Discovering Passion: The Power of Commitment and Boldness

It's possible to discover a passion, but it requires great courage and a well-defined purpose. Here's the story of how I found my true calling, and why commitment is the key to unlocking it.

Introduction to Passion Discovery

Passion is not something that just happens; it needs to be discovered. The journey of self-discovery transforms one's life, allowing you to realize your full potential and live a fulfilling life. According to William Hutchison Murray, commitment is crucial in initiating acts of initiative and creation: 'Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth: the ignorant of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence, the protective care of God, moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. What ever you can do or dream you can begin it.'

A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery

Like many, I was a product of my society, schools, religions, friends, and parents, but I often heard my inner voice, or I heard it but dismissed it. This has changed when a little voice in the lab self-reflected that I needed to take a different path.

From Lazy to Committed

In high school and junior high, I lacked goals and went with the flow. Being smart, I was getting good grades and hanging out with older brother’s hoodlum friends. However, when my affluent English friends talked about college, I realized that it had been their goal for two to three years. They went to some of the best schools in the nation, including MIT, Princeton, and Stanford. Although I was not Harvard material, I felt I could achieve something similar.

I committed myself to going to the state school in town and adopted a pre-med program. This decision was challenging but I did well. However, I did not know where I was going at the time, and I just liked the sciences. This commitment led to a series of events that changed my life.

Six Events That Helped Me On The Right Road

First Event: The Window of Opportunity

It was 1978, and I was 24. While studying to be a doctor in the lab, my eye caught a little window on a fire escape door. I saw a tree branch shimmering in the sun, and a voice said, "If you're not careful, you could spend the rest of your life in here and not out there."

Second Event: Following Your Bliss

At that time, philosopher Joseph Campbell was talking about 'following your bliss' on PBS. I recalled the day I was deliriously happy, selling hats to the visitors at Graceland. It was an event that did not matter what I was doing. I thought about my experience selling hats to the visitors at Graceland, and it was one of the happiest moments in my life.

Third Event: A Chance Encounter

While I was getting a Coke at a machine between graduate school classes, a man came up to me and asked me what I was going to do when I graduated. He asked if I would like a job at Schering-Plough in Memphis, Maybelline, Coppertone, and Dr. Scholl’s. He was Senior VP for Finance and Operations, and he was getting his PhD. He suggested I would be a Brand Manager. I had no idea what that was, so I went to the library and looked it up all paper then.

That was a bolt of lightning. I realized I could solve problems for millions of people across the nation and work with chemists, lawyers, engineers, salespeople, and artists. Together, we could build the solution. These three events opened the door to a new path for me. After that, I committed myself to find the truth about myself, and it was hard work and dedication that led me to where I am now.

The Power of Commitment

The story of my journey through the chapters of my life demonstrates the importance of commitment. Without commitment, we remain hesitant, and our ideas and plans may never come to fruition. Commitment is the key to unlocking our potential and achieving our goals. Whether it's finding a new passion, pursuing a career, or pursuing a cause, commitment is what drives us forward. Once we commit and take the first step, Providence will take care of the rest, and wonderful things will happen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commitment is the key to unlocking our potential and achieving our goals. It's the courage to stand apart from others and listen to our inner voices. It's the dedication to stay committed even when the road is uncertain. Despite the challenges, we can discover our passions and make meaningful changes in our lives. As William Hutchison Murray said, 'What ever you can do or dream you can begin it.' Commitment is the first step towards realizing our dreams and making the most of our lives.