Feature -- by Carolyn Runkvist

When Bret Hart was thinking about what careers he was interested in pursuing, wrestling was not one of them. So after high school Hart enrolled at Mount Royal College in Calgary to study film and follow his interests in directing and producing. Despite Hart's hopes to avoid wrestling, his hours became consumed by it, and he spent more time winning amateur wrestling championships than doing his schoolwork.

Wrestling was only a hobby for Hart and he planned on keeping it that way, but exciting opportunities kept arising. Japanese wrestlers were working for Hart's dad and they talked him into learning the sport. Thinking it couldn't hurt to learn, he ended up getting an intense dose of training. Shortly after, another opportunity came up and Hart found himself on a plane headed to a professional wrestling competition in Puerto Rico. "It was supposed to be a summer job and then I thought, I'll do it for one year, and then it turned out to be two or three years." Hart decided to remain in the business for a while because he was enjoying the experience of travelling to different countries. "After a while I thought, five years and I'm done, but fortunately it worked out really well because my career just kept getting better and better." Never expecting to wrestle permanently, Hart always thought he'd return to school.

Since his wrestling career took off in 1985, Hart has been the World Champion of the World Wrestling Federation three times, Intercontinental WWF Champion twice, two-time WWF Tag Team Champion, 1993 Superstar of the Year, 1993 King of the Ring and 1994 Superstar of the Year -- just to mention a few of his achievements. Hart attributes his successes to persistence, dedication and hard work. The 100% effort he puts into his work rewards him with a nice paycheck too, but he advises never to choose a career solely for the money, "you should have another reason for doing what you do."

The success has been grand, but Hart also admits there have been numerous sacrifices, and quite often he misses the "normal" routine. He regrets all of the time spent away from home and recalls there were times when he was packing his bags Christmas morning. Despite the hard times, Hart continued to wrestle because he truly enjoys it and adds, "it took me a long time to realize just how much I really did love it."

Hart emphasizes the importance of believing in your full potential. Ignoring natural talents might cost you your dream job. What might sound far-fetched or unconventional to others might be the perfect career. Don't wrestle with it -- the perfect career might be right under your nose.