PASSION!!
In our line of work we must hear or read this word many times in a single day. Our lives are built around striving toward pursuing our passions, but do you ever stop to think that the word might be a little overused, and thereby lose its power? I decided to take a minute and really ponder what true passion is, after hearing a definition recently that I’d never heard before.
1. Passion:
from the Latin verb patior, meaning to suffer or to endure
Take a second a think about what you are most passionate about. It might be a cause, your family, your opportunity, your dream, your why, or something else. It might be many things. Are you more passionate about some than others? Is there ONE single thing that you are so deeply emotional about it brings you to tears to think about it? Are you willing to do almost anything for it? That is the one you are TRULY passionate about.
The reason I say this is because is because, I used to think of passion in these terms:
2. pas·sion/ˈpaSHən/
“A Strong and barely controllable emotion”.
“A state or outburst of such emotion”.
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That is another perfectly acceptable definition.
Which of these two is the one that gets more done in this world, completion of goals and fruition of dreams? The first or the second? I would venture to say number one! Why? Because true and real unadulterated passion as you now know it, is about a willingness to suffer, endure to the end, sacrifice. (my addition).
Imagine if you went about your passions now with this meaning in mind. It is not a negative connotation. It is not about suffering itself. It’s about the willingness to! We all have things in our lives that mean the very most to us, that we go the extra mile for, spend extra money, stay after work, donate our talents, and give beyond what’s expected just because we want to, not for any other reason. We are willing to sacrifice, even if it hurts, takes away from us or causes us more work.
For most of us it’s part of WHO WE ARE. It’s hard wired in. As mothers and fathers, we would jump in front of a train to save our child. We will go to the ends of the earth before we will see them suffer, and sometimes that can be a bad thing when they need to learn a hard lesson. Just being you, many times testifies to your inner passion and what you are willing to do for your cause or dream. People see it in your character, and are attracted to this about you. Passion is a very beautiful quality.
Sac·ri·fice
1.”Sacrifice of one’s personal interests or well-being for the sake of others or for a cause. 2.“To forfeit something for something else considered to have a greater value.”
Now think about both the definitions of passion and sacrifice, and apply them to your WHY, or the driving reason you are with your current opportunity. Can you apply both definitions to your WHY?
Are you willing to suffer and endure for the thing that drives you? Perhaps the opportunity itself, can you say 100% that you are deeply passionate (by this definition) about it?
Are you willing to sacrifice time and money, work harder than you ever have, and perhaps give up many things you enjoy to get to your goal?
If you can say YES to both of these questions…congratulations! You really ARE Passionate! You’re not just “Bursting with uncontrollable emotion!!!”
An example of this:
When Larry and I got engaged, we had spent 2 and a half years working together in a network marketing company and discovered we had many of the same dreams and goals. We went to a park one day and wrote them out to 100 in a notebook. We wrote the things that we were most passionate about. As I look back these really were the things we were willing to SUFFER for!! We made a pact that day that no matter what happened, we would achieve our dreams together, and have a blast doing it. We said even if we had hard times we would have each other. We went to work and became #1 in the network marketing company we were in at the time. As we went along we began to check things off the list, and now 10 years later, more than 90% of the goals are complete. We surpassed some of the income goals, and saw miracles in our family life that we did not know were possible…because we were willing to endure, and yes suffer. PASSION is the ONLY word FOR US!!
So think about your own goals, that I HOPE you have written down. Take a look at each one, and decide right away which ones are things you’d like to have, which ones you’d LOVE to have, and which ones, YOU MUST HAVE. The latter are the ones you should be working on asap!! I would be willing to bet that you’re not only willing to suffer for them, but you’re very committed, and emotionally invested!
What if you don’t have a goal like that? It could explain why you could be stuck in your business.
Something to think about.
Always here for YOU
Laura Morris
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Indeed, it’s a great sacrifice for us if we choose a path that can change us for a lifetime. We can’t choose both left and right. Thank you for this post of yours! i really have to think more and decide what path I should go and if I really have to sacrifice for the sake of the other.
Stevie Smith recently posted..Ways To Make A Man Love You
Hello Laura
Passion, is a wonderful word, it is not manufactured but comes from one’s purpose in life. Purpose is not something to be completed or finished like a goal. Purpose is your vision. Sacrifice as you define it is not a negative word but the path to greatness. If you refuse to make sacrifices you refuse to grow and discover the joy of accomplishment. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Self-sacrifice is the real miracle out of which all the reported miracles grew.”
