While many of us relish in the joy that we had a day off yesterday on Columbus Day, we probably haven't thought about why we celebrate his life since the 5th grade. And we have probably never thought about the lessons that we can learn from his life as they relate to our careers… until today.

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. He loved the sea and he became a sailor when he was fifteen years old. After many years and many travels, Columbus became an excellent sea captain. The rest is history (literally). By following his passion, he was able to make a difference in the world – each of us has the obligation to do the same. No matter how small of an impact you think you are making by doing what you love, it is much larger than you can ever imagine.

Columbus believed that the earth was much smaller than it was generally accepted to be in his time and he was determined to prove it. He never gave up on his convictions. Is there anything in your profession that you believe is true that is not yet proven? Is there a need in the world that has not yet been met that you can find a solution for in the form of a product or service? Think of all the things that bug you as you go about your day. Can you think of a way to improve someting rather than complain about it?

Columbus's maps showed that Japan was across the Atlantic Ocean, 2,700 miles away. Columbus did not know that his maps were wrong. Japan is really 12,200 miles to the west! And North and South America are in the way. Columbus did not know that his maps were wrong until much later. Are you going through life following the map of the wrong career? If you are, now is the perfect time to take action. As difficult as it may seem to change paths, you will find a much greater sense of fulfillment on the other side.

Columbus asked the King of Portugal for ships and sailors to discover the way to China and Japan. He said no. Then Columbus went to Spain to ask the King and Queen for help. They said no. Eventually, they said yes in 1492. When will your 1492 be? Just because 30 people tell you that you don't have enough experience as a Financial Analyst to join their company, find more people to ask. If you persist, the odds are on your side that soon one of them will say yes.

The Queen made Columbus the ruler of the lands he discovered. She was very happy with his discoveries. Many sailors went with Columbus on his next trip to find gold and become rich. Unfortunately he did not find much gold so the men put him in jail. If you have a manager who is having difficulties leading or who is not achieving their goals in the eyes of the company, is there something you can do to help? Endearing yourself to leaders and helping them become more successful rather than joining the pack and crucifying them may result in a better outcome for you, your manager and the company itself.

The Queen freed Columbus, and he went back to Hispaniola. He lived there for ten years. He was rich, but he was not healthy. He went back to Spain where he died in 1506. All the money in the world cannot make you happy if you are in the wrong job. When you dislike your job, your personal health is at stake, as is the health of your relationships. Strive to find passion in your career – it will completely change your world – for the better!