A passion for excellence

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jody Dow
  • 60th Aerial Port Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every month, I get a chance to welcome newcomers to our squadron and share with them our philosophy, vision and goals. We talk about the area, the war on DUIs, the squadron, the pace of deployments and the great opportunities available across Team Travis (AIRPOWER).

In each of these sessions, I always end with a discussion about excellence and a plea for passion. My message is if you believe in what you're doing and have passion for the job you do, you will feel better, look better, and do better.

A passion for excellence, a passion for learning, a passion for the mission of the United States Air Force, and a passion for our incredible Airmen will transform your day.

Passion, in the sense I'm referring to, is a choice! Each and every day, you can choose to be passionate about what you are doing, or not.

Some may not believe that passion is a choice. They may try to tell you passion is a feeling, something you can't directly control ... that having passion for your job is something that only happens when the job stirs your feelings. I don't buy that. I firmly believe that you have the power to grow passion for the job you have. We've all seen people around us who, for whatever reason, firmly decide to take up some routine action (for example, run every morning).

It's hard at first, and the motivation needed daily can be huge, but soon, it becomes easier. After time, if the person is faithful to the task, it becomes part of the routine... a habit. At that point, the task seems easy (or at least easier) and it may even be easier to do the task than to avoid it. I know a master sergeant who used to be a heavy smoker and hated running. He wasn't totally out of shape, but didn't hit the gym much either. He decided to make a change. In a few short years, and with the help of some great wingmen, he gave up smoking and started running. Now he runs marathons for fun.

I believe we have the same power to change many of our attitudes. I'm certainly not saying that everything will be wonderful all the time, but we can set the standard for our personal behavior and our attitude and strive to meet that standard regardless of the circumstances. For me, that standard is a passion for excellence. I know I fall short in many areas, but I also find the more areas I'm able to surround with excellence in my life, the more satisfying, full, rich, and enjoyable life becomes. The Air Force believes that excellence in all we do is a core value; an integral part of being an Airman. In that statement is a recognition that excellence is not a one-time show, it's a habit formed by repeatedly being excellent, all day, every day.

There are a few critical steps in choosing this passion for excellence. The first is your personal decision to make it a priority in your life. Second is finding a wingman; another that has the same desire to find passion in their job, life, family... The third is to start doing it!

Will the passion for excellence be easy? Of course not. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it! This great team filled with Airmen of passion and excellence can change the world.