Just Be It: Tips for Leaping Vibrantly into What You Really Love

January 12, 2011 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Two years ago, I wrote the blog post below, which summarizes the biggest tips for leaping vibrantly and prosperously into what you love. Things haven’t changed one bit since then! In fact, with the continuing challenges of the U.S. economy, these tips are even more important. If I could distill the biggest key from the 300+ Passioneer interviews, it would be this: JUST BE IT. WHY WAIT?

Top Tips to Express What You Love

Often I ask individuals who have successfully leaped into their dreams if they have any regrets. Without exception, they have responded with a resounding “No”! Their most common tip for individuals who are considering the leap is to stop procrastinating and to just do it. Below are some easy, powerful steps to move forward today.

Clarify Your Dream. By tomorrow, spend at least 30 minutes exploring the life of your dreams. Write it. Paint it. Sing it. Create a vision board. Let it out!
Hang Out with Passionate People. When two or more individuals discuss together their passions, magic unfolds. So over the next week, find at least one social or professional group that shares your passion. Attend one of their events.
Explore a Career Change. Your dream life may require a career change. Write down at least five alternative ventures that would allow you to more fully express your passions. Consider hiring a career specialist.
Face Your Fears. Write down your ten biggest fears about fully leaping into your dreams. Then examine which of the fears are facts and which are really your interpretations.
Stake Your Claim. This week, when others ask you what you do, create a new sound track. Instead of describing an old role or job, declare your passion as your new occupation. “I now am a ___________________” (fill in the blank).
Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech. Know what target market you want to serve with your passions. Then use a simple, conversational approach to describe who you are. Here’s my blurb: “As a passions and possibilities coach, I support talented, driven, and successful individuals in taking the next big leap into their dreams”.
Order New Business Cards. You could have polished calling cards for your new venture by the end of the week. Several online vendors offer very low-cost choices, so order them today. There’s no excuse not to!
Spread the News. Tell at least ten people that you are pursuing the life of your dreams now. Ask them to tell at least ten people. Leverage new and existing venues, especially social networks on the internet.
Build a Cheerleading Team. Make a list of ten individuals who could be strong supporters of your dream. Meet with all of them over the next month, and make a specific request for their support.
Find a Mentor. Learn from the mistakes of others, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls along your journey. Use your connections to find five successful individuals who are already expressing a similar passion.
Hire a Professional Life Coach. A great coach will help you organize countless baby steps into a powerful game plan for your dream. Seek out someone who has solid experience, a successful track record, and with whom you have a strong connection.
Assess Your Finances. As you leap into your passions, take your financial pulse. Have you already saved at least one year’s worth of your expected expenses? If not, you will need additional income until your new venture is profitable. So don’t quit your day job right away!
Hire a Financial Expert. If you are facing major debt challenges or complicated finances, spend the time and money to hire an expert. You will avoid many headaches and be much more likely to prosper.
Take It Slow and Steady. Your progress towards your dreams, after taking many baby steps like these, will simply astound you. Consider Dick Miller, the man who ate a 2,800 pound car. How did he do it? One mouthful at a time.
Start Today. Take at least one step into your passions today, even if it’s a small one. Words without action are meaningless, so what do YOU commit to?

Filed Under: Blog, Featured posts, Sue's Posts Tagged With: balance, business, Career, coach, contribution, dreams, Entrepreneur, Expert, How To, inspiration, inspire, life, lifestyle, nonprofit, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, PowerLeaps, Self-Development, self-growth, social, spiritual, Success, Sue Oliver, transition, Wellness

Catching and Holding Bigget Vision for Your Life

January 11, 2011 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Vision = Clarity and Focus!

When you make the time to tune into the bigger vision for your life – to steep yourself in it with all of your senses, you can literally call it forth into your life. Napoleon Hill said “What You can conceive and believe, you can achieve.” Most folks don’t spend enough time in the conceiving part, so there’s no way they ever get to believing. That’s where visioning comes in. The visioning exercise posted below was recorded during our first 2011 VisionCasting call, a monthly, free opportunity for you to tune into the vision for your life from the perspective of your Higher Power.

For more information on visioning, click here for the Visioning FAQ. To share your experience or wisdom with our Network or to sign-up for bi-monthly inspiration and tips, please contact us.

