Having Passion Really Does Pay!

American Express recently launched its Passion Project  (#Passion Project).  This is a six-month campaign and social media initiative where anyone is invited to submit an idea for a project by answering two simple questions:

1)     What is your passion project?
2)     Why is it important to you?

Respondents can submit their idea using Twitter or create a YouTube video to express their passion. Each month from now through December, American Express will choose ten winners who will each receive $2,000 in gift cards to spend as they choose.

Elizabeth Crosta, American Express’ Director of Public Affairs,  stated the idea for the Passion Project was the result of a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults where 69% of respondents stated that “having time to pursue passions” was a major contributor to personal success. I completely agree!

Here is why I think this is a great idea:

Passion wakes up energy which can be applied to other areas of your life (or business) – I explore the subject of passion in my seminar entitled Purpose, Passion and Profits.  Passion can be personal or professional and it really does not matter where you start.  Choose something you are passionate about (e.g. cooking, running, reading, etc.).  The mere pursuit of that thing you are passionate about wakes up energy, excitement, zeal which can then be transferred to other areas of your life.  American Express is engaging the broader public on the subject of passion, getting people to think about what they are passionate about, with the premise that some great ideas for new small businesses will be born.

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