Finding Your True Passion By Elaine Welcome

A Journey to Finding Passion and Purpose

Fully understanding your passion can change everything about your life. Have you ever wished to attain the state of “working” without feeling like working? To ensure that every day is an exciting opportunity instead of a mundane task, why not invest in knowing your passion and ensuring that it aligns with what you do for a living? As they say, “Do what you love, and you will never work another day in your life.” So how can one achieve this goal?

The Journey

I recently departed from a company that felt like my forever work home, yet God had other designs. During this time of uncertainty, I desperately sought the Lord’s guidance for what was next in life. My friends were incredibly supportive and shared divine counsel with me; they even recommended some incredible books that clarified how to proceed—I promptly purchased them all!

Spiritual Discovery

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby was the perfect book to begin my journey of spiritual discovery. I can honestly attest that this experience profoundly changed me and brought me closer to feeling His presence than ever before. This book vividly reminded me of all the times prior when He had been there for me, taking my hand every step of the way and providing everything necessary for achieving His purpose; it gave absolute assurance that, without any doubt, He is responsible for each success I have achieved in my life so far.

Steps of Faith

When I was asked to lead a completely foreign field in which I had no background or expertise, my first thought was that they must have the wrong person. Nevertheless, I accepted their offer despite my lack of experience and education. Soon after, somebody critical is called with a message that they felt God wanted them to pass on – “God doesn’t choose the qualified; He qualifies those whom He chooses.” It was suggested that I pray about this decision, so I did.

These words were all it took to finally accept an offer whose details I had not been told of. How could one make the wrong choice when faith is present in something?

Passion

Reflecting on my life, I can honestly say that all the things God has permitted me to do were for a reason. He is the source of my self-assurance and strength.

I don’t know about you, but thinking about myself is not an easy thing to do. In addition to the book, a good friend challenged me to think about my passions. I also had another friend challenge me by taking me through an exercise of asking me what I thought were tough questions about life. They were difficult because they made me dig deep into who I am versus whom I thought others wanted me to be.

Values

The questions I was asked helped me to identify my values. Next, I was pushed to think about these values and, from there, identify my passions. By placing my values and desires, I could then create a personal Mission Statement.

My friend pushed me to think about my passions and encouraged me to create a ‘personal resume’ about who I am versus my work accomplishments.

Who Am I?

This opportunity that I thought I would dread turned out to be fun. Creating a Who is Elaine Welcome resume helped me understand and know what is important to me, which helped me in my job search. I could now identify positions that would allow me to serve in my areas of passion.

I am very excited to share that God has shown up, and the opportunities He has put before me are perfect and have allowed me to serve in my passion.

In case you are wondering, my Personal Mission is to be a Difference Maker – I define this as always giving my best and serving others excellently.

My values:

• Passion to serve and serve well.
• Care deeply for others. People matter.
• Invest in people and watch them fly.
• Living a life of high integrity.
• Doing things with excellence, not perfection.

My areas of passion are:

• Heart for people,
• Delivering results
• Servant leadership
• Developing people, developing women
• Developing a great culture
• Strategic planning and initiatives
• Innovating to be relevant long term
• Being a change agent and not accepting the status quo.

Passion Meets Purpose

Now I serve at FaithSearch Partners.

We drive executive searches with passion and purpose. We understand the importance of these qualities in effective biblical leadership and strive to help our clients find the candidates who embody them.

After going through my journey to find my passion, I put my mission statement to work daily as I help others on a quest to find theirs.

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Elaine Welcome serves as FaithSearch’s Senior Vice President and Media Practice Leader. She brings over 20 years of experience in Corporate and Non-Profit Leadership, including serving as Chief Operating Officer for Hope Media Group. Prior positions include Vice President Roles in Human Resources, Talent Management, Organizational Development, and Strategic Planning for major Fortune 500 companies. Learn more about FaithSearch and what they can do for you!

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BE INSPIRED.

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