What is the difference in a person being "passionate" about an issue verses being "driven"? Many people are "passionate" and do little with the strong feelings they possess. In some cases, their passion turns negative and consumes them (bitterness, hatred, etc...). The "driven" are passionate individuals who are determined to get RESULTS -- to create CHANGE!! The "driven" will do what others are not willing to even try. They do not give up.
A great example of being driven is in today's news. Thomas Moore, the brother of a murder victim killed in 1964, is helping to bring justice to his family -- 43 years later (read about it at www.cnn.com). Another example is Linda from the book "Voices of Courage: Inspiration from Survivors of Sexual Assault" (www.voicesofcourage.com). The man who raped Linda was not found. She didn't give up. In fact, she called the police over 16 years later -- to have Lieutenent Weaver pick up the case and FIND the rapist. Weaver had told Linda her case had always bothered him. He wanted to solve it before retiring in a few years. They did!!
Are you driven? If you work with students or in education at any level, are you willing to try and make connections with issues the rest of society has given up on? Are you continually growing by challenging yourself with new approaches? You've heard the cliche' "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over -- and expecting different results." Do you step back and evaluate your own performance with an open mind to the questions, "What can I do better?" and "How do I get that done immediately?" A great question is, "What would get me the greatest results possible?" Now, why haven't you already done it? What are you afraid of? Remember the "driven" do not give up! When faced with a challenge, they get more creative and work even harder. They are never complacent.
What will you do to connect with your students this year? What exercise, activity, or program will you try for the first time? How will you take your "passion" and become driven to make a difference?
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