Passion Struck

1. Passion, Perseverance, and Intentionality Unlock Self-Realization

Ultimately, those who are passion struck are so fervent about their calling that they have the grit and intentionality to pursue it to the ends of the earth and fulfill their purpose—even if that means potential financial, reputation, and career peril.

The Passion Struck Formula. Self-realization hinges on a blend of passion, perseverance, and intentionality. While talent and effort are important, intentionality directs mindset, beliefs, and actions toward goals and core values. This combination allows individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Beyond Grit. Grit alone is insufficient; intentionality is the driving force. It provides clarity, enabling individuals to understand what they aim for and what they must avoid. This focus allows for effective decision-making and the efficient allocation of resources.

Self-Realization vs. Achievement. The journey to becoming passion struck is not a destination but a continuous pursuit of one's best self. It involves harnessing one's talents and gifts to positively impact the world. This path leads to self-realization, a state of fulfillment and significance that goes beyond mere achievement.

2. Life Crafting and Mission Angling: Designing a Purpose-Driven Life

Many individuals drift through life without daring to challenge their status quo…but deep down, they know there’s more to achieve.

Life Crafting Defined. Life crafting is an active process of reflecting on one's present and future, setting goals in key areas, and taking concrete steps to shape life according to values and aspirations. It's about becoming a "mission angler," actively seeking purpose and fulfillment.

The Science of Purpose. Research emphasizes the crucial role of purpose development in shaping a fulfilling life. Purpose arises through introspection, exploration, and dedication to goals that align with core values and passions. Life crafting provides the tools to intentionally design a life that reflects these values.

Taking Action. Life crafting involves making concrete plans and taking actionable steps toward desired outcomes. Individuals identify necessary resources, skills, and support systems. By actively pursuing goals, life crafters cultivate a sense of agency and ownership over their lives.

3. Reinvent Yourself: Embrace Change and Ditch Comfort

If you wait for the fear to go away, the opportunity will go away too.

The Necessity of Reinvention. In a world of constant change, reinvention is not a luxury but a necessity. It requires self-reflection, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and the courage to embark on new ventures.

Overcoming Fear. Change tends to scare us instinctively. To truly embrace transformation, one must embrace the discomfort and take every necessary step to make that change happen.

The Power of Vision. The images we craft in our minds wield tremendous power. It's about envisioning the potential beyond that crossroads.

4. Mosquito Audit: Eliminate Toxic Influences for Success

Without doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving their minds open to the negative influence of other people.

Identifying Mosquitoes. Human "mosquitoes" are individuals who drain energy and impede progress, often disguised as colleagues, mentors, or even family members. They come in different forms, making them difficult to identify and avoid.

Types of Mosquitoes:

• Bloodsuckers: Emotionally manipulative individuals who disregard boundaries.
• Invisible Suffocators: "Glass half empty" people who undermine confidence.
• PITAs: Those who are annoying, frustrating, and generally exasperating.

Taking Action. To protect oneself, it's crucial to recognize these toxic influences, set boundaries, and cultivate supportive relationships. This involves distancing oneself from negative individuals and seeking out those who inspire and uplift.

5. Confront Your Fears: You Are Your Biggest Competitor

Sometimes, it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.

The Inner Critic. Often, the biggest obstacle to success is oneself. Overcoming self-doubt and negative self-talk is crucial for personal growth.

The Power of Self-Reflection. Self-reflection allows individuals to delve into their being, increasing their understanding of who they are, their values, and the motivations behind their thoughts and actions. By engaging in this introspective journey, we gain the insights necessary to align our lives with our aspirations, paving the way for a more fulfilling existence.

Taking Action. By recognizing that you are your biggest competitor, you can take steps to silence your inner critic and move toward truly innovative concepts and a growth mindset.

6. Harness Perspective: Zoom Out and See the Bigger Picture

It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.

The Overview Effect. Just as astronauts experience a profound shift in perspective when viewing Earth from space, individuals can benefit from zooming out and seeing the bigger picture. This allows for a better understanding of what is truly important.

