Passion – I am torn on this topic by people that come up to me for advice on starting their own business and realizing the independence they long for. I have learned to listen closely for their why, and if they start with the outcome of entrepreneurism and not the work, they have it backwards. I challenge those people (and myself) to keep the focus on the gifts you have and the work that excites you. Seth Godin shifts our perspective on our gifts by challenging each of us to think of ourselves as Artists – and makes the comment Art is the intentional act of using your humanity to create change in another person. He goes on to share that most artists can’t draw.
Hidden in the whole conversation of performance is passion. Here are three things I have learned about passion of the artist:
- Passion is the hidden ingredient in performance: In my book People-Centered Performance I share my belief that Performance = Talent + Passion + Work
- Passion does not have to reside in just the work, it could be the team, or the cause, or even the need to eat.
- Passion is without complaint, so if we can do the work with excitement and ownership, and without complaint, we are close.
- It is impossible to be an artist and not have passion.
A great summary of passion came from a recent book I read called The Boys in the Boat. In it, the master shell builder George Pocock talks about his work and what drove his choices:
My ambition has always been to be the greatest shell buiilder in the world; and without false modesty I believe I have attained that goal. If I were to sell the stock, I fear I would lose my incentive and become a wealthy man, but a second-rate artisan. I prefer to remain a first-class artisan.
I like watching for passion in others, and instead of starting with a pen and paper to write your statement of passion, start by observing and talking to others. There is energy in watching the artist work, and they can be found all around us.
Remember, most artists can’t draw, and most artists aren’t entrepreneurs.