“Passion is our fuel.”
Today I would like to talk about some of the most successful people you have probably all heard of. They come from all walks of life and have different upbringings, but the one thing that connects them is PASSION.
Let’s start with Henry Ford because it seems appropriate. 🙂 Most of you know that Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company, which is still one of the biggest and most successful car companies.
I did some research. and here is what I found out about him:
From a young age, Henry Ford was fascinated with anything related to machinery and engines. His passion for engines and automobiles began at a very young age and persevered through his adulthood. If he had not committed to his passion, then Henry Ford would never have gone on to create his own motor company.
Next, let’s talk about Warren Buffett. He is probably the most successful stock investor of all time, and he has amassed a fortune worth $117 billion! That’s a lot of money!
I did research on Warren, and here is what I found about him:
Buffett displayed an interest in business and investing at a young age. He was inspired by a book he borrowed from the Omaha Public Library at age seven: One Thousand Ways to Make $1000. Much of Buffett’s early childhood years were spent on entrepreneurial ventures.
In one of his first business ventures, Buffett sold chewing gum, Coca-Cola, and weekly magazines door to door. Eventually, he became interested and later obsessed with the stock market. He asked to visit the stock exchange at age 10 and bought his first stock at age 11.
Elon Musk is my last example today, although there are so many more! Elon is credited with starting and growing the most successful electric car company (Tesla), among other things.
Here is what my research helped me find out about Elon:
Mr. Musk showed his talents for entrepreneurship early, going door-to-door with his brother to sell homemade chocolate Easter eggs. He was always passionate about technology and solving technical problems at an early age. At age 10, he developed an interest in computing and video games, teaching himself how to program from the VIC-20 user manual and then developing his first computer game at the age of 12.
Perhaps by now, you are understanding the point I am trying to make here. These three examples of successful men all have one thing in common: These men went on to change the world by simply following their passion, which was already present at a young age.
In today’s world, it’s so different and stressful for kids and their parents. It seems that you need to pick a year-round sport by the time you are 10. You’d also better know what college you are going to and what you want to “be” by the time you are 16.
I wonder how many kids today are being steered into things they are not interested in and steered away from things they are passionate about. I am sure many just take the advice of the smart people in their life and do what those people say is best, but what a shame that is.
Thank God Henry, Warren, and Elon didn’t have someone telling them not to follow their passions. Or maybe they did, and they just didn’t listen! Either way, the world is better because of it. Follow your instincts and follow your passion, and I am sure great things will happen for you.
Of course, these three guys found financial success, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You might have a passion for music, cooking, family, politics, etc. Whatever it is, I sure hope you follow it. It might not bring a financial windfall, but it will probably bring peace, joy, and happiness, and that, my friends, is priceless!
Today I would like to be one of the people in your life who gives you permission to follow your passion and do what interests you and what makes you happy. The money thing will take care of itself; I promise. Be brave and listen to your gut! If it interests you, gives you energy, and helps you feel fulfilled, then GO FOR IT!
God bless you all, and thank you for reading this week. I am passionate about sending these messages every week. Thank you for allowing me to follow my passions.
