You’re never too young—or too late—to start!
The other day, while cleaning out the basement, I stumbled across an old book I wrote when I was 14 years old.
I had forgotten about it completely, but flipping through its pages brought me back to a time when my passions were fully alive—burning bright in everything I did.
At that age, I was obsessed with all things Asian, particularly the world of ancient Japan: the Samurai, the Ninjas, and their legendary exploits.
When I got the opportunity to write a story for a young writers' conference, I immediately poured every ounce of passion I had into it.
What amazes me, even today, is how far that passion took me.
Harnessing Passion Early On
At 14, I wasn’t just writing—something few kids my age were doing—but I was diving deep into topics that would shape my path for years to come.
While others were reading for school assignments, I was delving into Zen Buddhism, the Bushido code, and all sorts of high-level topics that piqued my interest.
As a result, my vocabulary grew far beyond my peers, sometimes even alienating me from classmates who thought I was speaking a different language.
Looking back, it’s no wonder that passion—when harnessed—can fuel extraordinary growth in ways you don’t even realize at the time.
Jordan Peterson reminds us, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”
Tapping into your passion early means focusing on your journey, not trying to meet someone else’s standards.
By aligning with what drives you, your personal growth becomes inevitable.
This early discovery of my passion wasn't just about hobbies; it set the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of learning, teaching, and helping others find their passion.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Now, decades later, helping students find their sense of purpose and connecting it to their studies has become a core calling of mine.
I’ve carried this same energy into every aspect of my life—whether as a teacher, coach, or academic strategist.
Passion, when aligned with purpose, becomes an unstoppable force.
It’s like an elite athlete tapping into their peak performance, where every ounce of effort is energized by a deeper drive.
Robert Greene, in Mastery, discusses how following a "deep calling" allows individuals to tap into their creative power. He says, “The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”
My passions as a young writer and reader were the first steps toward honing my skills as a lifelong learner and teacher.
Steven Pressfield, in The War of Art, describes how the resistance that stops people from achieving their goals is often strongest when they are closest to their true calling.
Tapping into your passion allows you to overcome that resistance and push through the hard parts of growth.
Practical Application: A Passion-Driven Study Approach
When you connect your studies with what you love, learning no longer feels like a chore.
It's the same principle I applied at 14 when I dove into topics that fascinated me.
You begin to see education as a way to deepen your understanding of your interests, rather than something you're forced to do.
Nietzsche famously said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
If you identify a passion that fuels your purpose, you’ll find a way to push through obstacles—whether it’s challenging coursework, personal setbacks, or the rigors of college applications.
In Viktor Frankl’s Man's Search for Meaning, he emphasizes that finding meaning in life’s struggles allows individuals to endure hardships with resilience.
By using your passion to drive your studies, you’ll navigate academic pressures with a sense of purpose, not just necessity.
What About You?
Take a moment to reflect:
- What has always captivated you?
- Are you using that passion to power your path to peak performance?
The energy you gain from pursuing your passions will push you further than any external motivation ever could.
So don't hold back—let your interests drive your studies, your career, and your life.
Reflection Question:
What dreams have you been told are impossible?
How have you—or will you—pursue them despite the odds?
Drop a comment below, and let's tackle it together!
Let’s Get Started
If you're not yet tapping into that passion, you're missing out on a wellspring of potential.
Let’s connect, and I’ll show you how to unlock that energy for your academic and personal growth.
Brandon
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