In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell lists 7 statements in the chapter “The Law of Victory.” That list will be used in a series “7 Statements of Leadership.” The topic for this post: passion is unquenchable.
The definitions of “passion” and of “unquenchable” really create an interesting phrase when put together. Passion has 8 definitions listed in the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary. The one closest to what we are talking about in this post is simply “depth of feeling;” “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.” Synonyms would include words like “fervency” and “intensity.” While unquenchable is defined as incapable of being satisfied. Synonyms for this word would include words like “unsatisfied” and “voracious.”
“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” Donovan Bailey
“When you catch a glimpse of your potential, that’s when passion is born.” Zig Ziglar
So, what is your passion in life? And is it something that is unsatisfied? Does it drive you to where you want to go? Or, are you trying to avoid it? My passion is adding value to the lives of others, and is always constant. It hasn’t stopped, but there were times – and probably will be times – it has waned because of life’s challenges. And there are times I have asked myself if it is something I should continue. I know we may get tired of life throwing us challenges, but does that mean we stop pursuing what we love to do? Or hope to do?
What is your passion? To add value to others? Art? Ministry? Taking care of animals? Assisting the elderly? Writing? Yo-Yo Ma (a very well known and talented cellist) once said that “Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.“
What type of risks are you willing to take to live out your passion?
Jessica Semaan spent two years interviewing, researching, and learning from people who are doing work they have a passion for. She found five themes from that research. She briefly wrote about those themes in a Forbes.com article. They are:
Start Small. Most people living their passions got there gradually and incrementally. It usually started as an “after 6 p.m. project” while they maintained their day job on the side. In fact, when you start dabbling into your interests, you may discover other passions – or even realize that what you are doing is not what you actually want to do. Pivoting is very common, but the secret is to start doing.
Practice Your Fears. Afraid of rejection? Lack of structure? Uncertainty? Practice it. She found that the secret to successfully transitioning to doing what you love is to build a thick skin. “Michelle,” who left her banking job to write, had a fear that she wouldn’t know what to do first morning off the real job. So she prepared herself by creating structure: for example outlining the book she wanted to write.
Create Your Own Board. Support is a necessary part of pursuing your passions. Surround yourself with people that inspire you and want to help you. I have seen those who have chosen a “board of supporters” to be the most successful. Pick three or four people: an expert in the space you are interested in, two people pursuing similar passions and a close friend who knows you well and you can reach out to them throughout the process. Most importantly be sure you are on this board too, supporting yourself throughout the journey.
Simplify. Doing work you love can oftentimes mean less money in the bank in the short to medium term. Be prepared to simplify your life. Think cooking at home with friends over expensive dinners; buy one less new outfit. This can be very gratifying: it pushes you to become resourceful and creative and you realize that the pleasures of life are rarely related to money.
Be Patient. They say do what you love and the rest will follow. I say do what you love with persistence and the rest will follow. When you’re following your passions, unexpected doors will open to you. With more clarity, you are more likely to spot opportunities that will lead to your success. Just keep believing, especially in moments when you feel stuck, overwhelmed or don’t see tangible results.
U-N-Q-U-E-N-C-H-A-B-L-E
Finally…..
A palliative nurse recorded the most common regrets and put her findings into a book called “The Top Five Regrets of The Dying.” The #1 regret of the dying was two-fold: 1. “I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself. 2. instead I lived the life that others expected of me”
Don’t wait till your deathbed to live the life that you want and do work you love. Start small and start now.
What is one small step you can take towards one of your passions today? If you are unsure about your passion, what is one interest you have that you can test out on the side?
Don’t hesitate to share your comments. I welcome them.