Key Points about Passion

1) A person’s inner fire propels him or her to excel. Put simply, desire determines destiny. As a rule, leaders attain influence proportionate to the size of the blaze burning within them.

2) Passion supplies leaders with an extra edge over the competition. After a championship contest, sports commentators occasionally observe how the winning side “wanted it more.” All else being equal, the more passionate team typically prevails.

3) Passion makes the impossible possible. People are wired so that when their souls ignite, they no longer shrink before the barriers in front of them. That’s what makes a passionate leader particularly effective. He or she conceives of possibilities and opportunities for progress whereas dispassionate persons only see roadblocks and reasons why a vision can’t be achieved.

Application: Take Your Temperature
Consult three people (such as a spouse, mentor, or trusted co-worker) to give you an honest assessment about the level of passion they see you exhibit toward your job. Inquire about the ways in which your passion manifests itself most evidently. If they consider your passion to be low, then do some soul-searching to recapture enthusiasm for your work. Why did you enter your present profession? What once excited you about work that no longer may be a source of inspiration? In light of your answers to these questions, ponder ways to ratchet up your passion.

John Maxwell

Check the level of your integrity and commitment by the quality of your effort on the court. You cannot separate sports from your life, no matter how hard you try. Your personality shows up on the court. Be it attention to detail, work ethic, leadership or simply indifference, whatever, it all shows up. You cannot hide it." What do you autograph your work with?

Thoughts from John Maxwell's "Teamwork Makes The Dream Work"

Are you dreaming big enough?

I find that many people are afraid to dream big.

Teams are incredible things. No task is to great, no accomplishment too grand, no dream too far-fetched for a team. It takes teamwork to make the dream work.

The question is not, “Will you participate in something that involves others?” The question is, “Will your involvement with others be successful.”

No problem is insurmountable. With a little courage, teamwork, and determination a person can overcome anything.

“You do not climb a mountain like Everest by trying to race ahead on your own, or by competing with your comrades. You do it slowly and carefully, by unselfish teamwork.”
-Tenzing Norgay (renowned mountain climber)

Teamwork gives you the best opportunity to turn vision into reality.

1. It's Personal

They hate to lose more than they love to win.

2. Rubbing Elbows

They understand the value of association.

3. Believe

They have faith in a higher power.

4. Contagious Enthusiasm

They are positive thinkers... They are enthusiastic... and that enthusiasm rubs off.

How They Prepare

5. Hope For the Best, But...

They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field.

6. What Off-Season?

They are always working towards the next game... The goal is what's ahead, and there's always something ahead.

7. Visualize Victory

They see victory before the game begins.

8. Inner Fire

They use adversity as fuel.

How They Work

9. Ice In Their Veins

They are risk-takers and don't fear making a mistake.

10. When All Else Fails

They know how - and when - to adjust their game plan.

11. Ultimate Teammate

They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.

12. Not Just About the Benjamins

They don't play just for the money.

How They Live

13. Do Unto Others

They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them.

14. When No One Is Watching

They are comfortable in the mirror... they live their life with integrity.

15. When Everyone Is Watching

They embrace the idea of being a role model.

16. Records Are Made to Be Broken

They know their legacy isn't what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.


By Don Yaeger