I wrote things like:
I want to run more, but at the end of the day I am so tired.
And then I replaced the “but” with an “and”:
I want to run more, and I am often tired at the end of the day. So this week I am going to wake up early and run before work or school.
1. Please write down three things that you have wanted to do, but haven’t for some reason. Change the statements around to help you actualize your goals!
2. Watch Larry Smith’s TED Talk and write a response to the video and the following (2 paragraphs):
-How does this make you feel?
-What is your passion? How do you think you could pursue it as a career? (And if you don’t know your passion, how do you think you could find it?)
3. This is your last post, so please reflect and write a bit about how you feel now personally and academically at this point in time (1 paragraph and a response to a classmate).
3 things I have wanted to do but haven't:
ReplyDelete1. I wanted to spend more time with my family on weekends, but I have been too busy with work./I wanted to spend more time with my family on weekends, and I am going to get up 1/2 hour earlier to get that work done to free me up for weekends.
2. I wanted to plan 5 nutritious meals each week, but it is easier to order take-out./I wanted to plan 5 nutritious meals each week and I am going to sit down for each Sunday night and plan my meals.
3. I want to have lunch outside in the sunshine, but it is easier to eat at my desk./I wanted to have lunch outside in the sunshine, and each day this week that is sunny outside I am going to the park to do it.
This film was wonderful. It made me feel that I am on my way to living my passion by getting my degree and going onto law school. My passion is helping others and becoming an advocate for them. The way I am going to make my passion work in my career is by becoming an attorney and working with the A21 Campaign which is a nonprofit international organization dedicated to saving women and children from Sex Trafficking.
How I feel in this moment is that I am aligning up my life experiences, goals, passions and blossoming into the person I was meant to be. I feel that both personally and academically.
Rosalind King-Miller
Summer:
DeleteI want to take this opportunity to thank you for expanding my world with this blog. To finish up with the film about pursuing your passion was the icing on the cake. Just think how many lives you will have made a difference in just by sharing something like that before we go onto our careers - thanks!
Rosalind King Miller
I totally agree that this was the best way to end the blog. It's a rather encouraging one, and a great way to begin the end to this semester. I hope everyone benefited from this somehow, and I wish everyone success in whatever passion they choose to make into their career.
DeleteI'm not replying to the orginal post for clarification.
DeleteI totally agree that the video was encouraging. Naturally, I always have some skepticism (probably due to my Type A Personality), so I think it's also realistic to stick to both your passion and to something you know well. For example, I've always been interested in things like economics, like I mentioned in my own post, which is why I have decided to become a financial advisor. I would like to education people on how to plan their lives financially, especially in areas like retirement. I think it's incredibly important, and the way things have been going I think it's going to be more imperative than ever to make sure you have a back up plan. Hence, my career choice. This is something I've always been passionate about, so I'm taking a gamble to make a bold move into a career that's unfamiliar to me.
Nevertheless, I wish you all luck in everything you chose to do, and a great rest of the semester!
I definitely have to plan my meals. I prepare a lot of snacks, teas, grains, and beans on Sunday so that I can eat from the surplus all week! It definitely helps. I wish you all the best too. It has been so enjoyable to read these responses!
DeleteBest!
I really like the blogging as well compared to discussion postings. I think it is a great a discuss what we are learning and compare what we all think.
DeleteI really try to stop eating carbs after 5 o clock. If you stick to a schedule it will help.
I want to go to China and Turkey, but I don't have the time or money just yet. =>
ReplyDeleteI want to go to China and Turkey, and I don't have the time or money but I will keep saving and working hard so I can make that happen.
I want to work abroad, but it's expensive and the opportunities aren't as great as they are in the States =>
I want to work abroad, and I'm going to make enough money to either travel there often or find clients there that allow me to travel often.
I want to get my securities license, but I'm nervous I won't do well on the test. =>
I want to get my securities license, and although I'm nervous I'm going to study so hard that it would be impossible for me to fail to the exam.
In regard to To the TED Talk I can see how he would say that most people will fail at having their great careers considering people aren't willing to put in the work these days to make what it takes to have a really great career. Without worth ethic, how can anyone really succeed in anything, including just a good career? Simultaneously, he's correct when he says people that carry real passion are those who succeed and it is imperative for those people to both evaluation the risks involved, but still act upon those risks to do what you really want and succeed in doing so. Having a great career just depends on the amount of work someone is willing to put forth, as well as risk.