30-Minute Visioning Podcast (Facilitator, Sue Zeal Oliver)

(down-loadable version at the bottom of the page).

Transcript from the 1.6.2011 Visioning Exercise:

We’ll create a reflective, contemplative place for about 15 minutes and then will ask our Higher Power to share this vision with us. We’ll open up the phone lines at the end, for anyone who wants to share.
Please get at least 2 pieces of paper and pen, pencil, markers, or even crayons. Write the words “Vision” on one page, in small letters in the top part; then, “Be” on the back of that page (or use a new sheet); write “Release” on another side or sheet, and then “Anything Else” on the fourth side or sheet.
You can use these sheets to write down any images, sensations, words, etc., that come to you during the process, either as they come forth or at the end. I highly recommend doing so throughout.

Background of Visioning

Visioning is a tool for connecting with the realm infinite possibilities – your true nature. That which you do not know with your five senses.
It goes beyond visualization which is limited to what you have actually seen with your eyes (for example, imagining yourself successfully dunking a basketball through a hoop).
In visioning, you ask your Higher Power to share the biggest possible vision for your life. Or for a project, situation, venture – it can be used for any area of your life.
You can create time for visioning monthly, weekly, even daily…from a few minutes to several hours. I include it for about 10 minutes in my daily spiritual practice and for a few hours each month.
The technique here includes Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s line of simple questioning. You can find out more about his programs by Googling Life Visioning or going to his website.
I’ll be sharing four simple questions that you can record on your IPOD, phone or other device and use during your own meditation and journaling practices.

Ground rules:

Ask your censor, left brain, and inner critics to take a break. There’s no right or wrong way to do visioning. It’s highly likely that some of what comes forth will not make sense. That’s OK!

Sometimes the answer will come later down the line, and other times, it may not.

Please honor the reflective space and the variety of spiritual traditions.

Allow each person to share AND be laser like, focused in your sharing.

Visioning Questions:

What is the Greatest Good for my life in 2011? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste Like?

What am I to be in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?

What am I to release in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?

Anything else for me to know about this Greatest Good for my life?

Giving great thanks for what has unfolded and for the truth that as we believe it, it is so. That we are indeed here for a Higher Purpose – spiritual beings having a human experience.

************************************

Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Blog, Sue's Posts, Vision Tagged With: balance, business, Career, coach, contribution, dreams, Entrepreneur, Expert, How To, inspiration, inspire, life, lifestyle, nonprofit, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, PowerLeaps, Self-Development, self-growth, social, spiritual, Success, Sue Oliver, transition, Wellness

Passioneer® PodBlast: Bobby’s Tips to Brand Yourself in the New Year

January 2, 2011 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Bobby Bakshi left a Fortune 100 job to create his first company Resonant Insights. He blends fundamentals of branding and human development to inspire people to be their best. Below is the audio file and summary from his recent PodBlast interview.

Each week we offer you valuable tips and wisdom, in 15 minutes or less, from a successful Passioneer, so you can more fully thrive as you give back in the world. If you have an area of expertise to share, please contact us by clicking here.

Thanks Bobby and Happy Passioneering!

SZO: What are the biggest challenges that budding Passioneers face as they brand themselves?

I believe these are the top 3 challenges:

Believing in yourself: A vision is always ahead of its time. It takes Passioneers to hold and expand their vision for it to manifest into physical reality.
Clarity of why: Every brand must have a clear value proposition. Similarly a Passioneer without clarity for why they do what they do will not be able to bring a tribe onboard with them.
Patience: Despite this lovely age of viral marketing with You Tube videos that get passed around to millions, a Passioneer must not give up. A good thing is worth waiting for.

SZO: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to create and share their unique brand?

Be yourself: I can only be me, and so can you. There is only one me and only one you in the Universe. Let’s celebrate that uniqueness and recognize we all have a part to play.
Focus: Stay the course. Be clear about what you have to offer and yes refine it but stay true to your ‘north star’-why you are doing what you are doing.
Celebrate: Attract and grow like minded people to give and receive support. Not just motivational support but tangible support accountability to ensure you do what you say you want to do.

SZO: What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out in this area?

