One of the best ways to stand out in the workplace and find personal fulfillment is to find something you can be passionate about - something to champion. How do you define a champion? Is it someone who goes above and beyond in supporting the common good? Is it someone who speaks to every customer with kindness, compassion and respect? Is it the manager who takes time out of his/her day to check in with each and every staff? I believe a champion is all of these things, and I believe being a champion can lead to both success and fulfillment.

In her article for Inc., Lolly Daskal, President and CEO of Leading From Within, declares that the ”Top 10 Qualities of Highly Successful People” are drive, self-reliance, willpower, patience, integrity, passion, connection, optimism, self-confidence and communication. On the other hand, psychologist Michelle Roya Rad recently posted on Huffpost Healthy Living her “7 Practices of People who Experience a Fulfilled Life.” They are: (1) having a variety of healthy hobbies/activities, (2) having realistic optimism and a sense of gratitude, (3) having a moderate level of self-discipline, (4) using a variety of positive virtues and strengths to be happy, (5) knowing how to have a long-term sense of happiness, (6) serving others and something bigger than themselves, and (7) having the ability to connect to many things on many levels. Wow! I want both. Should I feel intimidated? I don’t think so. There’s a lot of overlap between these two individuals’ concepts of success and fulfillment. And there are a lot of opportunities in the Live Well San Diego vision for each of us to define and become champions in our own way.  The most successful people in the workplace have both a strong focus and great passion. Because of this, they stand out. They don't just do their job – they try to make a difference.    

Find an element of your work environment that is important, resonates with you and take ownership of it – be a champion of it. Find a cause in your community that ignites your sense of creativity or simply brings you joy – and be a champion of it.

Our Live Well San Diego Champions are just a few examples of County employees leading the Live Well San Diego vision and encouraging colleagues to release their inner champion. Each of our Live Well San Diego Champions are making a difference in helping us all create a region that is building better health, living safely, and thriving through the work they do – you can read more about them here.

This month’s Live Well San Diego newsletter features stories, events and resources about what it means to be a Champion in the workplace:

• Read how Health & Human Services Agency Central and South Region employees serve as “Wellness Ambassadors”
• Hear how Supervising Animal Care Attendant and Live Well San Diego Champion, Tiffany Shields, is making a difference through her work in Animal Services
• Read about recognized Live Well San Diego partner Wyndham San Diego Bayside’s “Wyndham Wellness” initiative
• Learn how Champion Probation Officers have transformed a workspace into a fitness room to help staff stay fit
• Read about Live Well San Diego Champion, Cheryl Wegner, who is helping us all take care of the environment
• Read about Live Well San Diego Champion Andy Hamilton – a County employee passionate about active transportation
• Learn how Champion Principal Librarian, Angelica Fortin, is helping San Diego residents thrive

May we all find cause to step up as champions in our workplaces and in our communities.  Together, we can have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of our colleagues and loved ones, and the communities in which we live and serve.