Passion and Drive

Today marks my father’s birthday, a man whose dedication to his work remains unmatched. Growing up, it was a real task to get him away from this desk, even for the most important worldly matters. His deep passion for completing what he started, or uncovering the root cause of any problem, made him immovable. I witnessed firsthand what true passion looked like—a relentless drive that goes beyond obligations or routine tasks. It was not just about completing work but about fully immersing oneself in a pursuit until every angle had been explored.

?

Last Sunday, my son sustained a tendon injury in his arm during a swimming competition. The pain was so intense that he was immediately taken to the ER. As parents, we naturally urged him to consider quitting swimming, fearing further injury. But to our surprise, he dismissed the idea outright. It wasn’t until we shifted our approach—offering suggestions on how he could continue swimming while managing his injury—that he became open to conversation. His passion for swimming mirrored the same drive that I had seen in my father: a burning determination to stay the course, regardless of the obstacles.

?

We so many such people around us. I wonder, where do people find such passion, that they can’t bear to hear advice that doesn’t align with their goals? This unwavering commitment, which resists any deviation from their chosen path, is something I’ve always admired. It makes me wonder about the nature of passion itself. Is it an innate drive, a learned behavior, or perhaps something deeper—an all-consuming force that pushes us beyond pain, discomfort, and even logic? Whatever it is, this passion fuels dreams and defies limitations, shaping not just how people pursue their goals but how they navigate the world.