"Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion." - Simon Sinek
Why do some people seem to thrive and achieve great success while others flounder despite intelligence and resources? According to leadership expert Simon Sinek and many others, the crucial ingredients are passion and a sense of purpose. Those who have unlocked their "Why" - the driving motivation and deeper reasons behind what they do - are the ones who persevere through adversity and find fulfillment in their work and lives.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the stories of successful athletes like Michael Jordan. Even from a young age, his intense competitive drive and love of basketball shone through. In the book "Driven from Within" by Michael Jordan's former teammate Michael Lexton, he recounts how Jordan's mother would have to call him inside from practicing because he spent so many hours obsessively working on his game. Jordan pursued his passion relentlessly, embracing the hard work and obstacles along the way because it was tethered to his deeper purpose of being the best.
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs
On the other hand, many people go through the motions in jobs or areas they don't feel passionate about, despite their talents. They settled for something that didn't light them up inside. Even highly educated and credentialed individuals can feel uninspired if they don't have that sense of purpose. As Steve Jobs emphasized, loving what you do is essential for doing great work and finding fulfillment over the long run.
One illustrative example is that of billionaire investor Ray Dalio. Despite being extremely successful financially through his hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, Dalio felt unsatisfied and unfulfilled in his work for many years because he didn't have a deeper sense of meaning behind just making money. It wasn't until he found his "Why" of wanting to help make the world work better through understanding reality more clearly that his passion was reignited.
"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
For parents, instilling that passion and purpose in children from an early age can set them up for a lifetime of thriving. It starts by helping kids discover the activities, subjects, or causes that light them up - that make them come alive in the words of Howard Thurman. Expose them to different areas and have them explore their interests freely. Nurture their creativity and intrinsic motivations.
One inspiring example is that of Adora Svitak, who discovered her love of writing at just 3 years old. Recognizing her passion, Adora's mother encouraged her to keep writing short stories and even got her published in a national kids' magazine at age 7. Adora went on to give TED talks and champion causes like youth education, driven by what impassioned her from such a young age.
In summary, while intelligence, resources, and opportunity certainly help, the key distinction between those who merely get by and those who thrive often comes down to passion and sense of purpose. Finding that "Why" - the internal fire and deeper meaning - allows people to embrace the journey, persevere through challenges, and feel fulfilled in their pursuits. For parents, teachers, and mentors, helping to cultivate that passion and purpose in youth can set them up for truly coming alive. Parents, teachers, and schools can play a crucial role in helping students find their purpose and passion, which can significantly contribute to their overall well-being, motivation, and academic success. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
1. Encourage self-exploration and self-discovery:
- Provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, talents, and values through various activities, clubs, and projects.
- Encourage them to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and what brings them joy and fulfillment.
- Facilitate self-assessment exercises or personality tests to help them better understand their preferences and inclinations.
2. Expose them to diverse experiences and role models:
- Organize career fairs, guest speaker sessions, or field trips to expose students to different professions and industries.
- Invite successful individuals from various fields to share their journeys and inspire students.
- Encourage students to participate in internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work to gain practical exposure.
3. Foster a growth mindset and celebrate effort:
- Emphasize the importance of perseverance, resilience, and learning from failures.
- Praise and recognize effort, progress, and the process rather than solely focusing on outcomes.
- Encourage students to set challenging yet achievable goals and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.
4. Provide personalized guidance and mentorship:
- Offer career counseling and guidance services to help students explore their interests and align them with potential career paths.
- Assign mentors or advisors who can provide one-on-one support, encouragement, and guidance throughout their academic journey.
- Encourage open communication and create a safe space for students to discuss their aspirations and challenges.
5. Integrate project-based learning and real-world applications:
- Design curriculum and assignments that allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems or projects.
- Encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through group projects and hands-on activities.
- Invite industry professionals or community members to collaborate on projects, providing students with valuable insights and practical experience.
6. Foster a supportive and inclusive school culture:
- Promote a culture of acceptance, respect, and appreciation for diverse interests, talents, and perspectives.
- Celebrate individual achievements and successes, recognizing students' unique strengths and contributions.
- Encourage extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that align with students' passions and interests.
By implementing these strategies, parents, teachers, and schools can create an environment that nurtures self-discovery, fosters a sense of purpose, and helps students develop a passion for learning and personal growth. When students find their purpose and passion, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and thrive academically and personally.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you!