(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

Do you notice that many of the people you interact with on a day-to-day basis seem to just be getting by? They meet minimum requirements, doing just enough to keep from getting fired. In fact, they have no fire! What’s missing for them?

Passion, purpose, and pull.

When you care, really care, about something you are pulled forward by it.

When what you are engaged in is in alignment with your life’s purpose, you want to experience more of it.

When you feel passion about your actions, you want to get better at them.

Getting better is a choice you make. It’s a self-powering energy that is a want-to rather than a have-to. And getting better is frequently something only you know; there is an internal sense of “Yeah! I nailed it!” when you get better.

People who are simply getting by never know that feeling.

Coaching Point: Get by? You can. But what lights you up to want to get better?

Copyright 2010 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.