Get Infected With Passion!
I met with a Client for coffee this morning and we talked about his work with an organization named Global Leadership that provides training for emerging business leaders in the former Soviet Union. He also works with Hope International to secure financing for small business owners there.
I have worked with him for several years training his managers and salespeople and always found him to be positive, forward-looking, and highly motivated. During all this time I never saw the fire in his eyes like I did this morning when he talked about his work in Ukraine. When I commented on his passion for this mission, he said, "Our whole team has this commitment. I guess we all have the Ukrainian Infection!"
How this contrasted with the attitude of another Client I'm coaching! She is a gifted speaker and is beautifully positioned to make a major move in her career, but just has not taken the actions necessary to boost her to the next level.
When I asked her about this, she answered, "I hate to say this, but I don't guess I want it bad enough." "Bad enough to what?" I asked. "Bad enough to pay the price to do the things I'm supposed to do," she replied.
Ouch!
My first Client is definitely infected with passion. My second Client is obviously not. I know, instead, she is infected with Call Reluctance®. Sadly, she also appears to be infected with a degree of apathy. Can she turn this around? I hope so. But it's entirely up to her and the jury's still out.
Dear reader, what are you infected with? Passion or apathy?
Let me encourage you to think about this long and hard during the next three weeks that are leading you to 2004, and one more second chance. Are you going to allow next year to just be a repeat of this year, or are you bound and determined to make it better?
If you are, you must anchor your improvement in a burning passion for achievement.
I would like to suggest that you take some time away from the hustle and bustle of this hectic season and:
- Spend some time alone looking within yourself and thinking about your life, and where you would like it to be.
- Talk to your life partner, or other significant relation if appropriate, about where they would like for you to be together a year from now.
- Talk to your best friend about where they think you could be if you wanted it badly enough.
- Talk to your boss about where he or she would like for you to be a year from now.
- If you are the boss, set quiet times to talk seriously to each of your direct reports about the importance of their dreams, goals, and commitments in the coming year, and beyond, and offer them your sincere support.
- If it's compatible with your style and belief system, seek guidance from above, from the Universe, or from wherever you find that special strength that is usually beyond our human understanding.
Serendipity flows from many sources. Do your best to tap into them all.
You never know where you will find your true passion.
"Stop thinking about the problems and start thinking about the possibilities."
- Mike Stewart, CSP
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Mike Stewart, CSP
Stewart & Stewart, Inc.
Sales Selection, Training, Management and Motivation
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