How to use your Passion to Brand Yourself in the Workplace

What do Leaders in the workplace really want from their employees? Is it for the employees to come to work on time and to manage their workloads to perfection? Yes, but there’s more. Company leaders, especially Millennial leaders, also want your passion. These leaders want to know what drives your competitive spirit and motivates you to complete a task for free. When you’re passionate about something you’re more likely to be successful because you’re going to pursue it “no matter what.”

Here are a few ways helpful tips to help you tap into your passion.

• Learn who you are - Create a Vision Board for yourself and fill it with people you admire. Ask yourself what sets these individuals apart from others. What do you have in common with them? Don’t be shy; you may find you have more in common with them once you think about it. What do they have in common with each other? Do they share a common philosophy, workout regimen, or wellness practice that helps them achieve their goals? Is that something you might want to add to your life?
  
  Discuss with a few trusted friends, family members, coworkers, or your manager what makes you shine. How do you stand out? When do they think you are at your very best? Then ask yourself the same questions. What lights you up from the inside? Finding out where your passions lie will help you focus on career goals that make you feel good about what you do every day.
  
  
• Putting your passions into practice - Once you put a name to your passions you can start looking for ways to incorporate them into your work life. How can you use them to add value to your team at work? Perhaps you’re a natural cheerleader and use that to share the good news when coworkers have been especially effective. Or, you care deeply about a community project and get permission to spearhead a campaign at work to raise money or rally volunteers. Not only will you enjoy your workdays more, you’ll also get to demonstrate your abilities in a unique and memorable way.
  
  
• Practice presenting your ideas - Making presentations in the office or at a professional event is a great way of branding yourself. It showcases your strengths and makes an impression on people who could help advance your career. If you’re not a natural public speaker, practice in front of your friends or make videos of yourself and critic it. The added boost you’ll give to your brand is worth overcoming the stage fright.
  
  Remember the old saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life?” Why not make that your new goal? Dig deep. Discover what really fuels your fire. Then fan that flame until you’re doing what you love—and getting paid for it.