I have always had the passion for economics, so I have decided to pursue a career in finance, despite not having any prior experiences and never studying it in school. Thankfully, I've been offered an opportunity in spite of all of those things, and I'm thrilled they took a gamble on me, because now I'm convinced that this is the area for me.
I feel thrilled that this is my last semester, and I'm ready to move on to the next phase of my life. I feel like I'm ready to fully delve into my career, and the hopefully get a Master's degree in a few years once I have some experience.
OH YAY!!! congrats on your last semester. You seem to know what you want to do and will do anything to get it.
DeleteYou are so driven! I agree. I am very happy for you and that you are perusing something you love to do.
DeleteElizabeth, that is so exciting that this is your last semester... and how awesome that you've found a finance position that is willing to take a gamble on you! I wish you all the best :)
DeleteI ams so glad you all enjoyed the post. Seems like you all have a bright future ahead of you and plenty to peruse! Stick with your passions and make it happen :)
ReplyDeletethree things that you have wanted to do, but haven’t for some reason:
ReplyDelete1. I want to buy a house but my credit is bad.
I want to buy a house so I will pay off some outstanding
bills that will raise my credit score.
2. I want to get my Masters degree but don't have the time.
I want to get my Masters degree and will sacrifice other
activities to free up the time needed to take the Masters.
3. I want to get a job with the UCF athletics department but
don't have college level playing experience.
I want to get a job with UCF athletics therefore I need
to get a position in the work study program which densest
require any college level experience.
I recently had the urge to buy a house, but my husband's credit was really bad. What I recommend is that you hire a credit specialist to fix your credit because it is very hard to do on your own. I know it costs money, but it is the best money that I ever spent! It only took 7 months to get my husbands score where it should be to qualify for a loan. We have lived in our new house for almost a year and it is the best thing we ever did.
DeleteGood luck and I hope you can get that score up:)
OH number three is a great idea! I think that will be good for you and your resume!
DeleteI agree with Summer, I think number 3 is a great idea and will help to get you where you want to be! Good luck! :)
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ReplyDeleteWatching his video made me feel inspired. As I listened to it the focus was that I will fail at having a great career, cause I don't have passion. I'm currently in the middle of changing careers and I told myself before I started my journey that I needed to just do it and pursue my real passion. He is right, many people do fail to have a great career because they just don't try. You must pursue your passion.
ReplyDeleteMy passion is sports, and everything about it. Short of paying, because im too old for them, I want to be involved in any way. I believe I can motivate and inspire others so the next best thing would be to Coach. I have many years of management experience so I'm sure that will help carry over in my new career.
The next step, while finishing my education, would be to get in the athletics dept at UCF. But everything is coming together and even a Masters Degree is in the plans. Going back to school and finishing my education has reinvigorated me and I definitely have found my passion.
I think that it is totally true that if you put enough hard work in and take risks that you are likely to have a successful career. That is what my head thinks but I have fear as many other people probably do. I dont know how to overcome the fear
DeleteMy life experience has shown me that it takes risks to receive rewards. Everyone falls sometimes too, we just have to get back up again. It can be very hard! I understand.
DeleteAnd I wanted to say that I can here your passion Eli! This is excellent. I am so glad you are perusing your passion and find it so rewarding. Best of luck to you!
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ReplyDeleteI want to be a professional singer but it is too risky of a career.
ReplyDeleteI want to lose ten pounds but I work at a place that serves junky food so I end up eating all the time.
I want to take dance classes but I don’t have time.
I want to be professional singer and I plan to audition on the side.
I want to lose ten pounds and I am going to start bringing my own food to work. That way I won’t the junk food that they have there.
I want to take dance lessons and I will make time.
I thought that the film was great, but it made me feel really bad about myself. The thing is, I know what my passions are. I am confident that I am very passionate what I am REALLY interested in. I am perusing things that are not my passions because they are not as risky. I would love to work in fashion, or be a dancer, or a singer, or an artist. BUT instead I am hoping to work as a marketing manager or something. I am playing it safe and I realize that. I know that there are people out that never find out what their passions truly are. It makes me feel like I will never be fulfilled. I would love to sit here and say that I would love to quit all of the hard work I have put into working in marketing and try to become a singer, but I like the security of knowing that I have a better shot in having a “safe” career.
