The 80/20 concept always shows up. 80% of any population produces and shares only 20% of the bottom line achieved. And 20%, with the same opportunities, create and divide the 80% bulk of accomplishment. Whether in sports, scholastics, relationships or business, the numbers tell the story.

For many, the well-touted Why, Purpose or initial Passion just isn’t strong enough to sustain motivation. Burnout shows in not increasing one’s sphere of influence, in lacking the spirit to prospect, in inconsistency needed for follow up, in blocking the learning of new technologies and ideas, in being easily distracted, and in avoiding the effort to develop strong presentation or closing skills. Today many are allowing themselves down the hole of social media that drains their day rather than supports it, that steals from their time to serve. They feel low energy. They whine and complain. Their lackluster performance leads to poor sleep patterns, procrastination, weight gain, anger and misplaced aggression, poor self esteem and…

Yet, don’t motivators and parents encourage us to follow our heart, do what we love and what excites us? I remind you of the 80%.  They probably did just that. So what went wrong? They may have started with enthusiasm, but likely didn’t develop their skills enough to sustaining their passion. 

Here’s how to beat the odds at passion vs talent.

HOW to CREATE PASSION: START.

There are two passions to understand. One is like the match to kindling that starts a fire and is not enough to sustain a burn. Then there’s the other passion. This starts like an ember not a flame. If you use your skills as little sparks and simply do what you’re good at, over time, over and over, you get to be the go-to person. When those around you and you, yourself, acknowledge the talent which you’ve developed with focus and consistency, it creates the mental chemistry to ignite the second type of passion, your sustaining fire. 

With the benefit of your consistent, vast experience, this mature passion comes and enables you to function with seemingly effortless flow. Like confidence and a positive self image, real, usable passion is less often the one at the impetus and more often the result of the effort. Success is both the journey, and the result of perserverance after the initial enthusiasm or beginner’s passion fades. 

In the years I’ve been coaching, I’ve learned most clients’ motivation for accessing help is to find the right track, get back on that track, or to accelerate passion and results to a higher level. Unfortunately many wait too long and feel desperate by the time they look to bolster their production. Advancing is rarely about learning the words to a script, or finding answers that haven’t been known. High achievement is the result when energized focus and meaningful action combine as we develop our talents, our skills. 

How many “motivational” sales meetings have we attended where group enthusiasm is the centerpiece? Rah-Rah moves people for that meeting and the short afterglow.  Inspiration without serious, immediate implementation is short-lived. Most need continuing accountability and expert perspective to fully accelerate. 

When the entrepreneur’s talents and strengths are highlighted by a mentor, and new paths are developed where personal skills are applied, dramatic results are unleashed. This skill building allows a personal pride to be earned, and self esteem to be felt.

Physical, mental and business prosperity are under your control. We always pay a price. There is the price for failure and the one for success. Reacting later to what comes out of neglect and procrastination is a huge price. Make the time now, do the work, grow your passion and reap the rewards. Passion vs talent.  Why not have both?

Know that your feedback matters to me. I read your comments and am here for your best take-away.

Make great choices. You matter.