Developing Passion
A Man without passion is a fire without
light
A person without
passion has no more value than a candle without a flame or fire
without light. By passion I mean zeal, enthusiasm, or fervor.
It is the force that relentlessly drives one forward. Passion
is a burning desire that creates commitment to a person, project,
or life. A world without passion is a world without Mother Teresa,
Mozart, or Michelangelo. Every great endeavor has been fueled
by passion.
The opposite of passion is indifference. A society in which no
one cares about their job or country is on the verge of collapse.
Passion is the motor that
propels us to our destination and the glue that binds our society together.
However, not all passion is good. That's why Henri Frederic Amiel wrote, "The
fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes." Adolf Hitler,
Pol Pot, Jim Jones, and Charles Manson were passionate. Passionate, but grossly
misguided. Instead of reaching for the stars, they dove into the depths of
hell.
To be of value, passion must be illuminated by knowledge. Before giving our
heart, we must make sure the object of our passion is ennobling, not destructive.
Those on a spiritual quest should exercise great caution before joining any
new group. Examine the claims and research the background of the group before
getting excited. Otherwise, you could wind up becoming a cult member.
Also, passion is not to be confused with obsession. When we are obsessed, we
are controlled by cravings. We become slaves to addictions and compulsions.
The only progress we make is downward. Once we are in a tailspin, it's hard
to recover by ourselves. So, if we find ourselves in such a predicament, we
need to find outside help. Passion, on the other hand, is a conscious decision.
We choose to devote ourselves to a worthwhile cause, such as our family, career,
or charity.
Passion has magical power. It can bring the nonexistent into existence.
For example, Walt Disney's passion helped him overcome severe setbacks,
a nervous
breakdown, and the discouragement of staff, peers, and friends. Acting against
the advice of all, he transformed his dream of Disneyland into reality. Another
magical quality of passion is its ability to lighten our load. With the wave
of a wand, work becomes fun! Tedious effort becomes exciting! Passion is also
power, for as Margaret Mead wrote, "Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only
thing that ever has."
You will also find that doors that are locked for ordinary folks suddenly open
for those with passion. How can one resist their enthusiasm? Even if the doors
remained shut, the fire of their passion would burn them down! The passionate
have big dreams and big dreams come with big problems. But who cares? Those
with passion are focused on their goals, not themselves. They are wrapped up
in their dreams, not their worries. They don't have the time or inclination
for self-pity. When things go wrong, they learn from their mistakes and quickly
continue on their way.
Consider for a moment, what are the alternatives to a life of passion? Would
you rather go to work with a frown, instead of a smile? Would you rather lead
an empty life or one filled with purpose? Would you rather delight in or dread
the beginning of a new day? Would you rather be a survivor or a success? Whenever
it is a matter of ability or passion, passion is always the victor in the battle
for success.
Spike Lee offers this advice, "It is really important that young people
find something that they want to do and pursue it with passion. I'm very passionate
about filmmaking. It's what I love to do." The American Industrialist,
Charles M. Schwab, had this to add, "The person who does not work for
the love of work but only for money is not likely to make money nor to find
much fun in life."
What if we recognize the importance of passion but somehow lack it? What can
we do to nurture it? Well, recognizing its importance is the first step. Other
steps you can take follow.
1. Take responsibility. The only bad hand you have been dealt
in life was dealt by you. From today, "Don't do things half-assed," says
Hugh Young, "If a thing is worth doing at all, it's worth doing
as well as you can possibly do it. Pick out something you think is
worthwhile and do it or work at it with passion. Do it with all your
might."
2. You find what you look for. Instead of looking for the bad
in your job or situation, look for the good. Look for the opportunities.
Search for the solutions. Look for the way.
3. Make a plan. Once you've found some opportunities and solutions,
make a plan of action. What should you avoid doing and what should
you start doing now?
4. Make a decision. Now that you have a plan, decide to act
on it. Set deadlines and start following your new road map to success.
Enjoy the ride.
5. Stoke the fire of passion. To keep passion's fire burning
brightly, review the day's events in the evening. Monitor your progress.
Relish your achievements and learn from your mistakes.
6. Don't douse the flames. You want to ignite your life with
passion, but be careful of burnout. Work hard, but schedule breaks,
leisure, entertainment, and family time. Don't forget to reward yourself
occasionally.
7. Recharge your batteries. Make time for the gym, sports, long
walks, or meditation to relieve stress, refresh you spirit, and renew
your energy.
8. "Develop interest in life as you see it; in people,
things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing
with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget
yourself." (Henry Miller)
9. Take brief "awareness breaks" throughout the day
to remind yourself of the joy of being alive.
10. Avoid negative people and associate with enthusiastic people.
11. Share your zest for life with others. Brighten up their
day. Their warm response will reinforce your passion.
12. Take "vitamins for the mind." That is read or
listen to motivational material to keep the flames burning. © Chuck Gallozzi
For more articles and contact information,
Visit http://www.personal-development.com/chuck
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