This week i have posted a few things that may not address Buddhism directly, but certainly touch upon the concepts, the mindsets and attitudes that move us, shape us and encourage us to take on the paths of our choosing and within that framework I cannot think of anything more Buddhist or fundamental than our efforts. Todays post end the weeks along those lines. . .
I hear it all the time from people. “I’m passionate about it.” “I’m not going to quit, It’s my passion”. Or I hear it as advice to students and others “Follow your passion”. Well that can be enticing but its often far from the truth. “Follow Your Passion” could easily be the worst advice you could ever give or get. Why? Because everyone is passionate about something. Usually more than 1 thing. We are born with it. There are always going to be things we love to do. That we dream about doing. That we really really want to do with our lives. However for most people these passions rarely pay off or serve us well. Think about all the things you have been passionate about in your life. Think about all those passions that you considered making a career out of or building a company around. How many were/are there? Why did you bounce from one to another? Why were you not able to make a career or business out of any of those passions? Or if you have been able to have some success, what was the key to the success? Was it the passion or the effort you put into achieving it?
If you really want to know where you destiny lies, look at where you apply your time. Our time is the most valuable asset we DON’T own. You may or may not realize it yet, but how you use or don’t use your time is going to be the best indication of where you and your efforts will take you. Consider this: When you work hard at something you become good at it. When you become good at doing something, you will enjoy it more. When you enjoy doing something, there is a very good chance you will become passionate or more passionate about it. When you are good at something, passionate and work even harder to excel and be the best at it, good things happen. We must act upon our efforts and understanding then we can feel the passion and rewards of our efforts. Don’t follow your passions, follow your effort. It will lead you to your passions and to success, however you define it.
Peace and Love, Jim
