Friday, October 26, 2012

Following your passion can reap you great benefits


I just read an article about a family of 5 boys, two of which decided they did not want to go to college but instead wanted to use their talents and skills combined with a keen sense of imagination to build a life with their passion.  This is a story about the founder of a hamburger business who built a small empire called “Five Guys”.  I found this story to be quite interesting because it gives great insight into how some people actually go out and follow their dream as they create a successful business and lifestyle.

The story goes on to say that the founder, Jerry Murrell and his family built the business on good quality products, good service and a genuine heart-felt desire to be good to those who work for them and with them.  In my opinion that is a perfect mix for success and wealth-building. 

Too often I have seen how many businesses mistreat the consumer and those who work for them with little or no concern for the well-being of others; their major concern is the bottom line.  That is unfortunate.

I honestly do not know how we have gone so far astray from the basic principles of concern, respect and kindness towards one another.  I have just recently moved my home from the West Coast of the USA to the East Coast and these concerns came full circle for me.  While I have encountered many nice and genuinely wholesome and friendly people, I have at the same time come face to face with some large conglomerate companies who lack the basic professional stewardship that is needed to run a National or International Company.  The people who answer the phones are insensitive, disinterested and lack passion for the job they are performing so is it any wonder why their performance is below par and terrible. 

So how do we create a life filled with passion just like this family business of the “Five Guys”?  It actually can be quite simple.  The first step is discovering what you are passionate about.  Second, make the time to explore your passion and reach out and follow the clues that are being placed in front of you.  Third, seek out like-minded people to support you or partner with you like the Five Guys—they built a solid base and worked together as a team to establish and grow their passion and dream.  Four, What ever you create or develop, built it around your mission statement and then do it thoughtfully and right.  Don’t be sloppy or hasty but instead identify your market and keep it simple and finally treat all those whom you come in contact with with respect, appreciation and concern.   As you are learning to work, live and play with passion, stay alert and conscious of your mission and goals.   If you follow those steps, you will grow and prosper in a healthy and principled manner; that is ethically and honorably. 

Some of the largest companies in the world have lost their focus and mission.  That is sad, but you don’t have to follow in that direction.  At the end of the day, we all have to live with our conscience and at the end of life we will be the judge and jury of our actions.  As Jerry Murrell stated:  We don’t have to be all things to all people.”  We just have to do a good job because we want to and do it with passion. 


Joan Marie Ambrose
Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker

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