Look up Daniel Pink’s work, particularly his talk on TED about intrinsic motivators.
Leverage Passions and Possibilities to grow this community to be a magnet that attracts more passioneers.
Sign up for our Resonant Insights newsletter and get the book “The 101% You” to guide you through exercises to achieve your desires.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Blog, Passioneer Podblast Tagged With: Bobby Bakshi, Career, coach, Entrepreneur, Expert, How To, Passioneer, Passions, Success, Sue Oliver

Passioneer® Andrew Harrison, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Researcher

December 14, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Andrew Harrison is the author of Love Your 84,000 Hours at Work: Stories on the Road from People with Purpose and Passion, which chronicles people from around the United States who love their careers and how they came to find them.

His travels (www.iamontheroad.com) have taken him over three years, 75,000 miles and 145 one-on-one interviews. “The journey has been the most incredible thing I’ve ever been a part of,” he says. “It has changed my life.” His first book, “Love Your 84,000 Hours at Work: Stories On the Road From People With Purpose and Passion,” explains what he’s learned from his travel experiences interviewing passionate people about their life, job and career path.

Andrew Harriso

Harrison is called “The Seeker” because he left a six figure job to travel the country interviewing people passionate about their work and life. After 95,000 miles and 145 interviews, his journey and the stories of those he met on the road inspire people to live their life to the fullest. He can be reached at www.84000hours.com

We’re interviewing Andrew on the radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Network, broadcasting this Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 at 9am PST. Tune in live via (347) 205-9038 or streaming audio: The Passions and Possibilities Radio Show

Andrew’s Passiongraphy Q&A:

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Loving your life.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

Once I truly believed that there were passionate people in the world, I dedicated my life to becoming one of them. The road has not been an easy one, but because I had a vision for where I wanted to go, I was able to sacrifice and overcome obstacles. By meeting and interviewing passionate people, I have been able to integrate their experiences and views into my own life – and then share them with others. I think the word that best describes my journey is Perseverance.

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

In the book, one of my interviewees talks about listening to your gut, rather than your ego. That is easier said than done. In the United States, material things (ego) can cause us to work at jobs we don’t love. The societal pull of “doing what you are supposed to do” has been a big challenge. I was supposed to be happy with the money and the lifestyle I had. Instead, I addressed the challenge by not listening to society and going with my gut. Now society is opening its ears to me, my passionate interviewees, and the message of loving your 84,000 hours at work.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

I was living the supposed “good life” of a lot of money and time, but it was also an unfulfilled life. After struggling with feeling like something was missing, I decided to look for my answers. Some say I took a big risk; I say it was a risk that had to be taken. What inspired me to go for it? Other passionate people. Once I knew they were out there, I knew I had to become one of them. It turns out meeting passionate people and sharing their stories is my purpose and passion.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

He lived his life to the fullest and he helped other people live their lives to the fullest.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

Step 1: Know that without a doubt, there are people who love their work.

Step 2: Know that without a doubt, you can become one of them.

Step 3: To get to where you want to go; figure out who you are, what motivates you, what doesn’t, what you value and what your vision for your life is. Once you have a vision, you can create a plan and start working the plan.

Filed Under: Blog, Passioneers Tagged With: Andrew Harrison, do what you love, Entrepreneur, inspiration, Passioneer, Passions and Possibilities, PowerLeaps, success coach, Sue Oliver

Passioneer® Glenton Davis, Founder and Executive Director, Soul Pop U

December 7, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Glenton Davis serves as Founder and Executive Director of Soul Pop U. Davis is a cum laude graduate of the prestigious Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, and a graduate of Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Immediately following, he went to Wall Street where he spent over two years working as the financial analyst to the Chief Investment Officer of J.P. Morgan Global Asset & Wealth Management, responsible for over $600 billion in discretionary assets. His hard work and talent at the financial titan earned him a place in Fortune Magazine’s “Faces of the Future” – a list of Who to Watch among young people in the corporate world. He recently left Wall Street to pursue a full time career in music, and to promote the release of his EP “Are You Ready,” which was released to critical acclaim and yielded a Top 400 dance single in Canada called “Go Get on the Floor”. Davis also has a publishing deal with Munich based The Globe Art Group, distributed by Sony/BMG. Davis has also worked in youth development as a Student Advocate for the Harlem Children’s Zone. He can be reached at http://www.soulpopuniversity.com.

We’re interviewing Glenton on the radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Network, broadcasting this Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 9am PST. Tune in live via (347) 205-9038 or streaming audio: The Passions and Possibilities Radio Show

Glenton’s Passiongraphy Q&A:

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is discovering your Life Purpose, the overarching and intangible “it” which gets you out of bed and keeps you out of bed with a burning desire to share it with others.

