How Passion Can Provide Determination To Reach Your Destination

I’ve never quite understood people who participate in running “for fun”. How can running for a long period of time, even when it's scorching hot outside and your legs are cramping as sweat is trickling down your forehead possibly be considered as fun? Apparently these difficulties that come from running a race is nothing compared to the passion that runners have. And that’s what keeps them going. Without this passion, it’s impossible for them to persevere. But how is it that passion is what keeps us going?

1. Passion provides perseverance. And although the process of running may include broken ankles and tired legs, runners continue to run—no matter how hot the sun may be, no matter what obstacles may get thrown along their paths. Why? Because the fire that’s inside of them is bigger than the challenge they may have to face in order to reach the finish line.
2. Passion is enthusiasm,and enthusiasm is what energizes a person to keep on running. It’s also determination to reach your destination, and to continue going even after you’ve arrived.
3. Passion creates fire. It’s what drives a runner to keep on running. But the flame that’s inside of someone won’t get bigger unless it’s fed. If you fail to feed your fire, it’ll die, and you won’t have the strength to get over the obstacles nor will you reach your finish line. Those who are seriously passionate about what they’re doing will reach the finish line, no matter what it takes.

How can one achieve their dream if they lack passion? As writers, passion is a necessity not only to keep going, but to connect with our readers and keep them reading what we write. This quote by Eleanor Doan explains this clearly:

“You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own.”

Think about the finish line illustration again. Now imagine that there are two people running a race against each other—one that is passionate about running and reaching the finish line, and one who is only running the race just so he can receive a shiny trophy to display. The road that they must run on is long and the race is very challenging with many obstacles thrown along their path. However, the person who is passionate about running is going to enjoy the journey more and it will be less-difficult for that person than for the other one who has no passion for running whatsoever, but is only in it for the prize.

Once you find what it is that drives you, take the steps needed in order to feed that fire. Because although your dream may seem glamorous, I highly doubt the road to any finish line is going to be easy. That’s why you must keep feeding your fire. If your dream is to become a published author one day, then read books. Listen to music. Take walks. Observe other people. And most importantly, spend time with your Creator.

I’ve always been a big believer in dreaming big. If you don’t dream big then the chances of you ever succeeding in life are very slim. So go after what your heart desires and pursue what it is that drives you. If you obtain this kind of perseverance, I’m sure that you’ll reach the finish line just as long as you keep God first and never quit running.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

~Hebrews 12:1

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What does having passion mean to you? What is it that drives you to keep running? What steps can you take to feed that fire?

EDIT: There will be no post Monday, July 4th. Happy Independence Day!

Book Review: "Beyond Talent" by John C. Maxwell

Back Cover Blurb:

New York Times best-selling author John C. Maxwell shows that talent is just the starting point for a successful impact in any organization. It's what takes you beyond your talent that matters.

People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell, the go-to guru for business professionals across the globe, insists that the choices people make--not merely the skills they inherit--propel them to greatness. Among other truths, successful people know that:

Belief lifts your talent.
Initiative activates your talent.
Focus directs your talent.
Preparation positions your talent.
Practice sharpens your talent.
Perseverance sustains your talent.
Character protects your talent. . . . and more!
It's what you add to your talent that makes the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares thirteen attributes you need to maximize your potential and live the life of your dreams.

You can have talent alone and fall short of your potential. Or you can go beyond talent and really stand out.

My Thoughts:

Beyond Talent by John C. Maxwell provides step-by-step motivating principles to help one become a “talent-plus” person with extraordinary results. If you’re looking into buying this book, be sure that you have a pen and/or highlighter around as you begin to read, as this book is packed full of useful strategies as well as quotes relating to each method that Maxwell provides. In every section he also gives real-life stories to help the reader see clearly as to how and why these principles work. Beyond Talent is in an easy-to-read format with application exercises at the end of each chapter to help the reader apply what they have read. I very much enjoyed this thought-provoking book and feel as if I should go back and read it again just to make sure that everything has sinked in.

Final Comments:

I would recommend Beyond Talent for teens and adults alike. This book will inspire you to stretch and challenge yourself as well as your talents, whether you're a student or already involved in a career. This is the first book that I’ve read by John Maxwell but definitely will not be the last!

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers Group as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

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Has anyone read Beyond Talent
or any other books by John C. Maxwell?
If so, what did you like or dislike about them?

