Canyon Ranch
There are many ways to define passion. Dictionary definitions include "ardor, powerful intense emotion, great enthusiasm for something, sexual love, a longing for something that promises enjoyment and satisfaction."
What makes a person passionate? We're not talking about sexual passion per se, but a physical and emotional energy that sustains us and keeps us going, even in the face of adversity. How can you become passionate about life, about what you do every day?
"We tend to define passion as coming from outside ourselves, but day-to-day passion comes from within and requires special skill," says Robert Maurer, Ph.D., a behavioral health provider who travels extensively giving seminars on personal happiness and success.
"It is based on an understanding of our wants and a firm belief in our entitlement to those wants. If we're going to stay passionate about our wants, we have to know what they are (often a surprisingly difficult task) and then hold true to them when obstacles arise."
Confidence, enthusiasm, energy and strong beliefs are often the hallmarks of passion. Do you believe in what you do? Do you have clearly defined goals and wants? Do you keep going even in the face of adversity? These are just some of the elements that define a passionate person. Dr. Maurer maintains that passion and enthusiasm do not come when you achieve success — they are necessary fuel to create and maintain success.
The first and most important step is to identify and become clear about your wants and goals. Dr. Maurer suggests these strategies:
Be optimistic. Optimism is an indicator of passion. Believing that there are always choices and taking responsibility are two elements of optimism that play a role in passion.
Identify how you can (or do) contribute to others. Passionate people often view their actions as a service or gift to others, and use it to learn personal lessons; this perspective helps maintain passion.
Take responsibility. Passionate people don't complain and blame others for problems but take full responsibility for making things better. They believe they can make a difference.
The keys to finding and sustaining passion are to have a clear sense of purpose and destination. Dr. Maurer cites several people, especially those who have used their passion to succeed and make a difference even in the face of adversity, as good examples of passionate people: Christopher Reeve and Toni Morrison, for example.
"It's how you operate in the world minute by minute that sets you free and creates passion," notes Dr. Maurer. "Passion is about creating happiness in every moment."
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