A job in the public safety field is demanding, stressful, and even traumatic. Compounded with other responsibilities individuals have in other aspects of our lives, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. When this happens, some things get put on the back burner. One of which is our passion. For some, the things that we’re passionate about dwindle, while others become completely oblivious to what it is that we are passionate about. This webinar explores the concept of passion, barriers keeping us from pursuing the things we’re passionate about, and harnessing the power of passion.
This session’s speaker is Sara Weston. She’s been a consultant for NG911 systems and nationwide program for the past 16 years where she has worked with different 911 centers across the US. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of 911der Women, Inc., a nonprofit corporation with a mission to empower and provide tools for women in public safety.
Specifics of her presentation covered:
- How passion tends to dwindle over time, worse, without us even noticing it.
- A simple desk exercise to reflect on our motivations and reasons for joining and staying in the public safety profession.
- Sara’s story that narrated how she discovered her passion only to have it decline again because of a tragedy, re-igniting it, and keeping it burning.
- The process of finding your passion based on where you came from, who you are, what you have to offer, and the most powerful of all – what caused you heartbreak.
- How passion is almost a requirement in public safety given the demands and duties that come with it.
- How passionate public safety professionals tend to be hit hardest by a status quo attitude that does not support improvement.
- How passion can be insufficient and dwindle over time, and how courage and resilience can compensate for the loss of passion.
- Ways to re-ignite our passion following an emotional incident or intense feeling by opening our minds and hearts and saying yes to things that come our way.
- Challenges keeping us from pursuing our passions in the form of our day-to-day responsibilities.
- Strategies to overcome the barriers by taking small steps, celebrating small victories, finding someone supportive to share our journey with, asking for help, and prioritizing.
- The concept of the Who, Me? Syndrome where people tend to undermine their abilities preventing them from pursuing their passions.
- Overcoming the Who, Me? Syndrome by putting passion into action and having courage.
- How the courage to work on our passion can then build confidence for us to leverage our passion to turn drops into ripples and waves and help ourselves and others.
- Sara’s own passion in action and overcoming her Who, Me? Syndrome through:
- The 911der Women initiative, how it grew from an online community to a full-fledged community
- The 911 Wonder Women Virtual 5k, how it empowered women from public safety around the world to go beyond their comfort zone.
Questions from the webinar audience are about:
- Regaining passion after the challenge of a job waned.
- Overcoming the fears that come with pursuing one’s passion.
- How closure may be the thing needed to help public safety professionals appreciate their work and validate their passion.
Other Webinars with this Presenter
- Dec 1: Empowered People Empower 911
- Feb 9, 2023: The Power of Your Passion (this webinar)
- Nov 16, 2023: Call to Action: Lifting Each Other Up to Rise Together
Resources and Handouts
- Handout: 5K Poster
- Handout: Power of Your Passion Exercise
- Book Referenced: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Audience Comments
- “I just loved Sara’s passion and drive stemming out of one of the most difficult times in her life. She turned her pain into passion. I love the wide range of topics you provide monthly. Keep it going! I share them with my colleagues.” — Venus
- “She was so personable. She gave hope, which so often is the missing ingredient.” — Karmel
- Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up. You have no idea who you are influencing. — Mary
- “I can apply almost all that she shared.” — Pam
- “Loved the quotes. This is applicable to everyone… too often we default into apathy in these fields and allow ourselves to check out mentally and emotionally, which dilutes our passion too.” — Galena
- “Confidence is rooted in what you know. Build trust in yourself.” — Brenda
- “Allowing yourself to feel the emotions allows us to heal from previous traumas, leading to finding new passions for public service. This all leads to self awareness along with personal and professional growth.” — ANGELA
- “That being passionate is important, but sometimes it’s not enough. One needs to build up courage and resilience! I also learned that we should celebrate our small victories. I am happy I was part of this conversation, because someone told me once (someone in position of power) that “my passion was getting in the way” and I almost believe it.” — Arely
