Everyone is aware of the importance of human resources in today’s knowledge economy but very few are aware of inspiring and tapping one precious human potential – passion.
Passion is a burning desire in human beings that keeps them moving forward. It keeps them up at night. It makes sense to move forward every moment in life. It provides purpose and meaning to life.
Being passionate about something means being the best in the art and craft; being satisfied and recognized by others. If you look at Steve Jobs he was passionate about technology and innovation. He excelled as an innovation legend. He rightly remarked: "Winners don't quit, because they are passionate about their work. If you are not passionate you will quit because when things become difficult you will say, this is not my kind of stuff."
Likewise, leaders from all sectors, including religious, political, military, and business grew in life due to their passion for their areas and causes. Some are born to make money, some to serve society, some to lead others, and some to conquer countries. Hence, everyone is passionate about something, either for themselves or for others. These leaders are successful because they know about their passions and also know how to fan flames in others.
There is a need for more literature on passion, which is the key to success for people in their personal, professional and social lives. But here are some tools and techniques to ignite passion in your life:
- Find out what keeps you up at night
- Identify what inspires you to execute your tasks effectively. Which one is the one you enjoy doing most? Which is the one that doesn't let you sleep? Which is the one you enjoy doing without any stress and pressure? When you can identify those areas and work on them you can ignite your passion, unlock your potential and achieve great success in your life
- Surround yourself with people who have a positive, right and strong attitude. It is this ambiance that makes a huge difference. Therefore, be choosy about the people you intend to associate with and work with. Remember, positive people spread passion, while negative people spread poison
- Read good books to get inspired. Be passionate about sharing your knowledge with others
- Use someone as a role model to stay inspired.
Passion comes from deep inside you. It is more of an internal burning desire and drive than an externally influenced one. Hence, identify the areas that give you excitement. For instance, whenever I read books on leadership, executive education and CEOs, I develop more curiosity to read and I stay glued to the books until the end.
Gradually I recognized that these are my passion areas. I started writing articles and got good responses globally. In this way, I discovered my passions and rose in my life. Similarly, you can explore your passions through trial-and-error methods to find meaning in your life and achieve success as a result.
Passion and employee engagement are closely connected
Passion engages employees effectively. Therefore, leaders must discover the means to trigger passion among employees in the workplace. Passion leads to performance. Passion ultimately gives you satisfaction and recognition. Emphasize passion and leave the rest to results. You will be astonished at your outcomes.
Passion leads to excellence. You will be identified and respected irrespective of the profession you are into. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well."
Some employees take up their profession purely based on monetary aspects. They end with immense stress and health hazards. In contrast, some people follow their passionate areas despite not tasting money initially. Such people make money in the end and lead a prosperous life. Hence, focus on your passion, not money. When you chase your passions the money will chase you automatically.
Identify your passions and work on them relentlessly to provide meaning to your life
Be passionate about people. Spread passion. Spread success. Spread happiness everywhere. Unlock your creative power. Convert your inner power into a passion. Let it explode immensely. Channel it properly towards your goals. You will be able to achieve success.
Professor MS Rao is the father of ‘Soft Leadership’ and the founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. He has 42 years of experience and is the author of 52 books including the award-winning See the Light in You Check out his other articles for The People Space here