Are you part of the 10 percent?

We all know about the 47 percent. But do you know about the 10 percent? According to a 2012 study, only 10 percent of people look forward to going to work everyday.

That doesn’t really surprise me. When I ask people what they do for a living, the majority of them say, “It’s a job. I’m thankful to be employed.” or “I hate my job, but it’s a living.” Very few say, “I love my job. I’m really passionate about what I do.”

What’s that about? It’s about poking the box. Pushing your limits and doing the thing you’re most passionate about. Social media guru Seth Godin, in his book by that title, describes it like this: “Poking the box demands that you stop waiting for a road map and start drawing one instead.”

I’ve been poking the box all my life. And this is what I’ve learned: You have to do what you love to know if you love doing it. I’ve known since I was 10 that I wanted to be a writer. But I didn’t know if I loved writing until I started writing.

I was the assistant to the president of an ad agency when I realized I wanted to be a copywriter. I approached him directly and was told, “You’re great at what you do. I want you to stay where you are.” (Not exactly in those words, but you get the idea.) So I networked with the VPs and tried to get my foot in the door that way. No go. That’s when I knew I had to poke the box and break out on my own.

I’ll never forget my first freelance job. I got a call from a client asking me what I would charge for writing a simple brochure. I’d never written a word of copy in my life. But I had read every Communication Arts I could get my hands on. I’d hung out with the copywriters at work and watched them produce award-winning ads. I knew I could do this. So I gave him an estimate and I wrote that brochure. That was the beginning of a freelance copywriting career that lasted eight years.

I didn’t know how to tweet, but I’ve been tweeting (and loving it) for the past two years. I’d never been a teacher, but I’ve been teaching now for thirteen years. I’d never been a mom, but I’ve raised three daughters to adulthood.

You learn by doing.

What’s your passion? Are you pursuing it today?

If the answer is no, then why not?

Working a full-time job is not an excuse. In fact, I’ve learned that if I pursue my passions while working, even in a job I don’t really love, then I’m happier and actually enjoy that job more. Simply because I’m doing something I love.

And as you do the thing you love, you gain knowledge and expertise that may someday launch you into a new career, either as an entrepreneur or working for someone else.

Are you part of the 10 percent?

I’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment below or email me at defyingsmall@gmail.com.