Follow Your Passion: My First Year Reflection
“Do what you love,” was the simple message of USA Today’s Heidi Przybyia. She was presenting at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Forum, an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to hear from others and become re-energized with their passions. Her message kept repeating in my head.
Last year, as I turned 50 years old, I decided to try something new – start my own small business. The decision to start something new was its own challenge. Yet, here I was a year later, having learned so much. Heidi’s message had me reflecting on the past year and its challenges but also the twists and turns of living your passion.
Two years previously, I had worked my way up the business ladder with over 30 years in healthcare by working on the Hill; running state and national associations, and finally landing as a VP to a national home health and hospice company. For the first 25 years, I loved it all but it was the last 5 years that got me. I didn’t realize the passion was gone or at least, not at first.
One day I walked into a Congressional office for a meeting to see an energetic 23-year old smiling from ear to ear because he had landed a job with the Congressman. I remembered that feeling of being a new Congressional staffer – young, ambition and ready for the world. That’s when I realized it. For the first time in my life, I had no excitement. It had completely alluded me. All I felt was a pit in my stomach as he continued to grin broadly. Here I was at the top of my game. I had gotten to a position that had a great title, great paycheck, amazing benefits but I was no longer passionate about what I did.
It took awhile but in January 2016, I began the process of figuring out how to start a business. I jumped in without a paycheck, benefits or the title and without completely knowing what I was doing. I learned about QuickBooks, business licenses, social media, marketing and luckily found the Alexandria Small Business Development Center for the go-to resource on anything for new businesses.
I slowly saw that passion return to my life. What I noticed was that I would wake up excited to start my day and I enjoyed working the long hours once again! I loved meeting new people and am so grateful to many for their support. Two people, in particular, were Pat Miller and Gayle Reuter with the Del Ray Business Association. One of the first things they suggested was that I have a ribbon cutting ceremony. To think, the ceremony was almost year ago!
There were certainly your usual ups and downs of any new business. It didn’t take me long though to realize that I was back “loving what I do.” In the process, I learned a few lessons that might be of benefit to anyone thinking about pursuing their passion. Here’s what I have learned:
1) Learn & Explore: Life is about constantly learning and challenging yourself with new ideas or explorations. When you don’t know where to start, begin with those subjects that bring a smile to your face or get your heart pumping.
2) Midlife Nonsense: Simply put, you are never too old to do anything! I was amazed at how many people warned me that I was getting to an age where I needed to stay with the safe job/position. That’s complete nonsense! Go for your passion, at any age.
3) Take the Plunge: You have learned, explored and researched, now take the plunge. As my mentor, Luann Jacobs with the GW Center for Integrative Medicine, said to me, “Just go for it, Mara. What are you waiting for?”
4) Let Go of Perfection: This was a hard lesson for me but one that the Universe continues to provide on a daily basis. It’s not going to be perfect and who really cares? Seriously. Mistakes will be made. Some will be small while others will be bigger. It’s a certainty. It’s going to happen. For instance, just last month, I realized that I had never received any messages from people who had written to me via my website. Oops! Somewhere in the website analysis, it shows that people were reaching out to me but I was not responding. (It’s fixed! You can now contact me by the website — just FYI.)
5) Panic Attacks Welcome: Needless to say, I have had a few panic attacks. For instance, when I opened my doors on April 1, I was surprised that I had no clients. (Go figure!) I panicked. There were many, many other times and usually my panic attacks happened at 3 am when I would wake my husband up to say, “What the hell am I doing?!?!” After getting that off of my chest, I would go back to sleep….he though would often remain wide awake. (I would not be where I am today without him. Thank you, honey!)
6) My Favorite Lesson Learned – Coincidences: When I look back now, there were so many coincidences that happened that I never expected but that led me in a wonderful direction. So many! One was when I realized that my rented office space was not sound proof for clients to have confidential discussions — a big problem. My wonderful landlord, Dennis Reeder, just happened to be fixing the heating and cooling system and turned on the fan. Bingo! I had white noise that worked perfectly. Bottom line: the Universe conspires to make your dream come true so pay attention.
7) Stick with It: Every month, I have a wonderful spiritual counselor, Rev. Joseph Hambor with One Spirit Learning Alliance, who helps guide and support me. One of his many offerings of wisdom to me was simply to “stick with it.” It’s so true. One day will be good, the next day not-so-good but those that succeed, stick with it.
Disclosure: Joseph has to say that to me every month but the good news is I am still here and happy to be celebrating my first year anniversary!
Hope you are or will be taking the plunge too — it’s totally worth it.