John Barrett's blog

There’s a popular myth circulating in our culture today—a myth that has led to countless hours of frustration and feelings of inadequacy for many. It’s the idea that passion is something you find, as if one day it will land on your doorstep like a gift-wrapped stork delivery, waiting for you to unwrap it. We’re taught to believe that passion is an external force—something we discover if we’re lucky enough. But what if that’s all wrong?

What if passion isn’t something you find but something you choose? What if passion is less about a singular event and more about a state of being, a mode you step into every day, no matter the circumstances?

I’ll explore the concept of passion as a mode—one that you can activate and cultivate, rather than wait for. Because if you want to build a legacy, waiting around for passion to strike isn’t an option. You have to be proactive, intentional, and heroic in your approach. Passion isn’t a gift; it’s a choice.

Passion: A Statistical Mode, Not a Singular Event

In statistics, a “mode” is the value that appears most frequently in a set of data. It’s not a one-time occurrence; it’s a recurring theme, a pattern. I believe passion functions in much the same way. Passion doesn’t show up as a singular event in your life—something you encounter once and then ride for the rest of your journey. Instead, passion is a mode you enter repeatedly. It’s something that shows up across various settings, depending on the choices you make.

Imagine if you treated passion like a statistical mode. Instead of waiting for the perfect job, the perfect project, or the perfect moment to feel passionate, you decide to embody passion in everything you do. You choose to see opportunities for passion everywhere: in your work, in your relationships, and in the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed.

The beauty of this approach is that it takes passion from being something elusive and external and makes it something within your control. It becomes less about waiting for the right circumstances and more about creating the right mindset.

The Myth of the “Perfect Passion”

There’s a pervasive belief that finding your passion is like finding your soulmate—a magical, serendipitous event where everything clicks into place. This narrative, while romantic, is misleading. It leaves many people feeling like they’re wandering through life without direction, waiting for that perfect moment of clarity.

But here’s the truth: passion, like anything worthwhile, requires effort. It’s not something that happens to you; it’s something you cultivate. It’s a mindset—a decision you make every day to be fully engaged, fully present, and fully committed to the work you do, regardless of what that work is.

Think about the most passionate people you know. Are they passionate because they stumbled upon their passion one day and everything was easy from there on out? Or are they passionate because they choose to approach their work and their life with a sense of purpose and intentionality? My guess is, it’s the latter. Passionate people don’t wait for the stars to align; they create their own stars. They decide to be passionate.

Choosing Passion is Heroic

Choosing passion, especially when circumstances aren’t perfect, is a heroic act. It’s easy to be passionate when things are going well—when your business is thriving, your relationships are strong, and you feel like you’re on top of the world. But what about when things aren’t so great? What about when your business is struggling, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or when life throws you a curveball?

This is where passion as a mode becomes essential. If you view passion as something you step into—something you choose every day—then your ability to maintain that passion isn’t dependent on external circumstances. You become resilient, capable of maintaining your passion even when things are difficult. In fact, choosing passion in the face of adversity is what separates those who build legacies from those who remain stuck.

Heroes aren’t people who wait for the right moment to act. They’re people who act in spite of the circumstances. They step up when it’s hardest to do so. The same goes for passion. If you want to build something remarkable, you have to choose passion, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. That’s the kind of heroism that leads to lasting impact.

Building a Legacy: The Case for Passion as a Mode

If your goal is to build a legacy—something that lasts long after you’re gone—then passion as a mode becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Legacy builders are people who show up with passion every single day, regardless of what’s happening around them. They understand that the impact they make isn’t a result of a singular moment of passion, but of a consistent, intentional effort to embody passion over time.

Think about the people you admire most. They didn’t build their legacies by waiting for passion to show up. They built their legacies by showing up passionately—by approaching every task, every challenge, and every opportunity with a sense of purpose. They didn’t wait for passion to find them; they chose passion as a mode.

How to Step Into Passion Mode

So, how do you step into passion mode and make it a recurring theme in your life? Here are some practical steps:

1. Reframe Your Perspective: Stop waiting for passion to arrive. Instead, ask yourself, “How can I bring passion to this moment?” Whether it’s a mundane task or a major project, find a way to engage fully and bring your best self to the table.
2. Commit to Growth: Passion is often born out of growth and progress. When you commit to continuous learning and improvement, you give yourself more opportunities to become passionate. Make a habit of seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences that challenge you.
3. Embrace the Process: The journey is where passion grows. It’s not about the end result; it’s about the act of showing up every day, doing the work, and finding fulfillment in the process. Even when the outcomes aren’t immediate, trust that the effort itself is worthwhile.
4. Find Passion in Service: Often, the most passionate people are those who are committed to serving others. When you connect your work to a larger purpose—something beyond yourself—you tap into a source of passion that goes beyond personal gain. Ask yourself how your work can positively impact others, and let that be your source of passion.
5. Stay Resilient: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but passion is what keeps you moving forward. When things get tough, remind yourself that passion isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. It’s a choice you make every day, regardless of what’s happening around you.

Conclusion: The Power of Choosing Passion

The idea that passion is something you find is outdated and misleading. Passion isn’t something external that you stumble upon; it’s an internal mode you choose to step into. It’s about deciding to show up with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose, no matter the circumstances.

When you shift your perspective and start treating passion as a mode, you reclaim your power. You stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating the life and legacy you want. And that’s heroic.

So, what will you choose today? Will you wait for passion to arrive, or will you decide to step into passion mode and create something remarkable?

The choice is yours.

Love,

John