SO: What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

One word: ASK
The key factor to my early success has been to get on the phone and ask, write that email and ask, drop by that office unannounced, and ASK. Ask until someone says YES.

SO: What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenge has been dealing with the uncertainty. Regardless of how sound your plan may be – whether it be organizational, financial, personal or otherwise – things change, quickly. And the changes can hurt, badly. I’ve had to learn that after you jump off the cliff, you will undoubtedly hit some big rocks while you build the wings to fly. It takes unparalleled resilience to keep building those wings – a resilience I have had to dig really deep into my being to find. The blessing is when you begin to uncover it you can learn to trust that this light of entrepreneurship is a gift – YOUR gift – to share with the world.

SO: Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

After 2 and a half years on Wall Street, I decided to leave for two reasons. First, I realized that I have been given so many opportunities so early in my life. Why not take them and leverage them into a venture about which I was wholly passionate? I am 25 years old. Now is my time to step out on faith, to take big risks to contribute, to give back, and to make my career and my life fully my own. Second, I also am a recording artist, and my single “Go Get on the Floor” broke through the Top 400 pop songs in Canada, lighting a fire beneath me to give all of these passions a go. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, to run my own businesses, to grow them and watch them develop into brands, into ways of life that give back to the communities around them. My work up until now has all been a series of stepping stones towards this goal.

SO: Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.” – Goethe

SO: What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

Glenton Davis was a man of great passion and great spirit who lived his ultimate purpose in this life: to make our souls pop.

SO: What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

For aspiring entrepreneurs, I can offer the following advice. If you’re waiting until you’re ready, until you have enough money saved, until this, that, or the other – embrace the fear and step off the cliff. You will never be ready. Trust yourself to build wings on the way down. Another lesson that I continue to learn – and one that I think is crucial to achieving success as an entrepreneur – is to define your vision, see that vision in front of you, and commit to turning your thoughts into something tangible, no matter what. There will undoubtedly be roadblocks along the way. Some will feel larger than life, as though they cannot be moved and you cannot find a way around them. With time, learn to be strong like steel, to keep your higher purpose for change, for action, burning bright in the forefront of your mind. It will not always be easy, and it will not always feel good. Trust that with committed persistence, you will manifest tomorrow for others what you see today.

Filed Under: Blog, Entrepreneur Tagged With: coach, Entrepreneur, Glenton Davis, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, Soul Pop U, Success, Sue Oliver

13-Minute Passioneer® PodBlast: Beth Buelow, Introvert Entrepreneur Coach, Speaker, Blogger

December 6, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

We recently interviewed Beth Buelow, CEO and founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur . She is a professional speaker and leadership coach who helps introverts understand, own and leverage their strengths. She challenges the introvert stereotypes and is on a mission to bridge the communication gap between the “strong, silent” types and the “loud and proud.” Her business, The Introvert Entrepreneur, provides products and services that are designed for introverts who want to be wildly successful while still being authentic. Listen to her PodBlast at the bottom of this post.

Summary of Beth’s PodBlast:

Sue. What are the biggest challenges that budding Passioneers who are introverts face?

Beth:

Self-promotion. Introverts are usually more comfortable putting the spotlight on others, rather than themselves. This can be a huge asset; our self-effacing nature means we’re good at lifting up others. This tendency needs to be balanced with showing up confidently and being able to speak clearly about our own value.
Head games. Introverts are internal processors; the wheels are always quietly turning inside our heads, and this can lead to paralysis by analysis, as well as believing we have to think something through 110% before we can speak about it or act on it.
Being authentic. There is a lot of pressure to be out, social, on stage, “selling” yourself. Introverts are capable of doing all of these things, and finding a way to do it that honors our introverted personality and needs can be challenging.
Managing energy. This is related to authenticity; if we feel pressure to show up as extroverts (lots of events, being really “on,” constantly putting ourselves out there), our energy reserves can drain out rather quickly. It requires really owning our energy and needs and being able to set boundaries for ourselves (rather than “I should do this”). Staying in a place of choice is critical.

Sue: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to outrageously thrive as they give back?

Beth: All three of these are ways to protect your energy as your success becomes more present and pronounced.