How To Avoid Boredom This Summer & Spend Time Wisely

Have you ever gone to sleep one early June night, looking forward to all the possibilities that the summer could bring—only to wake up one August morning, wondering what happened to the amazing summer that you had planned? So have I. It’s easy to allow the freedom that summer brings to cause us to become lazy and watch summer just pass by.

Instead of having the same thing happen again this year, I’ve decided to go ahead and take action with what I’d like to pursue this summer. No, I’m not talking about hanging out at the pool with my friends and watching chick flicks until early morning. I’m talking about choosing to be productive rather than bored or lazy this summer by using my time wisely and creatively, while at the same time expanding my horizons.

For instance, instead of only focusing on my writing this summer, I’ve also decided to take ice skating lessons, study the art of acting and learn how to make journals. As teenagers we need to get our feet wet in many areas so we can find what it is that we're gifted in and have a passionate for. All of the things we take on eventually create who we are and can also be used as a form of worship.

Stretch yourself to your full potential this summer. Take on different responsibilities and branch into various activities. Take a step out of your comfort zone to take risks and try things that you would normally never try. You may be surprised at what you discover about yourself. If you aren't sure where to begin, here are a few suggestions:

• Learn to play the guitar.
• Try out different forms of writing, such as short story writing, song lyric writing, poetry, etc.
• Study the art of photography.
• Make jewelry.
• Learn to bake.
• Take swimming classes.
• Make scrapbooks.
• Be more involved in your church and/or youth group.
• Learn to sew.
• Get a summer job.
• Volunteer at homeless shelters, nursing homes, charity organizations, etc.
• Learn how to make blog templates.
• Read more books than you normally do.

Now that you have a few things in mind that you'd like to get started in this summer, how can you take action rather than just fantasize?

1. Make a list of these things. It doesn't matter how long of a list you write or how far-fetched those things may be. You can’t achieve something without first having the idea. The more you can think of, the better.
2. Put a star next to the ones that you would like to try out the most, or the activities that would involve more of your focus, such as volunteering.
   
3. Prioritize. Do you have some school that you need to finish or work on this summer (like I do)? Be sure to focus on your priorities first and do these new things only in your spare time.
4. Set goals. What are the things you’d like to spend most of your time pursuing, and how can you excel in that area? By setting goals you will give yourself something to strive towards. Allow yourself some space to stretch to your full potential rather than be stuck in your comfort zone.
5. Discipline yourself. Although these things may seem fun to do, think of them as something that must be done. Discipline yourself by setting aside a certain amount of time each day to focus on your goals. This can be great practice and useful so that you won’t waste the summer away.

Since summer could be classified as the “in between” stage (in between last school year and next school year), I believe it’s the most perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year and pursue the things that you have always wanted to try, especially if you're a teenager. You have almost three months to venture out into various areas of art and different forms of physical exercise. To discover yourself, be creative, prepare for tomorrow, pursue new things and grow in your relationship with God. And no matter what new activity you envelop yourself in or whatever new responsibility that you commit to, be sure that you are doing it all for the glory of God. (1 Corin. 10:31)

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

~Galatians 6:4-5

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Have you ever felt as if the summer ended before you were ever able to take advantage of it? What new things would you like to try out this summer that weren't mentioned in the above list? What actions have helped you in the past in achieving your goals rather than allowing yourself to become lazy?

Refreshing Iced Coffee Recipes

Did you know?:
Coffee reduces your risk of diabetes and can improve memory.

What’s more refreshing than drinking an iced coffee on a hot summer day in the sun? Below is a list I put together of my favorite iced coffee recipes (although I haven’t tried all of these recipes—but believe me, I will!) Instead of going to Dunkin’ Donuts to buy your iced coffee this summer, why not try out one of these easy recipes for yourself? (Click the coffee name to be directed to it’s recipe.)

1. Vanilla Mocha Iced Coffee
2. Raspberry Choco Cappucino
3. Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Ice Coffee
4. Frosty Misty Shake
5. Easy Iced Coffee
6. Honey Iced Hive
7. Sara’s Iced Coffee
8. City Market Cruncher
9. Cookies ‘n’ Cream Frappe
10. Iced Café Au Paris

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“Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal™:
For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Starbucks:
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the House of Mochas forever.”
~Author Unknown