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Is passion the secret ingredient to business success? posted by Peter J. Patsula

Seven tips to add passion to your business.

We've all been told at some point in our lives that the secret to happiness is to find something we like to do with people we like. Of course, the reality is that we often have to make sacrifices and compromises to support the people we love and thus never get the chance to do what we really want.

We've also been told, mostly by motivational self-help gurus, that we can all turn our passions into profits. But what they don't tell us is that sometimes the hard work and everyday grind and disappointments in starting and running a business can quickly destroy treasured passions.

The truth is, there is no "secret" at all in passion. Passion is like fat-free sugar and sugar-free fat, anti-aging creams and miracle water. Passion, as it is frequently depicted in popular media, is a condiment to formulaic romance novels, get-rich-quick schemes, and HGH pills.

However, passion when truly understood, does indeed have a role in business and in life. The real secret is to root out the truth behind all the greed-inspired claims. Outlined below are seven strategies to help you add passion to your business. But take even these guidelines with a grain of salt, because after all that's what entrepreneurs do, find the gold, where others only see salt.

1. Happiness starts when you pursue your passion.

If you plan it right, the journey never ends and the passion never dies.

2. Passion takes commitment.

You not only have to like what you HOPE to do, but you have to have the WILL to do it and KEEP DOING IT.

3. If you can't find your passion, you haven't really looked.

On your deathbed, after saying all your goodbye's to your loved ones, you ask yourself: What is the one final activity I would like to do, the one goal I need to achieve before I finally depart this material existence and head onwards and upwards to that eternal tunnel of light? The answer to this question is NOT your passion. This is your deathbed wish. Passion is not a goal to be achieved. It is simply the act of finding happiness in DOING not ACHIEVING. It is a process not a prize.

4. The difference between obsession and passion is two letters, or is it four?

Wanting to be the next president, rock star, or TV celebrity, is not passion, but obsession. Passion is wanting to be the best leader, singer, actor, or hot dog stand seller you can be, and while you are doing it--despite all the obstacles and difficulties--loving it.

5. Everyone has passion, but not everyone has the strength to live it.

Build yourself a support team with the same vision to help you in your moments of weakness. We are products of our relationships, experiences, and surroundings. Environment has a profound influence on our ability to achieve in the present and future, and interpret the past.

6. All passions have value, but not every passion is profitable.

Save your weekends for fishing trips and salsa lessons. Fall in love with your cooking pots, paper products, or whatever else you market. Fall in love with your business and it will become profitable.

7. Passion without purpose is a problem without limits.

In business, passions must have direction, stepping stones, and markers. These markers should not necessarily end with dollar signs, and should not necessarily be considered goals, as much as they should be considered motivational cues to mark progress and evolution. Bubbly passion may be good for short-term projects, but long-term under-the-surface passion will bring the greatest satisfaction and happiness.

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