There’s a reason I started writing these weekly articles. I wanted to speak to the older generation, my generation, and the younger generation all at once. I want them all to know that the future is bright and that we’re doing a lot of things well. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas we need to work on.

One of those areas is passion — taking risks, working hard toward success, and being willing to stumble along the way.

What I have noticed is that people often feel embarrassed about failing, so they don’t give their full effort. Somewhere along the line, it became “uncool” to try hard. People want the results (and instant gratification), but not the vulnerability that comes with giving everything and possibly falling short. The truth is that it takes time, structure, and consistent effort.

But think of it this way: if you never put yourself out there, how can you ever grow? How can you ever feel the incredible high of reaching a goal if you never put yourself on the line to begin with?

To truly understand passion, I think you need to look at it in multiple ways — give it the old double-take.

Living with Passion – “Actively engaging in life with enthusiasm, guided by a sense of purpose and core values. This leads to fulfillment, motivation, and well-being.”

Having Passions – “Cultivating strong interests or desires that become part of your identity, the things that excite you and drive you forward.” But be careful here: success or failure is not your identity. What defines you is the effort, the pride you put into your work, and how you grow through the process. Never base your identity on success — remember, your true identity is in Christ.

For me I strive to bring passion to everything I undertake. My mom laughs at me, and my wife and I talk about it often: when I pick up something, I want to be the best at it. Fishing, running, golf — if I’m doing it, I’m all in. That drive to improve, to chase excellence, makes life richer. My wife wishes I had a passion to pick my shoes up off the floor.

But passion isn’t limited to hobbies.

It’s OK to be passionate about more than one thing in life. Actually, it’s encouraged.

Be passionate about your relationships — as a mom, dad, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, or sister. VALUE relationships and treat them with passion. Always show up at your best for the best people in your life.

Be passionate about your work — whether you’re a CEO striving to be a great leader, or an underwear seamstress determined to make the best underwear out there. What you are doing matters, and you are right where you are supposed to be. Don’t look at it as you ‘have’ to go to work. Look at it as you ‘get’ to go to work.

Passion isn’t about the role itself. It’s about the pride, energy, and purpose you bring to it.

Attack life with intention. Don’t sit back and wait — work for what matters and be proud of your effort. If you fail, be proud you gave it everything. Then learn, adapt, and come back stronger for the next battle.

So, let’s attack each day with passion. Let’s make the world better through the way we live, work, and care for others — leaving a mark that inspires the people around you. Let’s be remembered not just for what we achieved, but for the heart, purpose, and passion we carried into everything we did.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” ~ Colossians 3:23-24