This blog is a revised and updated version of a previously published blog.
Let's talk about your passion. As a small business owner or nonprofit leader, you know how important passion is. It's your driving force, fueling you to work harder and longer than your peers. Your passion is what keeps you going, reminding you why you chose this job. But it's not just about working harder, it's about working smarter too. Your passion should be linked to your vision and mission statements, it should be the very essence of you.
So, what's your personal vision? What do you want to accomplish in your life? How are you going to make it happen? Your passion is the key to finding yourself and setting the course for your life, just like it is for your business. Once you find your passion, you'll find your drive.
Drive is what gives you the energy to move quickly, take risks, and keep going. Some people may call it tenacity or grit, but it's different for everyone. For me, drive is what gets me up after only a few hours of sleep and motivates me to skip breaks so I can work a few extra minutes. Drive is the energy I call on when I need to take a risk or tackle a large project.
Tenacity is what gives us determination and persistence. It's the force that allows us to keep going, to not give up, even when things get tough. I believe every problem has a solution, and this belief comes from my tenacity. When I worked as a summer camp counselor for over 300 children per day, I used my tenacity to never give up on helping them achieve math and reading proficiency. I also used my tenacity to invest in my counselors, rewarding them and providing breaks to help them better engage with the kids.
Grit is the very essence of who we are. It's what holds us together in hard times and helps us overcome challenges. It's the fierce belief that we can accomplish our goals. For me, my grit drives me towards empowering underdogs and fighting social justice issues. I strive to leave the world a better place than I found it, and my grit is what gives me the strength to do that.
When you find your passion, grit, tenacity, and drive, you'll be able to unlock your full potential. You'll become one of the people who always appears happy, who knows what they want and is pursuing it no matter the cost. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or small business owner, you should use your tenacity, grit, drive, and passion to guide your work. If you're passionate about your work, it will show in your products and services.
For example, I knew a photographer who was overcoming addiction and homelessness. His work reflected the dignity he saw in each person and his gratitude for overcoming his challenges. When I worked with high-risk children, I believed, and still do, that where you come from does not define you and should never affect your chances of being who you're meant to be. When I worked with high-risk adults suffering from uncontrolled health issues, I believed that if we could help them get their health in order, they would discover who they were and lead happier, more productive lives. My work has always reflected the value I see in every life I encounter.
When you can define your passion, grit, tenacity, and drive, you'll be able to define your why and how. That's when you'll start unlocking the wealth the universe has been saving for you, finding true happiness and fulfillment, and opening doors you never thought were possible.
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