Here is a guest post by the passionately talented Amy Lorton. Amy is a writer and editor at Dave Ramsey‘s office. If you’re passionate about writing, or sharing wisdom, you can guest post as well! Read how to here.
My friend, Robert, is in the midst of reading Time magazine’s list of the 100 best novels that have been published since 1923. Actually, he’s reading 101, since he’s thrown Ulysses into the mix. And I’m talking about every single one of them, from beginning to end.
He hasn’t skipped a page. Some are easy and enjoyable reads, like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, and Gone with the Wind. But others, with my apologies to Time and lovers of great classics, are about as much fun as getting a tooth drilled. Or as Robert likes to call them, “pretentious pieces of literary poo.”
Still, Robert presses on. He has a full-time job, a wife, a 1-year-old son, and family to visit in Georgia, but he takes the time to read these books. He also blogs about them every day. Why would he do such a thing? Because Robert is passionate about writing and books. Besides his wife and family, they are his joy. So when most guys are sitting in front of the TV on Sunday watching a game, Robert is polishing his blog.
If you are thinking about starting a company next year, will you be as passionate as Robert? If not, find something you love to do so much that it gets you up every morning with a smile on your face, eager to jump into the day. It may be the secret of life. I know it’s at least the key to much happiness and success.
As Malcolm Gladwell says, “Hard work is a prison cell only if the work has no meaning.” Break free of that jail. Find your higher calling—work with purpose. I promise, you’ll always be glad you did.
Question: What passionate thing are you currently working on, or would like to be?
Amy! Thanks for this inspiring post. Love it. There is a great joy and mental satisfaction in pursuing our passion.
I am currently practising consistently for my maiden half marathon run. Though I like to run, I have never found enough time to concentrate on running professionally in Marathons after my college days.
Now, I aim to run atleast 4 marathons in the coming year.
Way to go Uma!! That’s huge!!
Thanks Chris for the encouragement!
Subject: [closblog] Re: What Are You Passionate About?
Yeah that’s quite impressive!
Thanks Joel!
Subject: [closblog] Re: What Are You Passionate About?
My pleasure
Discovering my God-commanded purpose has been huge! It is my personal mission statement that guides my life and helps me determine what’s in and what’s not just like a business mission statement. As I wrote about today though, you still have to be intentional about it. Just because God calls you to do something doesn’t mean He’s going to show you the way.
Haha…that is so true. I believe that sometimes He wants us to “dig it out!”
Amen on that, Joel!
Very trure Joel
That’s a powerful quote from Gladwell. Anything worth doing is hard work, and passion is the fuel that keeps us going. For me, loving God and therefore loving other people have to be the driving forces in my life. Nothing else will bring worthwhile motivation. No other cause is truly worthwhile.
I’m personally passionate about teaching people to be good stewards of their time. The image of what America could be like if we were truly good stewards of our time and money – that image makes the passion burn deeply inside me.
Wow! Powerful stuff Loren!!
Love that, Loren! I always say that I REFUSE to waste time – I will waste money before I waste time (don’t tell Dave Ramsey!) – But I can make more money – I can’t make more time.
Chris, anyone that knows me knows that my boys are my number 1 priority. After years of struggling with them with grades, keeping their room clean, doing their chores, mowing the lawn when they’re told…I re-thought my parenting. I’m not raising students, room cleaners, chore doers or landscape artists….I am raising young men, soon to become men of integrity and men of our community. I have succeeded at times and at times I have failed miserably. I know your blog isn’t about raising children, but this is what I’m passionate about. I want my boys to be givers, not only receivers, and to be positive participating members of the community. I’m not always successful, but I do the best that I can.
Awesome words
Absolutely incredible!!!
Kim – what a simply wonderful passion! The world would be a different place if there were more mothers such as you. And you have some great goals for your boys – hang in there!
That’s matchless Kim! Saluting to mothers like you all over the world!
Kim – as a fellow mom, i say Amen to that!
I believe what we’re passionate about will sometimes shift. God has a purpose for us, but we have to grow to be ready (obviously he uses us along the way). I wonder if sometimes God reveals a passion in us that may not be our ultimate purpose, but helps us get through the process required to take us there.
Just recently I’ve discovered a passion/purpose that leaves a smile on my face–Lovin’ it! 🙂
I believe He does. When He was with the disciples, He told them of Someone who would come and tell them more important info. He could have done it right then. But they probably weren’t ready for it. I believe it’s the same with passion.
And it DEFINITELY leaves a smile on my face as well!
What a great goal and challenge he has set for himself. Love the Gladwell quote, everyone should be working in areas of their passions. Next year I want to continue becoming a better writer and leader. I want to see my leadership tribe grow and expand.
Great stuff Dan!!!!
Dan ! You do a great stuff in your blog. I am following yours through my google reader.
That’s a great question. I’m passionate about a few things but I’m currently working on writing a book. It’s a lot of work but I’ve been reminded that “Writer’s write!”
HAHAHA….I would respond more but I don’t want to write that much. Dang it! I just did.
Eric – you hit the nail on the head – IT’S A LOT OF WORK!
Go on Eric! Keep writing. I love to see you as a writer.
Professionally-Personally, I’m passionate about two things right now. One is financial stewardship and the other is growing my business in 2012. I was impacted and challenged by two books recently; Radical (Platt) and Treasure Principle (Alcorn). Both have changed my perception of generosity and the aim of running a profitable business. Part of this passion is reaching others and challenging them to get on the generosity bus.
Creatively, I’ve been spending time in my studio working on music. I’ve reconnected with an old friend whose spent the last 10+ years in Hollywood working with the ‘big boys’ on music for film. His passion for quality composition and audio production has reignited my love for music. He has generously shared his studio Jedi tricks with me. Couple that with a recent sermon from a pastor at my church on Christians using art to impact the world for Christ and my heart is on fire.
It does not stop there…
Not for a passionate guy like you!
That’s great Lance!
Ouch, i need a ton of pages….too many passions in life to be contained here, but i’ll restrain my self!
I’m just passionate about my life, my family, my kids, my friends, the opportunities i have, i want to live life to the full. I’m very passionate about helping people and next year i hope, plan to do more in helping people get their finances in order (Financial Counselling) and writing. I’m passionate about teaching, and anybody who’s spent some time around me (online/offline), knows my tennis passion (playing and passing on the knowledge especially to kids).
I plan to do more in this area by keeping up to speed with the latest ideas.
Very nice! Now just put some goals with those.
Working on thoseJ
Great question! Must I only be passionate about one thing???
Hahaha…not at all.