Column By : Jim Stovall

We all have talents and gifts. Some people's are apparent, such as Beethoven, Michael Jordan, or Winston Churchill.
Others live out their personal and professional lives in
less conspicuous ways but no less valuable ways.

Only you can define your passion. The fact that your mother
wants you to be a doctor, your father wants you to conquer
Wall Street, your spouse wants you to be an architect, or
the coach wants you to play first base really doesn't matter.

Your passion is, quite simply, nothing more or less than
your passion. It is, very simply, that thing in this world
about which you are passionate. It does not have to be
justified nor quantified to anyone's satisfaction other than yours.

Consider the following:


1. What activities cause you to be excited and energized?
2. What activities tend to make you tired and worn out?
3. What passions in your life are you proud to share with others?
4. What do you want to be known for?
5. If you had to pursue one course to make a difference in
the world, what would it be?

Once you have identified your passion, it is important to
find the best way to turn your passion into your profession.
The late, great George Burns once told me that "If you love
your job, you never work a day in your life." George Burns
was passionate about his career as an entertainer, and he
pursued that passion joyously for almost a century.

Recently, I've had the true privilege of getting to know 97-
year-old Coach John Wooden who has, by far, more NCAA
National Basketball Championships than anyone ever.

Coach Wooden considers himself a teacher. Had he not been a
basketball coach, he feels he would have taught English. He
sees very little difference between training seven-foot
super athletes and instructing college freshmen in the basic
rudiments of the English language.

Coach Wooden understands the key principle. His passion is
the act of teaching, but it can be implemented in many ways.

I have a good friend who was a struggling night club
comedian. Comedy was his passion, but he had reached a point
where he could no longer survive financially. Then he made
what some people would consider a drastic career move and
became a humorist, speaking at corporate events.

Now he makes an amazing living and still pursues his
passion. My friend understands that his passion is the
comedy, whether it's in a smoky nightclub or a corporate
convention setting.

As you go through your day today, look for more and unique
ways to pursue your passion.


Today's the day!


Check out this video "How to Bend Your Life to your Will'
http://www.lifemodification.com/?hop=jmgracia