One of the joys I have personally, in my career, is drawing cartoons and (sometimes) being funny!  It gives me an opportunity to actually look other people in their eyes, get in touch with something very real about them, and even hear their hearts for a few moments in time.  We are just finishing up a two-week road trip, and I had just such an opportunity in Maryland at the “Raising the Bar!” workforce conference.

One man sat in the chair across from me and told me without hesitation that he loves what he does.  According to this man, he does not have a job — you cannot enjoy a job as much as he enjoys what he does for other people.  This man had a passion inside him that had awakened his very soul.  He was living a dream and loving his life!

Then there was a lady who came to the table too.  As I drew her caricature, she told me about the lifespan of her father and her mother.  She said boldly,  “I probably have about 20 more years to live.

“That’s plenty of time!” she declared, as I looked at her face and began to hear her heart.  “But when I look back and see how fast the last 20 years passed,” she declared delightfully, “I know that I do not have a single day I can waste on things that bring me down.  No time for that!”

Wow!  Both of these people are in workforce and career development — just like many of the readers of this blog.  And both have found a way — a truth — a life — that personally energizes them in and through the work they do daily with others.  They have an enthusiasm that is unique to an “E-Ntreprenuerial Workforce.”  It could be said that they have been “E-Nergized” by passion!

Passion is the key!  A workforce that is fueled by passion can never really be surpassed by any other that exchanges the hours of one’s life for low wages.  You see, passion trumps poverty in the race for productivity!  You can count on that every time! 

What a joy for me!  As I drew those “Faces the Future!” cartoon caricatures of America’s workforce and career development professionals there in Maryland recently.  I was reminded once again of a real, heart lesson.  We need to E-Nergize our own careers.  We need to E-Nergize our lives too! 

We should not be trading time for money in meaningless jobs, while we waste away our lives, waiting for retirement.  We must live each day as if we have plenty of time remaining to fulfill our life’s purpose, but not a moment available to waste.  We can do this, but only by making a commitment to live and work with passion.  Passion flows from purpose, fuels productivity, sets priorities, and gives right direction for the journey of your life!

What will it take to put the passion back in your career?  Figure it out!  Do it!  Time’s “a wastin’ ” if you fail to do it.  But if you do touch a passion that brings energy into your life, your job will come to an end.  It will be replaced by the career — and the life — you always hoped to live some day!

You can do it!  E-nergize your career!  Get started today!  Today matters!