Choose your commitments strategically and intentionally. As you become more successful, more people will want a piece of you. It can be tempting to say “yes” too often. Decide what types of opportunities best align with your vision, BEFORE you’re faced with saying yes or no.
Leverage your strengths. Seek challenges and situations that allow you to tap into your innate strengths: thoughtfulness; preference for depth over breadth; being calm, cool, collected; good listener.
Reach out. Whoever coined the phrase, “if you want it done right, do it yourself,” was probably an introvert! We tend to think we can handle everything on our own, because it might feel like it would be more work (and therefore, an energy drain) to bring other people into our processes. However, done strategically and intentionally (again, choosing partners or vendors in accordance to what aligns with your vision, rather than saying “yes!” to anyone who asks you), it can increase your capacity to accomplish your goals and provide you with some relief. Recognize when it’s time to ask for support or partnership.

Sue: What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out?

Beth:

The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney: a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be an introvert.
Good to Great by Jim Collins: His chapter on Level 5 Leadership answers the question of whether or not introverts can make great leaders (the answer is yes!). I also appreciate the lessons that Passioneers can learn from applying the Hedgehog Concept and Flywheel analogy to their businesses.
Works by Carl Jung and in particular, about the shadow: for deeper understanding of being an introvert and why we sometimes disown that part of ourselves. A good starting point is Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.

Sue: Anything else?

Beth: I have a few resources designed specifically to support introverts and introvert entrepreneurs:

Blog, Podcast, Coaching, Workshops, Etc: www.TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com

Facebook Community: www.Facebook.com/TheIntrovertEntrepreneur

Twitter: @coachbethb

Final Words (Beth):

Practice using a “beginner’s mind” approach to your work. Introverts are generally good at research and have a “need to know.” Practice spending some time in the “not knowing.” Experience things with a beginner’s mind and eye, allowing yourself to notice what’s happening not just with your mind, but with your body. Be open to the opportunities that arise when you remove the pressure to be perfect or to be an expert.

Thanks Beth and Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Blog, Passioneer Podblast, Passioneers Tagged With: balance, business, Career, coach, Entrepreneur, Expert, follow your dream, give back, growth, How To, inspiration, life, lifestyle, make a difference, motivation, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, PowerLeaps, Self-Development, self-growth, social, spiritual, Success, Sue Oliver, transition, What You Love

PassionBlast #12: Tips from Successful Passioneers®

December 1, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Twice a month, we share tips, stories, and quotes to inspire social and spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs who want to thrive as they share their talents and gifts. If you would like to contribute your story or wisdom, please contact us here. Our contributors receive a heads-up on our themes, articles, and story requests and full attribution and link-backs for their submissions.

“You can start with nothing. And out of nothing, and out of no way, a way will be made” ~ Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith

Tips for Thriving as You Give Back in the World

Passioneer® Melissa Plaskoff, Founder and CEO of Lemons to Aid

Figure out what speaks to you.
Decide how much of a commitment you want to give to your passion.
Find a way to make it happen (it may be a fun way, volunteering, starting a business) and it will all work itself out. When you find your passion, it really is simple. I’m doing it now!
Melissa’s full passion0graphy: click here.

Passioneer Paula Caligiuri, Author and Career Coach

You cannot own your job but you can own your career. Stay in control of your own development.
Have a well-formulated plan on achieving your career goal. Sometimes one aspect of your career may need to fund another.
Manage all of your resources well: time, money, energy. Use your discretionary resources to move you closer to your career goal.
Paula’s full passionography: click here.

Passioneer Stephanie A. Jones, Political/Social Scientist, Founder of Geek Nerd Wonk

You must be prepared to work harder than you can conceivably imagine. That means a 9-5 job to keep a roof over your head, and another 6 hours per day devoted to your true passion and/or volunteering, to whatever feels most authentic to you. If you do not work 14-16 hours a day you will never escape your 9-5 job, when the goal is to be so successful at your authentic job you can do IT alone for 14-16 hours a day.
There is no vacancy waiting for you. You have to claim your space. There is no room at the top just waiting for your particular brilliance, ready and willing to step to the side to enable your joining the hallowed ranks. Educate yourself, give of yourself, establish your credibility, and then march in and claim your space. Then work twice as hard to maintain your right to be there.
If you tell the truth. 100% of the time, you never have to remember anything you have ever said.
Stephanie’s full passionography: click here.

