ROB FINLAY

The Power of Personal Passions

The Power of Personal Passions

Do you ever feel like your life is more defined by your workplace titles than by who you truly are?

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, it’s easy to get swept away in the whirlwind of work. But it’s important to remember that you are more than your nine-to-five routine. 

Beyond those office walls, you have hobbies, passions, and interests that make you a unique and interesting individual. Pursuing and nurturing these passions can profoundly impact your overall well-being, professional performance, and relationships with others. 

Let’s explore how embracing personal passions (i.e. those outside of work) leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

 

  1. Personal passions: finding your purpose beyond the office

Your life shouldn’t comprise only deadlines, meetings, and targets. Having hobbies and interests outside of work enriches your existence and enhances your well-being. These interests can provide a respite from the daily grind, giving you a chance to relax, de-stress, and recharge.

As a Gentleman Farmer, BBQ enthusiast, and outdoorsman, I can attest to the benefits of having hobbies outside work. When I’m on the farm, I’m not just a CEO; I’m a human in my element. This break from my usual routine allows me to clear my mind and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

In addition to providing a welcome break from work, hobbies also give you a sense of purpose beyond the boardroom. Studies have shown that people with a clear sense of purpose live longer, sleep better, have a stronger immune system, and exhibit lower stress levels and sharper cognitive function.

For CRE professionals, this is particularly important. With the changing market and evolving economic landscape, keeping your batteries charged and your spirits motivated is vital. Engaging in hobbies can be your secret weapon to stay afloat and thrive.

 

  1. Fueling professional performance through personal passions

Your hobbies and passions are more than just pleasant distractions; they significantly enhance your professional life. They boost your performance and increase your unique value as a leader and entrepreneur.

Here are a few ways:

  • Skill transfer: Hobbies can help you develop skills that are transferable to the workplace, such as ideation, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
  • Stress prevention: Hobbies can help you relax and de-stress, improving your overall well-being and productivity at work. When stressed, it isn’t easy to focus and think clearly. Hobbies can give you a much-needed break from work and help you clear your head.
  • Productivity boost: Research has shown that happy workers are more productive — and more likely to stay onboard. Having a fulfilling personal life makes you more likely to be engaged and motivated at work. 
  • Well-rounded individual: Employers appreciate employees who have interests outside of their jobs. It shows that you are a well-rounded individual with diverse skills and experiences. 

When you’re pursuing passions outside of work, it’s not just you who benefits; it’s your family, company, employees, and stakeholders. You feel energized, get more done, and lead more effectively and with greater enthusiasm.

 

  1. Building meaningful connections

Sharing your interests and passions can strengthen your relationships with your team and other professionals in your field. It can also increase your personal appeal and brand and make you more interesting and relatable. Here’s how: 

  • Rapport and trust: When you open up about your passions, you show your colleagues that you are a human being with a life outside of work. This can help build rapport and trust, which are essential for strong relationships.
  • More meaningful connections: Engaging in conversations beyond work topics can help you to create more meaningful relationships with your colleagues. Sharing personal interests can be the glue that bonds your team together.
  • Reduced stress: Work is less stressful when you have people to connect with on a personal level. Sharing personal interests can help to ease tension and make the office a more enjoyable place to be.
  • More memorable networking: In the professional world, networking is essential. Sharing your passions can make you more memorable and approachable to potential collaborators and mentors.
  • The power of connection: Research shows that connected teams are more productive. A strong workplace connection drives collaboration, nurtures healthy relationships, and promotes knowledge sharing.

Building meaningful connections through sharing personal interests and passions can be the key to fostering stronger, more harmonious relationships within your team and throughout your professional network. It also makes your work more fun and engaging, and can help fuel your branding and social media strategies.

 

The ultimate investment 

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of productivity and success, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of our passions and interests outside of our jobs.

But the truth is, the more we embrace our true selves, the happier, healthier, and more successful we’ll be, personally and professionally. Start nurturing your passions and interests today. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make in yourself.