Find a career that is driven by your passion

Although I qualified to become a banker, my true calling was in the area of coaching and personal development. I actually quit banking just after a few years and began my own consulting firm. Working as banker was not my passion. ILLUSTRATION | NATION 

In Summary

• First, I’d like you all to examine yourselves and discover what it is that you are good at and the things that you really love doing. Who would benefit from your skills? What would their needs be and how would you be meeting them? How would their lives change as a result of this? Next, find out whether you are actually following your passion. If not, what stops you from doing it?

By FLORENCE KITHINJI
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Michael glanced around the room and could not believe that this was the long-waited class reunion, fifteen years after graduation.

Nearly everyone was back to honour their old Professor who was finally retiring. Secondly, they had brought their own children for admission at the same University they had attended. Professor Mawazo stooped more than ever before as she stood to speak. She was well loved by everyone.

Glancing across the full auditorium, she begun jokingly, “I don’t know which Unit we are covering but I can see that most of you students are back”.  When the laughter had died down, she continued, “One of my greatest accomplishments and sources of joy is seeing all of you back here with your sons and daughters today. I still recall how most of you looked those many years ago. I wonder where Michael is today, or is he late as usual…”

Her voice was drowned by more laughter. 

A jolly-looking man stood up in the middle of the audience and shouted, “Here I am, Prof!” As a student, Michael had always been late for classes. He had also been the most entertaining student those days. He still had the ability to make his former class-mates laugh, just by his presence.

LIFE'S PASSION

When the laughter died down, Prof continued, “I know that most of you have worked hard to get to where you are today. In fact, most of you have settled into careers that now define you. The only question I’d like to ask you is this: Are you happy in your jobs? Do you feel contented in your careers? If you feel fulfilled, raise your hands”.

Only a few hands went up. Michael’s was among them. Prof looked around the room and said, “Would any of you tell us something about what you are doing? Michael, come forward”.

Michael stood up, walked to the front in his ever comical manner and said, “As you all know, I have always loved making people happy.

Although I qualified to become a banker, my true calling was in the area of coaching and personal development. I actually quit banking just after a few years and began my own consulting firm. Working as banker was not my passion.

There was no joy in my life although the money was good and I always found myself gravitating towards personal development”.  He continued, “Anyway, I love coaching and motivating people to become the best they can be in their areas of life. It is my life’s passion.

I started my career in coaching and personal development when I realised that there were several people out there who needed help so as to draw out the best in them. They just need to be shown the great potential and genius that lies deep in them.

I am happiest when I help people realise their full potential. It feels great knowing that people are becoming transformed and empowered”. Michael got thunderous clapping as he made his way back to his seat.

FOLLOW YOUR PATH

Prof concluded, “Michael has summed up my entire message. First, I’d like you all to examine yourselves and discover what it is that you are good at and the things that you really love doing.

Who would benefit from your skills? What would their needs be and how would you be meeting them?

How would their lives change as a result of this? Next, find out whether you are actually following your passion.

If not, what stops you from doing it?

“Today, you have come here to honour me. The best honour would be in knowing that you are truly following your purpose in life.

It would be a tragedy not to discover what you were destined to become in life just because you were afraid to try”, Prof concluded amidst thunderous clapping.