Saturday, March 21, 2015

Eleven Habits of Passionate People

Most of this blog and much of the inspiration originally appeared in LifeHack, one of my favorite web sites, written by Sarah Hansen, one of my favorite writers. I made a few edits and added one more entry-- passionate people have a sense of humor.

There are a number of clinical studies in the field of neuroplasticity that prove beyond a doubt that the brain is malleable-- it can change and adapt throughout our lives and that our thoughts and emotions function as a feedback loop to that plasticity. For most of us, our thoughts are within our control and what we think has a physical effect on the structure and function of our brains.  Even more amazing, there is a growing body of evidence that our thoughts can also affect gene expression.

If you lack passion in your life, and you would like to have more, you CAN have more. All you need to do is change your thinking, change your attitude, nurture these habits and the passion will follow.

Of course, the opposite is true, too. The choice is ours. But is what kind of choice is it? To lead an engaged life, with passion for the beauty that constantly surrounds us, not ignoring the ugliness that also surrounds us, but rather working determinedly to eliminate it... or not.

I don't claim to live up to these principles of passion, but I try and will keep trying until they put me in ground, kicking and screaming. One thing's for sure...It's really hard to live a passionate life if you're surrounded by those who aren't interested in the same. It's like playing tennis with somebody who never returns a volley, unless it comes straight at them and they don't have to run. Passion begets passion. I'm so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who choose to live a passionate life. Thank you so much for returning the volley.

0.  Passionate people have a sense of humor.

Laughter is a great source of creativity and passionate people are naturally creative. Laughing when times are good is easy. Laughing when times are stressful is not, but passionate people will always find a way to see the humorous side of life. Above all, passionate people have the ability to laugh at themselves and the silliness of their shortcomings and mistakes, rather than be being defensive and regretful. They move forward and bring others with them in the wake of laughter.

1. Passionate people are doers.

While passionate people often enjoy talking a mile a minute about what excites them, they back up their claims with action. Bring on the blood, sweat, and tears! The devoted will do whatever it takes to accomplish their dreams.

2. Passionate people are excited.

Passion is contagious! It’s hard to be around a fiery person and not get swept away in their excitement, even if it’s about something that you never thought could interest you. Passionate people live every day with the anticipation of great things.

3. Passionate people are courageous.

“Chase your passion, not your pension.” – Denis Waitley

Passionate people are willing to do anything to get the job done. They face their fears head-on because they are committed to eliminate anything that holds them back from what they most desire.

4. Passionate people are positive.

Passionate people often don’t hang out with negative people. They come to value positivity in themselves and others, and don’t have time to entertain failure long. They have the ability to bounce back from setbacks quickly without losing enthusiasm. After all, they didn’t really fail, they just learned one more way to avoid attempting their mission. They still have thousands of attempts still untested.

5. Passionate people strive to be their best.

People with passion always want to offer their best to the world. They can be slightly perfectionist in their thinking, but it’s only because they see their output as a direct reflection of them. If they place their personal stamp upon it, it will be infiltrated with their essence.

6. Passionate people are motivating.

Need help getting started with a new project? Find a passionate person to get you off the couch! Passionate people are great coaches and motivators. They often care deeply for others and do everything they can to help them succeed.

7. Passionate people are happy.

Most passionate people who follow their life longings are happy and fulfilled individuals. They focus on their blessings and give back to others. They are glass-half-full people who choose to enjoy making lemonade with the lemons life throws at them.

8. Passionate people are accountable.

One of the best bits of advice I’ve ever received was that passion was a powerful driving force that must be channeled. If left unchecked, it could cause an explosion causing great destruction. However, if properly utilized, the same fire that once ruined could also be captured to power a steam engine for positive change. Passionate people learn to have others hold them accountable to channel their energy in the best possible way.

9. Passionate people are focused.

“Skill is the unified force of experience, intellect, and passion in their operation.” – John Ruskin

Passionate people know they have a job to do, and they do it with gusto. They run in the rain. They smile through the most menial tasks. No matter what distractions life throws their way, they remain laser-focused on their final objective. They don’t take easy detours, but plow in at full speed. The driving force within them won’t let them lose sight of the end goal.

10. Passionate people love to grow.

Passionate people never stagnate in the pool of despair, feeling they are finished. They always look for ways to improve upon themselves and their surroundings. Passionate people keep their childlike wonder about life. They are always learning, always growing, always experiencing new things. They squeeze every last drop out of life that they possibly can!

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