Passion…

I’ve been in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. I studied Exercise Phys in college, I have 5 different certifications, I’ve been a pro athlete. Bla, bla, bla… you guys have read my resume. You get it. My point is I’ve been around awhile and I’m no stranger to the ins and outs of this business.

I recently had a situation at work that tested my resolve. For the first time, I began to re-think my chosen profession. I began to question why I do what I do. I stepped back and started to re-think a different career in a new line of work. I was so disheartened by what happened, I told myself I didn’t need this anymore. I told myself that it doesn’t matter if I’m a trainer and coach. It doesn’t make a difference. I don’t make a difference.

But what about PASSION?

My friend asked me the other day, “What is your definition of passion? What does that mean to you.” I replied, “To have a love of something engrained so deeply in you that no matter what happens in your life, you can see yourself doing this.” I continued, “No matter who is watching, who notices, where you are, rain, shine, depressed, how fat you feel, happy, sad, rich, poor–all that stuff–you will always do this thing, whatever it is. That is passion.”

So, I ask you, my blog reader: What is your passion? Is there anything in your life that you feel this way over? Is there anything that gets you going no matter what? If there’s not, then I suggest you do some serious soul searching. And by the way, “kids” don’t count. You can’t say “I’m passionate about my kids” because kids grow up and move out. Kids move on and form their own lives. They eventually won’t need you anymore and your job with them will be over. So you need to have something other than your kids that you’ll have and love all your life.

I can honestly say that I have a true passion for being a trainer and coach. I can see myself doing this no matter what. Yeah, I took a major hit with what happened at work, but it’s not going to keep me from changing lives through fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Nothing will keep me from doing what I’m made to do. This is my passion.