David Cummings on Startups

Passion, Optimism, and Hard Work

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David Cummings

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Last week I had the opportunity to attend a YPO Southern 7 conference in Cape Cod. Two of my recent posts came from the event including Three Strong Bones to be Successful and Runner, Jogger, Walker, and Sitter. Some of the speakers included Ron Clark (founder of the Ron Clark Academy), Dr. Bob Rotella (famous sports psychologist), David Marquet (author of Turn the Ship Around!), and Bruce Pearl (Auburn basketball coach). After the event I reflected a bit on the speakers and content, coming away with a renewed enthusiasm about the human spirit.

Overwhelmingly, the speakers had the same message centered around three areas:

  • Passion – Love what you do or learn to love what you do
  • Optimism – Believe in greatness and the ability to triumph
  • Hard Work – Serious effort is required and the top performers put in the most hours

It’s always great to hear from engaging speakers with a strong message. I was surprised to hear the same recurring theme throughout the talks, but in reflecting on them it makes complete sense. Love what you do. Believe in the possibilities. Put in the time required to be successful.

What else? What are your thoughts on passion, optimism, and hard work being the keys to success?

Comments

4 responses to “Passion, Optimism, and Hard Work”

  1. Stuart Lawder Avatar
    Stuart Lawder

    Kristian Anderson (KA+A) gave a great talk at Grok this year about how “passion” has become synonymous with doing what you love when its true root is “to suffer with.” I find the second definition more compelling as a value to look for in people: a willingness to sacrifice for and wrestle with something. People love hanging out with friends, but its the friends who would sacrifice something for you that make the biggest mark.

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  2. lawderberry Avatar
    lawderberry

    Kristian Anderson (KA+A) gave a great talk at Grok this year about how “passion” has become synonymous with doing what you love when its true root is “to suffer with.” I find the second definition more compelling as a value to look for in people: a willingness to sacrifice for and wrestle with something. People love hanging out with friends, but its the friends who would sacrifice something for you that make the biggest mark.

    Reply
  3. Chad R Avatar
    Chad R

    Great post.

    From my experience, passion + indifference to how the world views the results works wonders.

    For example, rather than being passionate about being the greatest player of all time, be passionate about improving your field goal percentage by 1/4 of a percent per year.

    Reply
  4. Flaviano Tarducci Avatar
    Flaviano Tarducci

    Reblogged this on Flaviano Tarducci and commented:
    How to be succesful in what you do?
    Passion – Love what you do or learn to love what you do
    Optimism – Believe in greatness and the ability to triumph
    Hard Work – Serious effort is required and the top performers put in the most hours.
    It make sense. Thanks David.

    Reply

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