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry Davis recently posted..What is the next big thing in network marketing?
This is by far one of the best posts I have read on this website. Very powerful & helpful. Thank you.
Asher recently posted..Cable Cincinnati
Thanks for reminding me. I made a decision a few years back that what ever I do it HAS to be driven by passion. That really was a turning point i my life. And I agree with you that it is what will get you through the sacrfices you have to make… GREAT article.
Cheers
Brian
Brian Lagoni recently posted..The Power of Presuppositions
As someone who writes about passion every day, I can only congratulate you both on how the two of you were able to include your respective goals into your relationship which then cemented the bond you both had for each other even further. As you rightly ay, passion can indeed change your life. Lack of passion can do the same, only nobody would or should want this path.
Stevie @ Catch Him And Keep Him recently posted..Catch Him and Keep Him – Unraveling the Code Men Use!
I really resonate with “It’s about the willingness to!”
I have seen so many people give up on their dreams and passions simply because they are not willing to do what it takes. I don’t like to think what I would be doing if I had not been willing!
Many people have told me that I am lucky. I usually get a little passionate when they say that because it is so not true! I have been willing to do the work, when they were out playing or watching TV I was building my business. I have learned so much more than just building a business, I have learned how to live an even better, more fulfilling life! Every little bit of hardship has been totally worth it!
Carla McNeil, Social Media Manager recently posted..Another Great Job from Fiverr
Sometimes things are worthy to suffer for, but most of the times they are not. The most difficult thing is to identify the ones that are really important for you, but it can be very tough. I know by experience, that is much more comfortable just to sit and complain instead of taking action. Great post!
Julie recently posted..veneers cost
Hi Laura,
You provided very good explanation of “passion”. For me passion is a feeling that tells me: this is the right thing to do. Passion is a burning desire that creates commitment to a person or project. Thanks for sharing this post.
Edyta recently posted..A Herbal Remedy for Anxiety: Get Rid of Your Problem Once and For All
Passion is extremely essential in a person’s life. I normally talk at conferences about having passion for what you do… for blogging, and for web designing. Without passion, you tend to feel like you are pulling teeth just to accomplish something. It might take some time and experience to learn what your passion is, but that is fine. Once you have it… give it your all.
Nile recently posted..How To Be More Relatable to Your Readers
Passion never involves sacrifice, Laura.
It involves work and commitment and prioritizing things in your life and work.
But never sacrifice, because there is no giving up of anything. “Your personal interests and well-being” are at the core of your passion. So you can never “forfeit” anything of “greater value” because there is nothing more valuable than that which you pursue through passion.
Thanks for the focus, Laura.
David Merrill recently posted..The Internet As An Evolving Communications Medium
Hi David,
Perhaps we have a difference in opinion and that’s what makes comments interesting! I would consider some of the most famous sports or entertainment figures, like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Sylvester Stallone or Jim Carrey and ask them what they had to sacrifice to make it big. From the site eHow and the article “Discover Why Athletes Make Good Role Models”:
Determination-
Athletes show people that determination and perseverance can help you achieve your dreams. By watching athletes keep playing even after a tough loss can help people, especially kids, understand that even if you fail the first time you should keep trying your best.
Sacrifice
Athletes have sacrificed many things to get to the top of their game. Many had to forgo other fun events in order to practice their sport–and this sense of sacrifice and discipline is an admirable quality in a role mode
*****
“Football is like life — it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.”
Vince Lombardi
“Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr
Was not Martin Luther King one of the most passionate people we can remember? I would say he sacrificed much for african americans and all americans to gain equality.
I could go on and on, but my point is, our passion SOMETIMES involves giving up things to achieve our passionate goals. I am sure you can think of an instance David, when you WON in your life, and you had to give up time, money etc. in order to get there.
I appreciate this difference in opinion!
and your comments
Your Friend
Laura
Read more: Why Athletes Make Good Role Models | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5530459_athletes-make-good-role-models.html#ixzz1oSCUC7bH
Hi Laura, I really enjoyed your post on passion! I realized just how passionate I am about my company when you said “Are you willing to sacrifice time and money, work harder than you ever have, and perhaps give up many things you enjoy to get to your goal?” I have done all of these things you mentioned and more and I am happy to do it. Starting my holistic company is the best career choice I have made and it brings joy to my life on a daily basis and keeps me passionate. Thanks for sharing.
