A White Hot Passion
Date:2007-03-07Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark.
~Amiel, Journal, 17 December 1856
Judy and I were at my friend Souraj’s house yesterday morning, and we were getting ready to go to the outdoor market for the first time together, when I witnessed a simple act that has impacted my thinking in a powerful way.
I was in the living room talking to Majd, when the doorbell rang and she went to get it. At the door were two older gentlemen dressed in suits and each with a bible under their arms. “Hello”, I heard them say, “may we speak to you a moment about your salvation.” (Certainly a unique ice breaker for starting a conversation!)
Then I heard her say, “Well, my husband and I are of the Muslim faith, we could talk to you sometime, but we are getting ready to go out now, could you come back?” Not taking no for an answer, it looked like these guys were really going to try to come in and have a conversation. At this moment, Souraj walked in the room and overheard what was going on, and made a bee line for the door. I really didn’t know what was going to happen then, but Souraj, in his calm manner really impressed me with his gentleness and people skills. He engaged them in a short conversation, and asked them if they wouldn’t mind coming back at another time as he would love to speak with them. “Sure” they said, and went on their way as pleasant as could be.
When Souraj joined me in the living room, he was wearing a big smile on his face. “That really impresses me” he said. “What does?” I asked. “I love the fact that these people are such strong believers in their faith that they are willing to face ridicule and slamming doors to share their beliefs with others. That really takes confidence and passion, and I haven’t seen too many people who are willing to do that here.” He replied.
That was the statement that really got me. He was absolutely right! So many people are so hung up on their image and reputation that they rarely share what is really on their minds. They choose, instead, to not rock the boat and just fit in with the “cool” or the “in” crowd. Can you imagine having a great idea and believing in it so much that it burned "white hot" and one that you were willing to go door to door to share with everyone that you met... and not be concerned at all with what people may think? That would be amazing!
I have had some ideas that I felt strongly about over the years, but I was never able to communicate them with a “white hot” passion of belief like these people did. I just wasn't as sure of myself as I should have been, and I wasn't willing to get out of my comfort zone and tell the story, no matter the consequences. As I contemplate this now, it occurs to me that I could be so much further ahead in both my career and in my personal life if I could have had a stronger belief in myself and in my ideas. Actually, instead of the idea being of white hot intensity, it was the fear that I felt that was burning hot and which kept me from succeeding.
So, what holds us back?: Fear… plain and simple: Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of looking silly, fear of what others may think or fear of not having all the answers. My thought is, if we feel and are controlled by the fear, then it is possible that we are not as committed as we could be to the idea, because we are more worried and fearful about how we will look than the successful communication or completion of the idea that we have. If we take that fear and turn it into a “white hot” intensity of belief, then that will kill the fear and create a focus that will build our confidence and create a greater belief in ourselves and in our abilities.
What idea do you have that could be a “white hot” passion in your life? Do you have a story to tell that is important for people to hear? Do you have a product that you promote that you feel everyone should know about? Have you started a business that would change people’s lives for the better? Yes? ... Who have you told?: Everyone that you can?: No?: Why not? … Or is your fear of what will possibly happen hotter than your belief?
This week, as you are working to create more success in your life, dare to take a stronger stand in what you believe in and seek out that one element, or that one action that you can add or take to make your idea a white hot passion that will cleanse your fears and create a clear direction in your life. Make a phone call, write a letter, speak face to face with someone, but do something, your success is closer than you may think!
Make this your best week ever!
Paul
For 22 years, Paul Kearley has thrived in the personal development and coaching business. As a Master Coach for the past 10 years, Paul’s passion is in developing and creating increased potential with both clients and other trainers. A columnist for two newspapers in Eastern Canada, and editor for his own weekly ezine, Paul writes articles that address the everyday challenges we all have and face in life and in business, and offers suggestions for success
If you’d like to connect with Paul or subscribe to “E-Motion” his weekly ezine, simply goto the web site at http://www.mustfactor.com or by call 506 433 4722.