You Can't Fake Passion

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real . . .

Knowing yourself, finding your true purpose in life, is the essence of true and real. You have to be, before you do, to have lasting inner peace. In other words, making a living is not the same as making a life. Find what makes your heart sing, and create your own music.

Many people work all their lives and dislike what they do for a living. In fact, a 2010 CBS News poll revealed that more than 50 percent of people in the American workplace are unhappy with their jobs. Loving what you do is one of the most important keys to living a true and real Dash.

You can’t fake passion. It is the fuel that drives any dream and makes you happy to be alive.

However, the first step to loving what you do is to self-analyze, to simply know what you love. We all have unique talents and interests, and one of life’s greatest challenges is to match these talents with career opportunities that bring out the best in us. It’s not easy, and sometimes we are able to find it only through trial and error—but it’s worth the effort.

Ray Kroc, for example, discovered his passion when he had the vision to franchise the first McDonald’s at the age of fifty-two. He never “worked” another day of his life.

John James Audubon was unsuccessful for most of his life. He was a terrible businessman. No matter how many times he changed locations changed partners, or changed businesses, he still failed miserably. Not until he understood that he must change himself did he have any shot at success.

And what changes did Audubon make? He followed his passion. He had always loved the outdoors and was an excellent hunter. In addition, he was a good artist and, as a hobby, would draw local birds.

Once he stopped trying to be a businessman and started doing what he loved to do, his life turned around. He traveled the country observing and drawing birds, and his art was ultimately collected in a book titled Birds of America. This book earned him a place in history as one of the greatest wildlife artists ever. But more important, the work made him happy and provided the peace of mind he’d been seeking all his life. An intentional pursuit of your passion reflects what your Dash is truly all about.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11