I had a conversation with a client who is also a friend about two weeks ago.
He no longer feels passionate about the things he once felt strongly about — at least, not at this very moment.
As you might imagine, he’s sort of at the crossroads, trying to decide what his next step should be. He’s questioning his purpose, and it’s stirring up more questions than answers.
Has this ever happened to you? Or is it happening to you right now?
If so you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way, and there is no easy answer.
We can’t fake passion — it’s either there or it’s not.
But here’s what I’ve learned. If you’re waiting for passion to return before you continue working on your dream, it might not happen, and you might miss important life lessons or the sense of fulfillment you’ve been seeking.
At some point passion simmers down or ends, and that’s when conviction and dedication must kick in. It requires discipline.
Business coach, Kamila Brown Washington, has this to say:
“Stop waiting until you feel motivated to take consistent action. The only time you take action can’t be when you feel like it. You have to make moves, every day, even if you’re tired, or annoyed or don’t feel like it.”
In my twenties I had a chance to interview David Hinds, lead singer of the famous reggae group, Steel Pulse. He told me that one has to practice the guitar every day, if you’re an artist like him because sometimes when you get on stage, you might not feel able or ready to perform.
Daily discipline is so important no matter what path you are following.
And consider this. Do you think Dr. Martin Luther King felt passionate about every civil rights march even though he knew there was a good chance some of his followers might die or be imprisoned? Probably not. But King had conviction — he knew our cause was just and was willing to pay the price.
It’s probably not your destiny to lead a social movement or step on a concert stage, but I know you have important gifts to offer the world. We all do.
Spirit has plans for you. Here are a few tips for staying on course when life tries to pull you off course.
1. Stop saying yes to everything or everyone.
2. Eliminate distractions. Be selective about what you give your attention to.
3. Maintain a daily spiritual practice (this is important for clarity).
4. Dedicate 30 minutes a day to your vision — consistency is what matters. Quality above quantity.
5. Have a long term vision in mind — don’t expect overnight success.
I’m here to support you. Respond to this email, l and I will write you back as soon as I can.
Love and blessings to you and your family.
James Weeks
Author Meditations Across The King’s River