Exceptionality in any endeavor requires more than true grit and a strong work ethic. A person can work diligently at something over a long period of time and earn a living; to create lasting value and perform at a higher level requires something more. True success must be powered by passion.

I just had an engaging conversation with a good friend who I hadn’t seen in awhile and we caught up on what we had each been working on recently. He commented that a person can work at something for quite awhile and even do a decent job, but they won’t reach their potential without something more to inspire them. From what I’ve observed through the years, I agree that:

A clear sense of purpose is the critical intangible that inspires actions powered by passion.

Showing up is a start and consistently doing so is commendable. It’s discovering one’s purpose in the daily efforts that sets high-potential individuals, teams and companies apart from the rest. I’ve written previously about what it means to work for More Than a Pay Check and how a sense of purpose makes some step up when others step away.

Discovering your passion is the first step; it’s in each of us all along and awaiting our discovery.

Tempus Maximize!