Vince Lombardi said, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand."
But Lombardi forgot one thing – passion. And more importantly, keeping in touch with your passion; what first inspired and drove you.
Being a serial entrepreneur, and now co-founder of a manufacturing incubator, I've had the pleasure of getting to know many founders and key executives at some incredibly successful manufacturers. There is one element that keeps popping out about these success stories that doesn't get enough notice. It seems significant that these folks still dabble and play in the things that originally motivated them to start their businesses. They maintain a connection to their roots.
For some it is a hobby version of what their company does; for others a tangent to that company. You can see this passion still burning within them. Their eyes light up when talking, hands move and arms wave.
The tapping of this passion is more, does more, than just make them personally happy. It bleeds out into their businesses, inspires their employees and kindles similar passions in those who have received mentorship from these passionate people.
In being able to apply the best of yourself to what you are doing, you need to remember where you came from and focus on your original vision. Your passion will see you through. •