Fall in love with your work and never work another day in your life. That is what true passion is all about. But how many of us experience such a drive and passion for what we do? Although the word “love” may be used out of context, the implication here centers on enjoying what you do for a living and enjoying life itself.
Webster’s 21st Century Dictionary defines passion as a strong feeling or emotion. Unfortunately, many have stronger feelings for the weekend than the time spent during the week. Most have little passion for their job and therefore their lives. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might.” Have you stopped to think about why people generally hate their work or feel others are responsible for making them happy? Is it truly that they hate their work itself or is it possibly that they are wanting their work to fulfill their lives because there is a void somewhere within their spirit that they can’t seem to fill? Don’t get me wrong, there are jobs that none of us would enjoy doing but the fact is, life just isn’t about a circus of entertainment all the time. I often find myself getting frustrated when I hear my children say, “I am bored.” They have everything that a child could want and they are “bored.” My response is always the same, “I will give you something to do or you can enjoy what you have on your own. You make the choice, but let me know soon because I am getting bored waiting for your answer!” So many people are looking for excitement, entertainment, dancing bears, smiles, laughs and 24/7 parties. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a good time as long as we realize that we are the ones responsible for our happiness. No one on earth enjoys having a good time with family and friends more than I do. I also understand that not one of those people can make me happy. My happiness is entirely up to me as is my passion for living life. Our work is much the same way. We can hate what we do, complain everyday, count on Washington to change things and, at the end of the day, be right where we started…. unhappy with no passion! On the other hand, we can look at things differently and realize that we must take 100% responsibility for who we are, what we are, where we are going and, yes, the passion we possess.
Below I have listed what Passion is and is not. If you do not have the passion you desire, make a decision now to change by creating the right attitude.
Passion is:
- Working for the enjoyment and challenge it brings
- Being a positive realist
- Striving for peak performance from within
Passion is not:
- Working only for the money it brings
- Being a positive dreamer
- Striving for peak performance from without
Reshape Moment:
Passion is synonymous with excellence. Vince Lombardi once said, “There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.” The next time you are faced with a lack of fulfillment, unhappiness or a dislike for what you do, look deep on the inside of yourself and ask the question, “Is how I am feeling because of what is happening to me or what is happening within me?” Remember, those things that happen to you or around you are insignificant to those things that happen within you.
About the author
Dr. Dallas Humble is a healthcare provider, business owner, professional consultant, author and founder of The Reshape Institute. Dr. Humble consults with individuals and organizations across the country to improve productivity, identify & mitigate injuries and promote wellness. For more information visit www.dallashumble.com.
