Do You Have a Passion for Managing Projects?

For several years, I've noticed that many of the individuals who attend my project management seminars are passionate about the work being done in their projects, but not about managing the project itself. They have often fallen into the career progression trap--they've become PMs in order to make more money, but they don't really love managing. 

I know you can just force yourself to do a good job and therefore be seen as effective, but I don't believe you can be maximally effective unless you have a passion for what you are doing.

I still believe that there is more truth than falsehood in the saying, "Do what you love and the money will follow." And my conviction is that, if the money does not follow, then you should ask how you can continue doing what you love, but in a way that does bring remuneration. 

As a good friend of mine likes to say, the company you work for may own your job, but you own your career, and you must take charge of it, or you will wind up just settling for whatever comes your way.

Our biggest enemy is inertia, which often comes from the fact that life is mostly good--we are comfortable in our work life, our personal life, our social circles, and our extended families. A British friend of mine is fond of saying, "I can't be bothered (to do something that may actually make his life better)." So, too, are a lot of folks.

As a student of human behavior, I've observed that people aren't motivated to make changes unless they experience a level of discomfort that takes them over a certain threshold. Then they move.

About 10 years ago I realized that there are almost unlimited things in this world that are just waiting for each of us to experience. I'm fortunate to have discovered a lot of them by visiting 35 countries and making two trips around the world, meeting thousands of people in other countries and from other cultures, and seeing wonderful sights. Yet there is still much that I could do, and I find myself wishing I had the means to do more. (I'm working on it!)

May I suggest that you don't waste your life doing something that you have just settled for. Take charge. Find your passion and go for it! Nobody else can do it for you.

It's the first step to being an effective person.

Warm regards,
Dr. Jim Lewis