One’s path in life is never straight. Life events, world events, and natural disasters sometimes cause us to take a turn previously unplanned -– or we think they do. Those events just keep us on the path MEANT for us, not necessarily the one we THINK we should be on. For many people, that thought is just too touchy-feely; and at one time, I was one of those people.
In elementary school, I created, headed, and brute-forced many clubs, including one focused on collecting and recycling cans. I mention collecting cans because that club sparked a passion in me. I was doing good, and it felt great.
Between then and now, I continued forcing my way through life. From Columbia University to Stanford Business School to becoming a VP for a private equity fund, I succeeded at what I put my mind to, but my passion was missing. I was achieving great things and didn’t really care. It was time for a change.
So, without sounding too touchy-feely, I changed. Everything. With help, I learned to take responsibility for the fact that my life is in my own control. I learned that my passion is tied to helping other people find theirs. And, somewhere along the way, I lost the need to tell people what they should be doing. Now, I encourage and support them to find that “what” on their own terms.
What projects have you undertaken that sparked your passion? Please share your stories in the comments section below.
Founder & CEO of Akoya Power, LLC
Vanessa graduated from Columbia University, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude and received her MBA from Stanford University. After working in finance for almost ten years, Vanessa realized that she was deeply unfulfilled by her career.
She quit her job to follow her heart and transformed herself so much in the process, that she has now dedicated her life to helping other people through her home-study program, You Can Create an Ideal Life.