Filed Under: Blog, Passioneering Tips, Passioneers Tagged With: balance, business, Career, coach, contribution, dreams, Entrepreneur, Expert, How To, inspiration, inspire, life, lifestyle, nonprofit, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, PowerLeaps, Self-Development, self-growth, social, spiritual, Success, Sue Oliver, transition, Wellness

Passioneer® Melissa Plaskoff, Founder and CEO, Lemons to Aid

November 30, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

Turning Lemons into Lemons to Aid!

Melissa Plaskoff was a stay at home mom who decided to make a change in her life after her four-year old hosted a lemonade stand. They have now reached out to the nation and kids across America are getting involved and learning about the power of giving! Based in Dallas, Texas, Lemons to Aid is on a mission to use the simple, but memorable experience of hosting lemonade stands to instill the mindset of service and charitable giving in children at a young age. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, often generate a helpless feeling in adults and children wanting to help, but not knowing how. Lemons to Aid provides the tools for families around the world to host lemonade stands and other creative programs, such as read-a-thons, bake sales, etc. to raise money for disaster relief and other basic need causes. She can be reached at www.lemonstoaid.org.

We’re interviewing Melissa on the radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Network, broadcasting this Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 9am PST. Tune in live via (347) 205-9038 or streaming audio: The Passions and Possibilities Radio Show

Melissa’s Passiongraphy Q&A:

1. What’s your definition of “passion”?

Finding what speaks to you and getting involved! If you figure out what interests you, it’s simple to get involved and make a difference!

2. What have been the key factors in your success and what one word best describes it?

I have made a decision to help others and everything else has fallen into place. It’s amazing how many people want to help you when you are doing the right thing. The one word that describes my success is “DETERMINATION.”

3. What has been your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed them?

My biggest challenge with Lemons to Aid is how fast we are growing. So many people want to get their kids involved in making a difference and with our simple, kid-friendly ideas, kids across America and abroad are getting involved.

4. Who or what inspired you to leap into your passion?

After the earthquake in Haiti, my 4 year old son, Hudson asked if we could have a lemonade stand at our house. I told him it sounded like a great idea, but we had to donate the proceeds to the earthquake relief. Well, we made $150 in less than 2 hours. I thought if this was so easy for us, this has to be shared with other families. We set up an informational website and a facebook page and the power of social media took over!!! Check out www.lemonstoaid.org and see our In The News Section – it’s pretty amazing!

5. Do you have a quote that you would like to share that speaks of you and your passion?

Considering random acts of kindness and selfless acts of grace remember that you don’t have to make some grandiose gesture….something as simple as holding the door for another person at the grocery store can have an effect on another person. Random acts of kindness are like pebbles thrown into a calm pond…their effects radiate outwardly long after the deed is done…when you take the opportunity to reach out to someone they are more inclined to then reach out kindly to someone else and so on and so on……that one simple act of kindness creates a snowball effect touching many people….watch how the journey of your day evolves when you begin to continually extend these small gestures of grace….allow your actions and your words to flow from the innocence of your own heart.

6. What do you hope people would say about you when you’re gone?

I hope people say that I was a person that taught young children how to give to others at an early age. They are our future and I want to set the foundation for giving early.

7. What three brief tips can you give to somebody making the leap into their passion?

Figure out what speaks to you
Decide how much of a commitment you want to give to your passion
Find a way to make it happen (it may be a fun way, volunteering, starting a business) and it will all work itself out. When you find your passion, it really is simple. I’m doing it now!

Thanks Melissa and Happy Passioneering!

Filed Under: Blog, Featured Passioneers Tagged With: balance, business, Career, coach, contribution, dreams, Entrepreneur, Expert, How To, inspiration, inspire, life, lifestyle, nonprofit, passion, Passioneer, possibilities, PowerLeaps, Self-Development, self-growth, social, spiritual, Success, Sue Oliver, transition, Wellness

Free PassionCast MP3s: Tune into a the Vibration of Prosperous Passioneering

November 10, 2010 By Sue Oliver Leave a Comment

If you’re a social or spiritual entrepreneur who wants to thrive at giving back and you missed our November 2010 PassionCast, it’s not too late! Tune into the high-vibin’ dialogue among 14 panelists and our fabulous guests about REAL, relevant topics on thriving at what you love.