Last week i shared my first thoughts in a series on: 'Characteristics of Successful People'. I explored the characteristic of 'Passion'. Remember our definition from last week? Passion is: Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate, a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm or desire for anything: A passion for music, the object of such a fondness or desire.

I wanted to continue today along that thought with another recent example.

I've heard it said that if you can go through life with several close friends you are blessed. By that definition I am truly blessed and this story comes from a 'lifelong' friend of 40+ years. Our kids tease us about how much we talk to one another every week, but the fact is, we do check-in several times each week sharing life stories back and forth.

In high school we were both athletes.  I played basketball and he was a wrestler. He was a great athlete.  He finished fourth in the state wrestling tournament our senior year of high school. Since that time he has continued to be involved in the sport and has been the assistant wrestling coach of our high school alma mater for the last 20 years or so. Recently, on one of our phone conversations, he relayed this story:

This summer, the varsity coach hired one of the best high school and collegiate wrestlers in recent time to come put on a clinic for the team. My friend was very excited to hear the tips/techniques and thoughts of someone who was a two-time state champ and a three-time NCAA collegiate champ. When he arrived at the event the first thing that surprised him was the 'lack' of attendance. He asked the varsity coach and his reply was simply: Most of the varsity wrestlers had something else to do. My friend shook his head and proceeded to take a seat for the clinic. He said the man they hired was amazing, "I caught myself on the edge of my seat listening to each suggestion and watching his 'technique'." The kids that did attend were mesmerized by his stories, his ability to relate to them and of course his knowledge of their sport.

My friend went onto say that one thing that did surprise him was that the varsity coach was in and out of the whole clinic, talking on his cell phone and wandering in to only see a small portion of the event. After the formal clinic was over my friend said, "I couldn't wait to ask him specific questions on motivating an athlete and other technique related questions. I wanted to understand why he did what he did in certain situations and I also wanted to understand the mechanics of the moves so I could help our athletes."

As we continued our conversation on the phone he related his frustration with the head coach's behavior and the type of example that was for the athletes in attendance. He went onto say, "I guess I know why none of the varsity wrestlers were in attendance. If it isn't important for the head coach, why should it be important to his athletes?" "Oh well", he said, "I loved it. I got so much out of the clinic that will help me be a better coach."

Let's relate this story to our definition of 'Passion' above. Who would you want as your coach or as your child's coach? You answer that question for me. Do you know why my friend was so jacked-up about the clinic? Wrestling and making a difference in kid's lives are his passions. He's not doing it for the money he gets paid, he's doing it because he loves it. Yes, he has a full-time job that he goes to everyday that pays the bills .....but after work...... his passion ignites when he hits the 'mats'.

As I started this blog, I said I was truly blessed to have a 'lifelong' friend. I also am truly blessed to be in the business I am. I feel like I have found my 'niche' in life and will continue to do what I do, for the rest of my life. Eventually, they may have to roll me onto the stage or podium but I will promise them one thing. I will give the audience all I have, speaking, sharing and hopefully motivating. For me, helping other people face the challenges in life is my true passion......now my question to you remains......

What is your 'Passion'?...... that thing that stirs in your soul......That you love to do! Is it your job? If not, what are you doing outside of work that fills your heart with energy and joy......if you don't know what it is....find it.....if you know what it is....pursue it.....life is way too short to live by the motto of 'shoulda, coulda, oughta'.

Check back often to see my next thoughts......until then: 'Dream Big & Dare to Fail!'