Passion speaks louder than actions

I want to ask you a question. It is a simple question, but it can be answered in many different ways. You can answer it however you feel is correct, whether it is a short or long answer, a bulleted list, or even a series of pictures.

What is your passion?

Now before you answer, I want you to clear your mind and really think about what I just asked.  Read the question again. You will notice I didn't say, “What do you really like to do?” or “What is something you do in your spare time?” I asked, “What is your passion?”

Credit: asmith82283

Credit: asmith82283

I define passion as endless excitement, a fight that you are not willing to lose, and the desire to do whatever it takes to prevail against all odds. My passion helps direct me down a path that is beneficial to myself and others around me.

I have seen people get involved with causes, committees, and boards that have accomplished  extraordinary feats that will be long remembered.

At the same time, I have seen the opposite, people who have joined an organization merely to check a box and build up a resume. This is rough to see because not only is the person going to be unhappy, since they are doing something that they don’t care much for, but the organization is the one that gets hit the hardest from this.

Pro Tip #4 - Identify your passion before you take action

Have you ever heard the old saying, “The more you put into it the more you will get out of it”? There is a lot of truth that simple sentence. I thoroughly enjoy all the boards and committees I am a part of.  Now, that’s not to say I don’t become frustrated at times, but in the long run, I am a part of them because they mean something to me.

So how do you define your passion? Here are a few tips:

  • What is something that you are interested in or enjoy?
    • Take a few minutes to sit down in a quiet space and list everything that you are interested in and like. If you can, get that list down to 5 items.
  • What is something you would do for free?
    • Would you be ok with doing something that others would think of as work? Sometimes community involvement can also be a thankless job so be mindful.
  • Will you get burned out?
    • Getting involved with an activity for a couple of months is not ideal. Try and picture yourself doing this three years down the road.  If you don't see yourself doing that, it might not be best.

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