Persistent pursuit of passion Published April 10, 2019 By Lt. Col. Nathan Williams 60th Force Support Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the 60th Force Support Squadron, we have dedicated time for real talk: unscripted conversations with various groups ranging from professional development and personal hobbies to better parenting techniques. One recent conversation with a group of noncommissioned officers turned to the topic of pursuing passions. The conversation revealed passions in certain individuals that I was not aware of. They were excited as they detailed their love of cooking, curating and providing for the less fortunate. The smiles grew wider and their posture straightened as they spoke of travel, accounting and coaching. They were doing more than conveying their interests; they were reflecting on their passion. This was refreshing and inspiring. Then came the follow-up question: Are you currently practicing your passion? Engaged and excited just moments ago, many of these professionals quickly grew quiet. They stopped making eye contact. Their body language became less engaging. The next logical question: Why not? What is keeping you from pursuing your passion? They all had what appeared to be perfectly good explanations for merely dreaming about doing the things they love, rather than actually doing them: lack of time, fear of failure, lack of money, lack of appropriate education or training, fear of the work required to succeed. The list goes on. What we all discovered through the course of the conversation is these were all poor excuses when held up to the light of pursuing the things that excite us most: our passions. Passion. One word with huge implications. Webster’s Dictionary defines passion as “A strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object or concept.” Actively pursuing your passion will change your life. If you live your passion or routinely engage in activities that you’re passionate about, you can’t hide it. It permeates everything you do, every interaction you have and, most importantly, it shows up in your attitude. Purposely and persistently pursuing your passion makes you more productive, fulfilled and happier. Passion is also extremely contagious. Passionate people spread passion to those around them. They raise the bar of excellence for everyone. Conversely, if you aren’t routinely engaging in activities you’re passionate about, you can’t fake it. You’re cheating yourself and leaving untapped potential on the field. If we’re attentive, passionate living is all around us. With the great honor of commanding an extremely high-performing Air Force squadron comes the sheer joy of observing passion displayed on a daily basis. Passion is the leader unapologetically shedding a tear when his or her team is recognized for a job well done. Passion is a group of Airmen in the most powerful Air Force the world has ever known opening a new dining facility and beaming with pride as they showcase their skills and abilities. Passion is our honor guardsmen rehearsing every detail of a funeral hours before the sun peeks over the horizon, knowing their presence and professionalism will leave a lasting impression on the families and loved ones of the fallen. Passion is the childcare worker arriving at a child development center in the wee hours of the morning to care for our children to increase our readiness and give every ounce of their energy for the safety and happiness of others. Passion is front and center and behind the scenes. Passion is Airmen growing, developing and maturing into stronger leaders and better teammates. Passion is realizing what’s important in life, ignoring the noise and living our values. Passion is in every selfless act, every fist bump, every Friday high-five. Passionate living is everywhere. What are you passionate about? Are you purposely pursuing your passions? If not, why? Everyone is passionate about something. We all have activities, objects or concepts that excite us and occupy our thoughts. Passion is more than interest. Passions are the activities or ideas that are protected from temporary circumstances and disappointments. With passion, setbacks only fuel the fire to overcome. Passion doesn’t acknowledge fear or failure because success is determined by the process and pursuit, not the result. As leaders, we must invest the time and effort to uncover that passion in our Airmen and empower them to pursue it. Encourage them to break through the perceived barriers that hinder them from pursuing their passions and watch their lives change. Provide the confidence boost they need to take the leap of faith and become what they were created for. Stop making excuses and pursue your passion.