Shelley Alexander recently posted..Braised Spicy and Sweet Red Cabbage
Hi Shelley,
I am glad that I could help you zone in on the choices you’ve made, and the heartfelt joy and zest it gives you every day to do it. It sounds like you were willing to give up, do, and make anything happen to have that Holistic company!! Bravo for you!
Laura
Your meaning gives my passion a whole new energy! When every I think of my passion I have been having a hard time getting to the gut of it all, but having read this, it means way more to me.. Thanks. I feel like I can understand my passion much more now!!
Holly recently posted..Hooked Into Another Weight Loss Miracle?
Hey Holly,
I am honored that my post got into your heart that way. You never know if your blog posts are making a difference! I really appreciate the feedback, and wish you lots of fulfillment in your future passions!
Your Friend
Laura
Laura,
I love the subject of being passionate. We are each here for a purpose and our job is to discover that purpose. Finding our passions is the pathway to our destiny. I must disagree with you about there being suffering in being passionate.
There is no sacrifice in passion, there is choice. You don’t forfeit anything because it’s your gift to the world. You give out of love without suffering.
If you have to suffer, sacrifice and forfeit for your passions you are going to be left with some upset, some sense of obligation. I don’t see following your passions as that.
In The Passion Test Facilitator Certification Course my wife and I just completed, Janet Bray Attwood makes it abundantly clear that we “Inspire Transformation Through Love.” Passions are a joyous way to express our love for being alive, our love of having a gift to share.
Thanks for letting me express my thoughts here. You’ve gotten all of us to thinking.
In Clarity and Success,
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..The Network Marketing Paradox
Hi Rick,
I appreciate your willingness to be bold and disagree. I think that there are several meanings to this word passion. I equally agree with yours as well. My point is that I had been exposed to the latin root of the word, and wanted to explore WHY the origins came from there, that’s all!!
Thanks for sharing
Laura
Wow Laura this post was very thought provoking! Yes I’m the one who understands my passion. I will go from hell and high water to achieve my goals. I have the discipline to do it because I’ve been in my own business for most of my life. There are sacrifices to be made but they are not negative. To me it is just a restructuring of things. Yes, I’m devoted totally to what I do.
This post makes me feel sane! We all work so hard but as long as we love it, it is true fulfillment.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Expert
I relate to you so much in that you’ve been driving toward your entrepreneurial dreams for many years and gave up things along the way to achieve your goals. Many sacrifices are not negative you are right. we don’t remember them that way anyway..kind of like the pain we go through to have a baby! We appreciate the end result so much that getting there was not as bad as we thought it was.
Blessings right back to you
Laura
Love your post – and the timing is SO perfect for me. Yesterday out of the blue I was offered a dream job – despite the fact I’d sworn to myself I’d never go back to work for someone ‘else’ again, especially another “globial giant” it was so flattering I was seriously tempted. But they said something to me that changed everything – “this is such an important position, we really need this to become your passion in life.” I thought wow, the job they were offering really is a big deal, but it’s NOT my passion in life and it never could be. More importantly, if I took it that would mean it might be years – if ever – that I’d have another opportunity to work on MY passion. So I declined without regret. But it was a serious eye opener, because it was the very first time I said the words outloud
marquita herald recently posted..To Stop Procrastinating Identify Root Causes
Thank You Laura
For a great post, Goal builders need Passion and Sacrifice, With out them you can not success.
Again Great Post
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
I really appreciate that you stopped by our blog to read this post..and glad it made you think !
Laura
Laura,
Thanks for the great post! This is very insightful. I hadn’t sat back to think about the definition of passion and all of the implications it has. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Gary
I know what you mean. When I first heard it, it sounded really wierd to me. Glad you thought it was interesting after some thought!
Laura
Laura,
Wow, what an amazing post! Nobody wants to suffer or sacrifice for anything these days! However, when I am honest with myself, anytime I have achieved anything worth talking about it always involved sacrifice and self-discipline, NOT the like what the DVD The Law of Attraction talks about! The Law of Attraction allows me to draw in an attract all the right people, circumstances and opportunities into my life. However, If I don’t follow up those opportunities with discipline and work, nothing comes to fruition!
So what is the company that you and Larry were in when you got married and what company are you with now? Don’t be shy. We all want to know!
Take Care,
Jupiter Jim
p.s. Glad you love the Thesis Theme like I do!!!!
Wow, I got a real funky message below my comment. Says you need to update your CommentLuv. Just so you know!
Hi Jim,
You are so right about discipline! Our business is especially founded in that concept. We have to stay self motivated right!! Nothing we accomplish in our home business is ever significant without exactly the things you said!
Thanks!