What do you stand for?

Here it is the end of September, aka National Literacy Month. As many know, Zen Rabbit committed to donating 10% of all product sales made this month to literacy organizations. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to this cause I strongly believe is so important. Have a two minute conversation with me about this topic and you will feel my enthusiasm. And so I have to ask, what is it you stand for?

If you have your own business, what have you created it to stand for or be about? If you work for an organization, why are you there? What is it about this particular organization that attracted you and keeps you there? (I’m looking for an answer beyond “paycheck” okay?!) Where is your passion?

It doesn’t have to be for a specific cause like literacy. It could be a passion for the thrill of the chase or pursuit of justice. I heard a presentation this morning from a workers’ compensation attorney. She clearly conveyed how she absolutely loves working on fraud cases so what could have been another boring, this is what my law firm does discussion became way more engaging.

When you can find and convey that passion, people (as in new customers, the media, partners, etc.) start really listening to you. People want to know you and do business with you. It not only sets you apart, it sets you on fire (no, not literally!) and excites and inspires everyone around you.

American theologian Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”