The Power of Passion

Championship Series

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, rather than for people." Colossians 3:23  

Passion has been called the secret ingredient to success. For champions it is truly an indispensable ingredient. Ralph Waldo Emerson famously stated, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

Welcome to the latest post in our Championship Series. Today's topic is passion. As you know, passion has always been associated with the heart. The heart of a champion beats with passion!
And a true champion has the rare ability to transform that passion into incredible action!

Webster defines passion, aka enthusiasm, as a powerful emotion; a great excitement for or interest in a subject or a cause. Enthusiasm is one of the deepest human emotions. Most people are enthusiastic about something - be it sports, music, or food. Champions have great heart. They have a deep love for what they do, and they pursue their success with a burning passion. For true champions, what they do is not  just a vocation - it is a calling! 

Michael Jordan, iconic champion and NBA Hall of Famer, had an intense passion for the game of basketball. Champions in any field of endeavor really love what they do. Michael Jordan stated, "I play for the love of the game, not for the love of money." And it showed throughout his spectacular career, resulting in MJ receiving seven (7) NBA Championship rings!

Chris Gardner, former homeless man turned millionaire stockbroker, portrayed by Will Smith in the movie 'The Pursuit of Happiness' observed, "The secret to success is to find something you love so much, you can't wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again." Now, that's an excellent definiton of passion! 

True champions are among those fortunate human beings who have found what they love, and pour their whole heart into it. Long before the start of his NBA career, Michael Jordan had an uncommon passion for the game of basketball.  

MJ's love for the game was evident even in the Chicago Bulls' practices. He was the first to show up and the last to leave. MJ would dive for loose balls, would skin his knees, and contest every single rebound. Former teammate, Ed Nealy said they should have charged admission just to see MJ practice. You would have seen more from Michael during practice than in the game!

Brendan Malone, former NBA assistant coach, studied hours  and hours of MJ on tape. Michael never relented for one second, never took a play off. He gave 100 percent every minute of every game. His passion generated unbelievable energy and drive. MJ's relentless dedication and remarkable talent left his opponents incredulous. And his inspirational example made all of his teammates better!

George Lucas, acclaimed movie director of 'Star Wars' fame, stated that to be successful you have to find something you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over hurdles, and break through the brick walls that are going to be thrown in front of you. If you don't have that kind of passion/ inspiration/enthusiasm you'll stop at the first hurdle you encounter.

When you combine that kind of passion with your true purpose you have the makings of a real champion. The more passion you have for what you do, the more inclined you are to work harder to attain your goals, and to overcome whatever obstacles may stand in the way of achieving your  dreams. It is that kind of passion that spells the difference between being good at what you do, and being great! That heart, that passion, is what separates champions from the rest of the field.

Famed Historian David McCullough observed, "I would pay to do what I do. People say, 'Take a vacation.' How could I have a better time than what I am doing?"

Hockey great Wayne Gretzky started watching hockey games at three years old. He loved the game so much that he would cry when the game ended.

A recent survey of 241 executives revealed that 80% listed "enthusiasm" as the one trait that most helped workers to become successful. "Can-do attitude" came in second at 63%.

Indeed, the Bible tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, rather than for people." Colossians 3:23. Work with enthusiasm. Work with passion. Work with all your heart, and you will be successful in your chosen field of endeavor.

What is your passion? Do you have the heart of a champion? How are you using your passion to make the world a better place?

Enthusiasm Quotes

Inspirational Quotes on Enthusiasm

Successful People Know the Power of Passion

Until next time,

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard 

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