In the world we live in, passion is often a key to success and impact.
In a research study of over 500 top performers from all areas of work, the arts and sports, this statement was made, “No two were alike, but the one quality they had in common was passion. It was their drive, their enthusiasm, their desire that distinguished them.”
Another study of great people was done looking for essential qualities of their success. It wasn't intelligence (75% of U.S. presidents were in the lower half of their class, 50% of Fortune 500 CEO's averaged C- in school and 50% of self-made millionaires who made it on their own had no university college degree), gifts or talents, background or appearance. It was attitude (how they chose to think) and passion (how they chose to feel). Successful people have drive and enthusiasm (found in the heart not the head).
The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Erwin, was the highest paid Australian for many years – making more than other Australian rock stars, sports stars, famous movie stars and celebrities. What was his key to success? He sure was passionate about crocodiles – and any other dangerous animal on the planet!
Passion is more important than knowledge, your background, your IQ, your gifts, your talents, your abilities, your appearance, your finances, your position, your personality, your education or any other thing.
Having any or all of these things is valuable but possessing the fire is invaluable. Nothing major in history was ever accomplished without zeal and passion. It is THE deciding difference between successful and unsuccessful people in every field of endeavour. The fire on the inside affects everything on the outside.
The difference between good and great is often passion. A passionate person with a few skills will usually out-perform a passive person with many skills. American author William Ward once said, "Enthusiasm and persistence can make an average person superior while indifference and lethargy can make a superior person average."
The important thing to realise is that passion is not something that is static or that stays the same. It can grow OR it can die down and even go out altogether. Like the fire on a lit match, passion never stays the same – it either spreads or it burns out. The natural tendency of fire is to go out. The same is true with passion. That’s why we need to guard and protect it.
So what are some of your passion killers? And more importantly, what are some of your passion lighters? Give these two questions some quality reflection time over the coming weekend and turn your experience into insight.
May you live your life every day with great passion!
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11. NIV
"Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master." Romans 12:11. The Message Bible