Framing Your Future

During my motivational speeches, it is common for me to ask the following question: What would you do if you were to suddenly inherent $11 million?

Well, I've probably asked this question hundreds of times. No kidding. As you might imagine, the responses are varied and many. But here are the top five responses:

1. "Quit my job!"
2. "Pay off bills."
3. "Help the less fortunate."
4. "Take a vacation."
5. "Provide for my children's education."

Of course, none of these responses surprised me. They probably don't surprise you either. But one response does raise an interesting question: When Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet and Donald Trump became billionaires, did they quit their jobs? They didn't, did they?

What this proves, at least to me, is that money wasn't the sole motivator for these super-successful individuals. What was? According to them, passion. Yes, passion alone is not enough. However, it is the fuel that powers the engines of so many successful athletes, engineers, graphic designers and others.

Now, how would you answer the $11 million question? Would "quit my job" be one of your responses?

Be honest. If its not, congratulations. You are probably doing work that you love.

However, if you had said that "quit my job" would have been your response, then its definitely time for you to make some changes (if not in your work, then in your attitude). Maybe it's time for you to fill your tank with passion.

Absolutely breathtaking! That’s the only way I can describe this person and our first meeting.

No, the meeting didn’t happen at some picturesque location with music playing in the background and it certainly didn’t happen in a grocery store. (Actually, where we met was noisy, smelled of coffee and crowded.)

But the location didn’t matter. And when you read the rest of this note, you will understand why.

Okay, so there I am sitting in this leather chair thinking about my day when suddenly, and for reasons I can not explain, I decide to introduce myself. Boy, am I glad I did that. Because the person I met just blew me away.

Here’s why:

Imagine meeting someone who instantly...

• brings a smile to your face no matter your surroundings

• gives you an unexpected boost even when you are dead tired

• literally helps you understand what happiness “really” feels like

• boosts your creativity and confidence without even trying

• helps you build a world-class business or excel beyond expectations on your job

So, how would you feel if you met a person like this? Happy? Intrigued? Excited? Awestruck?

Funny thing. You already have!

Surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be. You see, that person is called passion and it already lives inside of you. And it’s waiting to meet you. You just have to make the decision to introduce yourself.

Are you ready to meet the most fascinating person ever? Good!

One final thought: You are probably wondering why I call your passion(s) a person. Well, when you live your passions you do become a new person.