By: Armando Trabanco
Looking around at the great successes of our time, we find one common ingredient –Passion.  Passion is not just the driver of their endeavor, but the fuel that moves the soul.
Unfortunately, we live in a society the measures success in dollars and cents, but fails to understand that success is the fulfillment of ones purpose on earth.  As a Banker I have had the privilege of meeting many financially successful individuals, however not all had succeeded in fulfilling their life’s purpose. If you look around they’re easy to spot. They have the latest car, eat at the best restaurants and are scheduled to attend the next big event, yet never seem happy. Most of the time they fail to acknowledge the simple beauty in nature, the blessing of friends and family and rather than looking for the good in people and situations, always seem to find the negatives. As I always say, “They’re the folks that if they won the lottery, would worry about the taxes they’d have to pay”.
Think of the individuals who have made the greatest contributions to our society, they were all passionate about their work.  From Michael Angelo to Davinci,  from Fred Smith (Fed Ex founder) to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs- each worked passionately towards a goal.  Each made a commitment to focus on making a difference, with no guarantees they’d succeed financially, yet they persevered day in and day out. What about you? What would you do, if you knew you wouldn’t fail?
This is not a call to drop your responsibilities and pursue a dream, but rather a call to analyze what you do daily, understand what you enjoy about it, and then committing yourself to doing it better than anyone else – Passionately.   Regardless of your financial situation, if you become the best at anything, people will be glad to pay for that level of commitment. We are living in a society where complacency and mediocrity has become the norm, so when you excel and stand out people will compensate you handsomely.  Make the choice, and create a successful life by living passionately.
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion.  For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”  Bishop T.D. Jakes