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.