Sunday’s forecast: “Cloudy skies, windy with heavy rainfall in the afternoon and thunderstorms in the evening. Thanks Hurricane Ike”. Despite the crummy weather and possible 50cm of rain, my friend John and I were determined to play in the NSP Co-ed 2’s Beach Volleyball Tournament, rain or shine.  In fact, everyone the night before doubted we would be able to play but when I woke at 7:30am that morning… it was sunny and clear skies at least until the afternoon.  I wanted to play so desperately that it didn’t matter what anyone said; a cheesy analogy to the bigger picture, but an example of what passion truly means.

Over the past two years I have struggled to say the least with a dilemma between following my heart or following my head.  No, this is definitely not a love story (eww, haha) but a real one that I’m sure many have contemplated.  Over and over again, I weighed the pros and cons of whether being safe or risky was the better option and though I’ll never know in hindsight whether or not safe was good or bad, I know that taking this risk has been awesometastic!

Who said an accountant wouldn’t/couldn’t make it as a marketer? 

Well you’re wrong and eat your words.  It’s been a long journey of many doubts, hurdles, and insecurities but it’s finally a reality.  I did it, I made it, and (if all goes well, I’ll tell you I’ve conquered it too!)  In fact, having an analytical background brings a great foundation for success in marketing.  I think it’s naive and ignorant to believe that marketing is just a bunch of pretty pictures put together creatively with a quirky slogan – our schools, yes universities that students and parents throw 10,000s of dollars into, are definitely not teaching students what the real deal is.  Thank goodness for student associations, (at least the one I was once President of) who care enough to entertain the notion that marketing is much more.  Actually, it’s a real problem, Richard Boire, CMA Vice-Chair shares his thoughts about this major talent crunch issue (Read more).

Passion above all else speaks in many ways.  For me, declining a full-time offer from an established Big Four accounting firm to pursue an ambiguous career in what I was/am passionate about (marketing) is one of my biggest accomplishments to date.  Looking back, the hardest part was being worried that I would disappoint my parents or not being able to meet expextations that so many friends, professors, and mentors had for me.  And although I will never regret starting where I started and the path that it has led me through, it’s a huge relief now that I have the opportunity to prove to an amazing company (and to myself) that I can.

The V-I-B-E

Everyday we make decisions and sometimes (many times) things go wrong.  But I think if you’re truly passionate about something and are willing to work really hard for it, others will also feel your vibe too!  I know because I’ve been told that my vibe is passion meets bubbly, genuine, and confident.  What’s your vibe?

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So the next time someone tells you that you can’t do it, think again.  Seriously ask yourself how hard you are willing to fight for what you believe in – whether it be in yourself or in others – because I am a true believer and living proof that you can. It’s really not about making decisions impulsively because you’re “passionate” about something, it is however, about making a plan and committing yourself to smart decisions that will make you successful (i.e. use your brain too!). It also helps so much to surround yourself with supportive people that love you and believe in you (thank you) because without them its easy to be a quitter.

Passion “above all else” maybe a bit over-the-top but you get the jist!