Breaking Echo Chambers. It's important to seek diverse perspectives and challenge one's own assumptions. This involves engaging in open conversations, listening to different viewpoints, and being willing to change one's mind.

Taking Action. By cultivating a broader perspective, individuals can navigate challenges, find positivity, and stay motivated. This adds depth and meaning to life, reminding us that we are a small part of a vast universe.

7. Action is Key: Overcome Apathy and Pursue Your Dreams

The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.

The Importance of Action. Passion without action is meaningless. It's crucial to take the first step, even if it's small, to start moving toward your goals.

The Power of Momentum. Action leads to action. Once you start taking steps toward your dreams, momentum builds, making it easier to continue.

Taking Action. By taking action, you can overcome apathy and start pursuing your dreams. This involves setting clear goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and consistently working toward them.

8. Optimize Anxiety: Find Your Edge Without Going Over

Don’t think about the past, don’t think about the future, don’t think about anything but that moment and how can you take your best action at that time. There should be no apprehension. There should be no fear.

The Zone of Optimal Anxiety. Peak performance occurs when anxiety and intentionality are in balance. This involves being on edge, without going over the edge and experiencing burnout.

The Big Four Skills:

• Breath control
• Positive internal dialogue
• Imagery
• Targeted focus

Taking Action. By learning to manage anxiety and focus on the present moment, individuals can optimize their performance and achieve their goals. This involves developing skills like breath control, positive self-talk, and visualization.

9. Embrace Originality: Adaptability is the Key

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

Originality Defined. Originality is about pursuing novel ideas and breaking free from existing molds. It involves blending diverse concepts to create unique and innovative solutions.

The Importance of Adaptability. Originality necessitates adaptability. Innovators must be willing to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and learn from failures.

Taking Action. By embracing originality and adaptability, individuals can thrive in a rapidly changing world. This involves cultivating curiosity, challenging conventions, and continuously evolving.

10. Gardener Leadership: Eyes-On, Hands-Off Approach

What leaders have to remember is that somewhere under the somnolent surface is the creature that builds civilizations, the dreamer of dreams, the risk taker. And remembering that, the leader must reach down to the springs that never dry up, the ever-fresh springs of the human spirit.

Empowering Teams. Effective leadership involves nurturing the growth of team members, providing them with the necessary tools and support to flourish. This requires a shift from micromanaging to fostering a culture of collaboration and progress.

Key Attributes:

• Delegating to the right level
• Hiring for weaknesses
• Becoming "humbitious"
• Putting the team first
• Inspiring through a noble mission

Taking Action. By adopting an eyes-on, hands-off approach, leaders can empower their teams, foster autonomy, and create a culture of growth and success. This involves trusting team members, providing guidance when needed, and celebrating their achievements.

11. Conscious Engagement: Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

Business and human endeavors are systems…. We tend to focus on snapshots of isolated parts of the system. And wonder why our deepest problems never get solved.

The Power of Focus. In a world of constant distractions, it's crucial to stay focused on what truly matters. This involves aligning actions with core values and purpose.

The Problem of Spontaneity. Too often, individuals react to the world around them without intentionality. This can lead to a life that is necessary but not strategic, valuable but not value-added.

Taking Action. By practicing conscious engagement, individuals can break free from spontaneous reactions and make deliberate choices that align with their goals. This involves prioritizing what is essential, not just what is urgent.

12. The Bee-and-Turtle Effect: Dream Big, Plan Small

Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.

Combining Urgency and Patience. The bee-and-turtle effect involves balancing short-term productivity with long-term vision. This requires both the urgency of a bee and the patience of a turtle.

Breaking Down Goals. Large goals can be overwhelming. By breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps, individuals can make consistent progress and maintain momentum.

Taking Action. By embracing the bee-and-turtle effect, individuals can achieve their dreams by combining daily productivity with a long-term vision. This involves setting achievable goals, celebrating small wins, and staying patient through setbacks.

Last updated: April 14, 2025