Personally at this moment I am very happy with the life that my husband and I are building together. I am very scared of my future because I don’t know what it is, but I guess that is the “adventure” in it. Academically, I am tired. This is my sixth year of college without taking any breaks. I am frustrated and ready to graduate. This class has made me realize things that I never looked at twice before. I liked this blog because I got to hear what other students were thinking when put in the same situation that I am in.
I am sorry it made you feel bad. It sounds like you are a very balanced person. Perusing your passions can be on the side too! I am confident that you will figure it all out :) Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.
Delete1. Please write down three things that you have wanted to do, but haven’t for some reason. Change the statements around to help you actualize your goals!
ReplyDeleteI want to lose the last of the baby weight but I am so tired caring for a three month old!
I want to be better about keeping up with old friends but it's difficult to find the time.
I want to get out and exercise each day but I am often so busy I don't get around to it.
I want to lose the last of the baby weight and I am going to commit to meal planning and healther eating so I can!
I want to be better about keeping up with old friends and I am going to spend 10 minutes a day writing emails or returning phone calls.
I want to get out and exercise each day and I am going to put Caroline in the jogging stroller and spend twenty minutes a day in the sunshine! :)
2. Watch Larry Smith’s TED Talk and write a response to the video and the following (2 paragraphs):
This TED Talk made me feel inspired and excited! I am a big fan of the TED Talks in general, but I especially enjoyed this one. I think it is so important to keep focused onward and upwards towards your goal and this talk was a reminder of the importance of passion!
My passion lies in helping others. I love making a positive impact on someone else's life, and I'm not sure there is any better feeling in the world! I think I can turn this into a career by going into either education or marriage and family therapy, based on what graduate program I get into! :)
3. This is your last post, so please reflect and write a bit about how you feel now personally and academically at this point in time (1 paragraph and a response to a classmate).
Personally, I feel very fulfilled at this point in time. I am a new mom, in a happy marriage, and have a life filled with wonderful family and friends! Academically, I feel very excited right now! This semester is nearly done, and next semester will be my last one, and I am so looking forward to graduation!!
Jessica,
DeleteYou seem to be in a very exciting point in your life. I can see how you are probably extremely busy. Congratulations on the new born and marriage!
A few tips I can give you about the exercising goals is to be sure to get enough rest. This varies from person to person, for example I need atleast 7 hrs of sleep, if not I can not function the next day! Also having a friend exercise with you helps tremendously. Using each other as motivation to keep at your goals and push each other harder. Once you do these things for a few weeks it will become habit and almost effortless!
3 Things I have wanted to do but haven’t:
ReplyDeleteI want to start searching for and applying for jobs, but I can’t seem to find the time in the day to do so.
I want to start searching for and applying for jobs and I can’t seem to find the time in the day to do so. So each day I am going to wake up an hour earlier to fit in this task.
I want to start running a mile each day before working out, but I am often too tired to do so.
I want to start running a mile each day before working out, and I am often too tired to do so. So each day I am going to be sure to be in bed ready to sleep by 12 am.
I want to start reading more, but I can’t seem to find the time in the day to do so.
I want to start reading more and I can’t seem to find the time in the day to do so. So each day I am going to attempt to waste less time on the computer and use this time to read.
The speech by Larry Smith was interesting, the main point I got from it was that most people are afraid to do what they are passionate about. These people are too focused on what may happen if they fail, rather than what may happen if they succeed. He also stated that people should find what it is they are passionate about. Many people have several interests but never dive into one fully to find that it is in fact their passion.
My passion is for the mobile operating system known as Android. From the hardware it runs on to the features its software provides, I enjoy it all. I know it’s my passion because I can get involved in a project and work on it all day with no interruption. With time I gain more experience and become a better developer. These gained skills could potentially land me a career working as an Android developer, whether for a company or independently.
At this point in my life, personally and academically I feel I have grown tremendously. This year alone I have become much more mature and independent. I am nearing a point in which I feel that the foundation for my future will be complete. With this foundation, I will be able to pursue my passion and can rest assure I will succeed.