By: Roshawn Watson

The proof of desire is pursuit!

Don’t tell me what you want. Show me what you want. Your actions will reveal your true desires. We all know people who talk about becoming debt-free, losing weight, going back to school, or building a business. In fact, they may mention it repeatedly , yet their actions don’t reflect their stated goals. Often this misalignment is because we are used to discussing what we think we should want rather than what we really want. I’m convinced a strong desire towards high goals is a phenomenal way elevate your performance. Here are 3 reasons to cultivate your true desires.

Desire Determines your Longevity

Persistence is often not the product of energy but rather a representation of your passion. Passionate people can endure tremendous pain, failure, embarrassment, and scorn. It was passion that drove Thomas Edison to complete ~1,000 failed experiments before he performed one that worked. When discussing his “failed” experiment, he commented that he didn’t fail 1000 times; rather he just proved that those 1000 ways did not work. Likewise, it was passion to prove the skeptics wrong that caused Roger Bannister to run a mile in less than 4 minutes when doing so was considered unreachable and even dangerous by physiologists at the time . Passion will cause you to persist in a worthy endeavor, even when the experts doom your effort to failure.

Ironically, what is particularly precarious is to not have a strong desire for your work, goals, or dreams, according to Jerry Porras. This is because for every person who is pursuing something half-heartedly, there is someone else who loves what that other person is half-hearted about. The person who has passion will work harder and longer and will ultimately run circles around the those lacking the same enthusiasm and dedication. Passion is a competitive imperative.

“Only by loving what you do will you actually do more and do it better than the person sitting next to you.” – Larry Bossidy

When you face adversity upon attempting your dreams and goals, what is your position?

I’m convinced that if your desire is worth emptying yourself into, it is also worth persevering through adversity to attain. All too often, progress is stagnated over slight hick-ups. Rather than coming up with creative solutions, the obstacles serve as the perfect excuses for meandering and for being unproductive. There’s nothing wrong with changing course if you are convinced a different path will get you to your objective. However, if you are constantly wiped out when it is time to work and pursue your dreams, then perhaps it is time to question whether your “pursuits” truly inspire you.

The only place where you find success before work is in the dictionary.” – Mary V. Smith

Desire Determines your Persuasion

You can do things that appear beneficial and may give you temporary advancement or movement along your path, but unless it’s something you really believe in, it’s not going to, in the long run, succeed. – Senator John McCain

You can never rise above your persuasion. When you describe what you are attempting, what do you hear? Are you apologetic? If so, it is perfectly possible that you don’t believe your goal has much merit or aren’t persuaded that YOU should be pursuing it.

When you describe your goal, do you sound excited or terse? Again, what you hear when you describe your desires is a portrait of your passion. Passion is an intense desire, and passionate people have enthusiasm for their dreams. When they speak, they are often animated and engaging. Moreover, they are inspiring. In Tribes , Seth Godin argued that not only are leaders charismatic, but they also transform “the shared interest (of their tribe) into a passionate goal and desire for change.”

It’s what you are persuaded about that you will sacrifice for. It’s what you are convinced of that you will share with others.

Abraham Lincoln stated that “if I am wrong, 10,000 angels telling me that I am right won’t change me, and if I am right, then 10,000 demons telling me that I am wrong won’t change things.”

Desire Determines Your Hunger

When you see a child playing with his or her food, you know he or she isn’t particularly hungry. Are you similarly dabbling in your dream? Achievers recognize the importance of staying in the center of their passions. If your dream isn’t exciting enough to attract your attention, maintain your attention, and warrant your continual focus, then perhaps you should ask yourself why.

Lately, I have had a renewed focus to stay in the center of my passions. This often means I will turn down a lot of opportunities. They don’t deserve my attention, not because they are not worthy endeavors but because they don’t excite and inspire me.

Similarly, there are many valid causes that may not qualify for your focus. A primary challenge for the achiever is distinguishing between what others can do and what he alone can do. It’s hunger for that calling that drives you to excellence when mediocrity is so pervasive. It’s hunger that eliminates the unnecessary appointments to make time for YOUR true priorities. It’s hunger that inspires you to LIVE. In fact, I agree with author John Maxwell: dreams are at the center of our souls.

Most men die from the neck up at age twenty-five because they stop dreaming. – Benjamin Franklin

Closing Thoughts

Porras Principle: “Don’t believe in words-only believe in behaviors.” – Jerry Porras

Don’t think for one moment that it stops with setting goals. Setting the goal is merely the beginning, but passion and action are needed for manifestation. I hope that you are inspired to take the next step. Achievers do not have a disconnect between their words and their actions. Resolve to not waste another moment on goals undeserving of your passion. Resolve to advance from simply goal-setting and take ground also. Find what dreams you desire, and pursue them today!

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us while we live.” Norman Cousins

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