What is the role of passion in life, work, success, and satisfaction? I’m not really talking about the romantic kind of passion, but that is important, as well. Today, we’re looking at that kind of passion that provides life’s direction, drive, and devotion and how it can provide purpose and meaning.

To better understand the role of passion, consider what life is like when you have no passion for anything. A passionless person is likely bored with life and, quite possibly, suffering emotionally because they feel they have no purpose in life. Without passion, few things really have meaning. Life is just better when we are giving ourselves completely to someone else, something else, or a greater good.

I have been struck recently by a T. D. Jakes quote:

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”

Jakes is exactly right! When you discover that which gives you the most passion, you have found your purpose. That might be raising your kids, serving others, serving God, achieving a life goal, or something else significant in your life. To that which your heart beats, you’ll find your real purpose.

Passion also plays a significant role in other aspects of our life. I have listed several quotes on passion below that help illustrate its importance and role in every aspect of our lives. See which of these might make a point with you:

1. Passion gives meaning – “Passion is what gives meaning to our lives. It’s what allows us to achieve success beyond our wildest imagination. Try to find a career path that you have a passion for.”  – Henry Samueli
2. Passion unleashes creativity – “Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.”  – Yo-Yo Ma
3. Passion drives success – “A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means.”  – Henry Hazlitt
4. Passion brings happiness – “The saddest people I’ve ever met in life are the ones who don’t care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there’s nothing to make it last.” ― Nicholas Sparks (from his book, Dear John)
5. Passion motivates – “If you have a strong purpose in life, you don’t have to be pushed. Your passion will drive you there.” ― Roy T. Bennett (from his book, The Light in the Heart)
6. Passion drives involvement – “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.” ― Martha Graham
7. Passion confirms your actions – “Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in my way. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says. This feeling is so good that it cannot be ignored. I’m going to follow my bliss and act upon this glorious sensation of joy.” ― Wayne W. Dyer
8. Passion represents the call of your heart – “I have not always chosen the safest path. I’ve made my mistakes, plenty of them. I sometimes jump too soon and fail to appreciate the consequences. But I’ve learned something important along the way: I’ve learned to heed the call of my heart. I’ve learned that the safest path is not always the best path and I’ve learned that the voice of fear is not always to be trusted.” ― Steve Goodier
9. Our passion is that for which we’re willing to fight – “If we don’t fight for what we ‘stand for’ with our passionate words and honest actions, do we really ‘stand’ for anything?” ― Tiffany Madison (from her book, Black and White)
10. Passion makes our life (or career) journey fun – “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” ― Simon Sinek

Some might ask, “OK, so how do I discover my passion? What defines my heart?” Here are a few things that I think can help define your passion:

• Your passion is what you think of first when you awaken each day? What are you thinking about when you go to sleep? These are your passions.
• What is the last thing or person or activity you would give up if someone asked you to make a list? That is your passion.
• What in life gives you the most satisfaction, makes you smile the most, or is the most fun for you? It is likely that this points you to your passion.
• What work activity motivates you the most? What gives you the most satisfaction? Chances are, this is your workplace passion.
• What one thing would you do differently in your life if money and time were not limiting? That one thing might be your passion.

As T. D. Jakes says, when you find your passion, you’ll find your purpose. Please, do not life another day without knowing your purpose. When you find (or acknowledge) your passion, you just might find your life is motivated in a new way. Something to consider…

Have a great day!