Have you ever found yourself pondering something random, and then coincidentally a related topic comes up again the same day? I was driving into Philadelphia last week and thinking of my nieces and nephews. They are part of my daily litany, for each of them I take a moment to be thankful for their good fortune, or pray for support if they need it. For one nephew, I am grateful for his talent with automobile mechanics and more importantly that he recognized his gift, pursued it, and succeeded. As I was driving I began to reflect on his situation. He first started to pursue accounting and found that was not his strength. After completing some accounting coursework in college, he decided to take a course in auto mechanics.
I had attributed his success to mechanical talent, perhaps inherited from his paternal grandfather. But I began to wonder, was it talent, or a passion for all things automotive that motivated him? Since he was three years old, maybe younger he has loved cars. Even at that age, he could identify the make and model of most automobiles. Throughout his childhood he collected and built all kinds of scale model cars. So maybe it wasn't his ability, but the excitement and anticipation of working on real cars that propelled him through his educational program. It has been a year since he graduated and he is gainfully employed in a tough economy. When I see him he is more animated, outgoing and energetic. Pursuing something he enjoys has positively affected all aspects of his persona. I arrived in Philadelphia to hear Eric Cohler speak at the Marketplace Design Center. Lee Jofa Fabrics has just launched a new collection designed by Eric. He gave a brilliant presentation of his design work and talked about what motivated and inspired him. Eric repeatedly mentioned the "Power of Passion" and the role that it plays in success. He pointed out several infamous people and their passions. Julia Child and her love of cooking, and the Kennedy family with their passionate involvement in politics. Eric's own zeal is portrayed through his dynamism.
I drove home wondering, was my nephew's gift the talent, or the passion? I concluded that they are both splendid gifts, and have contributed to his success. But I believe the passion will carry him much farther than the talent.
