Buffett & amp; Gates Open Up: The Key to Success
In a recent MarketWatch.com segment, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates – arguably two of the most successful businessmen in the world – agreed on the one thing that drove their success: They did something they enjoyed. Buffett invests and finds good deals and Gates builds computers and software.
In the article, Buffet, chairman of Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway, said it’s critical to choose a profession or vocation that you love. “Being successful in almost anything means having a passion for it,” Buffett said. “Successful people have reasonable intelligence, a terrific passion for what they do, and get people around them to march even when those people can’t see over the top of the next hill.”
Buffet does not use these words, but the truth is that people who choose a profession that lights them up inside also tend to be engaged. Why? When you do something that you love, you can’t help but get completely wrapped up in it and feeling an emotional connection to the outcome. This may explain why most people who are engaged are rated as high performers.
Two years ago, I realized I wasn’t engaged. My consulting firm was six years old and I needed a change. I’d always wanted to be a professional speaker, so I took nine months off to write a book and keynote speech about how to re-engage employees, and to develop a workshop and full-day strategic work session. It was and still is hard work, but I have a terrific passion for what I do now, so the decision to re-invent myself was the right one. And besides, the last thing in the world that I want for myself – or for you – is to have regrets as I take my last breath.
BE AWESOME! Are you incredibly passionate about your current profession? If not, it’s never too late to make a change. From my experience, when you have the courage to re-invent yourself, the Universe works miracles on behalf of you and your dreams. You simply have to trust, believe, and most importantly, take that first step. I believe in you; now you have to believe in you. Need inspiration? Call me.
Jill Christensen is an employee engagement expert, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. She was recently named a Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, authored the best-selling book, If Not You, Who? Cracking the Code of Employee Disengagement, and works with the best and brightest global leaders to improve productivity and retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Jill can be reached at +1.303.999.9224 or jill@jillchristensenintl.com.