The mustard on the hotdog - Passion
There is nothing that adds spice to your life like having a passion. It would be a very dull life to never have an emotional connection to some person, idea or thing. Buddhists are often told to strive to rid themselves of the “wanting mind”. To me such an achievement would lead me to a life that is peaceful, but not interesting. Many religions describe Heaven as a place where we would not want for anything. I’m sorry that sounds like Hell to me.
Like most everything else passion can be a good and a bad thing. It’s a question of balance and understanding the situation.
Athletic analogies work well here. If you don’t have enough passion, you will not find the metal toughness to win the event. If you have too much, your muscles will tighten up and not allow you to function well enough to win. Too much passion, you commit a foul which gives your opponent an advantage.
Romantic analogies work too. Not enough and the object of your affection thinks you don’t care. Too much and you get slapped with a restraining order.
Passion isn’t something abstract. It takes on very real physical traits. Your hormonal system kicks in and changes how your body operates. Adrenalin is the most common drug your system will generate to aid you in your pursuit of the object of your passion. Over the long pull adrenalin is addictive and has other bad side effects.
Over a long period of time the single mindedness of a passion can be dangerous also. Tunnel vision is very good when it helps you concentrate on the things that will assist you achieve your hearts desire. It’s very bad when it allows you ignore other obligations and responsibilities. A divorce will kill a business just as surely as an over commitment to a business will kill a marriage.
A successful business is a marathon not a sprint. You need a burst of speed to break out of the pack, but then you need staying power to win the race. Use your passion when you need it. Don’t let it rule you.
Powered by Qumana
3 opinions for The mustard on the hotdog - Passion
startupspark.com - Get Passionate About Business And Fall In Love All Over Again
Feb 14, 2007 at 11:55 am
[…] Jim Norton reminds us of the importance of passion in business. This quote jumped off the page at me, “Many religions describe Heaven as a place where we would not want for anything. I’m sorry that sounds like Hell to me.” […]
John Doe
Feb 17, 2007 at 3:08 am
So, are you suggesting people should not be so passionate about their biz and be sensible bout it? Is that what you say or you meant other things?
“Don’t let it rule you.”
OK, I get it. :p
Thanks for the comment. Success and balance go together nicely. There are times to be passionate and times to turn down the heat. On top of that if you try to run all out all the time you will burn out.
Mary Emma
Feb 19, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I like your comment: You need a burst of speed to break out of the pack, but then you need staying power to win the race.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: