We all have a passion for something, whether it is for golf or little league; cooking or writing; acting or reading. Wine connoisseurs and bottle cap collectors abound. What is your passion? Can you see it? Most of you can. What do you want to do with it? What do you envision? What do you want to accomplish? Those are harder questions for many. Maybe you have the answers. What are you doing? Is there determination in your eyes? Has your pulse quickened? They say we cannot solve world hunger. The truth is we can. They say good things happen to those who wait. We know the better rewards go to those who make things happen. They said walking on the moon was a crazy idea. They were right, but we did it anyway. They say, “can’t,” we say, “can.” They ask, “why?” we ask, “why not?” They say, “if only…” we ask, “what if...?” They are challenged. We challenge. They are the passengers, and we are the drivers. Are you are too tired? Do you work too hard? Feel the world has been unfair? Do you frequently ask, “why me?” with a bovine expression painted across your face? Sadly, you are not alone. But, if you do know what you want; dream about it, talk about it and do it. Look around. Working alongside you is one of the most talented people in the entire organization. They bring something that no one else does. Do you know what it is? Find out. Learn from them. Share ideas and dreams, and once you discover what it is, what that special gift they bring to us is, tell them. Let them know you see it. Because the truth is most of them are not even aware of what they have. Organizations grow, but do they mature? Are we enlightened enough to know what’s going on and to understand where we are headed? To not only find, but also to use, the tools needed to build our future? Some people are already there, and they are lending a hand. These are the people who do not watch the clock, but they do set the pace. What about you? Can you be counted on? Do your actions match your words? Are you positive and proactive and professional in everything you say and do? Do you create problems or do you create solutions? Ask that person working alongside you; they will tell you. What if they say something you don’t want to hear? What if they tell you the truth? Thank them, wholeheartedly. Then roll up your sleeves and get to work. Learn more. Take classes; attend workshops. Find a mentor, be a mentor. Share. Some of you think, "but I’m too busy," or "there’s not enough time." Friends, time is the great equalizer. It is one of the few manmade instruments that are equally distributed in nice, easy to swallow increments. You can take 24 hours, or you can take 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. The portion is up to you. The world provides so many resources and tools to each of us. Naysayers, smirk or gawk if you must, but while you troll and gesticulate wildly, the person next to you is learning and growing. They are developing themselves and helping others along the way; and before you know it, they will no longer be sitting beside you, because these types of people do not sit in one place for long. They know that increased learning leads to increased earning. Not just financial rewards; they earn accolades, and respect, and satisfaction. Do you want to sit or stand? Walk or run? The decision is yours. Reach deep inside and find out what motivates you. Set your goals. If you are tired, rest, but don’t stay out of the action for too long, because as you rest, others work, and practice, and perfect their dreams. Don’t be left behind. Be leaders. Be learners. Be coaches. Be students. Be mentors. Be mentioned. Be proud Be passionate.
Also published on Medium.