Guess how many times I've cried while watching the Olympics...

Dear Passion Seeker,

OK, I admit, I have lost count of the times I've shed a tear as I've watched the Olympics! 😭

There's something about them that blows away any lingering cynicism after a long work day.

And, it's not for the reason you may think...

It's not the triumph, the glamor or even the thought of being in Paris (I'm always dreaming of Paris, so that doesn't count...!)

• Notice how so many of the athletes did not receive perfect scores, yet still won.
• Watch how many showed the passion they had for their sport, for their team, often with "ugly crying" tears or fist pumps.
• Look at the friendship, trust and community on display for all to see.

And, who couldn't help but be inspired by Celine Dion overcoming her adversity to do the thing she loves most in the world?

There is so much control and dedication, yet so much vulnerability and hope. So much DESIRE.

So, while most of us won't compete or perform on that world stage, there are powerful lessons we can learn from these superhumans about pursuing our passions.

Invisible work: "It's a kinda magic"…(as Freddie would say…)

Think about a swimmer who spends countless hours training in the pool, all for a 50-meter race. That invisible work of chasing glory is often boring and less than pretty.

Pursuing our passions means effort behind the scenes. And, that's one reason why so many of you hesitate (trust me, I know all too well that feeling of being tired at the end of a long day, and just wanting to collapse on the couch!)

But, unlike Olympic athletes, we get to decide how we do that work.

Whether it's practicing an instrument, learning a new job skill, writing every day, or volunteering your talents, this "invisible work" gives us confidence as we build our skills.

You'll find that you ENJOY the work, and you begin to crave more of it.

You've gotta be in it to win it!

I don't know a single person who doesn't hesitate before putting themselves, or their passions, out into the world. It can be scary - the trolls are real and so many of us have learned that "bragging" is bad (reminder: it isn't bragging if it's a fact ;)

Your passions don't have to be public. However, let me tell you after 10 years of leading Passion Collective, you will be stunned at the support and confidence you will gain from sharing what you love, even if your voice shakes or your finger wobbles as you do so.

I promise you that if you never share what you love, you'll miss so many opportunities in life.

You may not care about winning like an athlete, but you might care about inspiring someone, or finding new friends, or making a difference.

Most of all, when you share what you love, YOU get a wonderful feeling inside. It's hard to describe, but let me tell you, when you see your work or impact out in the world, it can feel pretty wonderful. No-one can take that away from you.

So, put yourself forward, hit "publish", ask for support, and keep doing it.

Embrace your inner Geek!

US gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik – with his glasses and Rubik's Cube skillz, has become an overnight meme sensation and "National Treasure". The joy and exhilaration from "geeks" around the world is real!

Pursuing a passion often means shifting our identity and celebrating what we love, even if it seems quirky to others. It takes courage to stand out, to be different, to have that One Thing you love to do.

And, it can change everything for you, and those you love.

So, let your inner geek shine. Double down on what you love, and inspire others by staying true to yourself. It's all part of the adventure.

Embrace who you are, and what you love.

This month, let’s commit to pursuing our passions by doing the work, and putting ourselves out there.

I’d love to hear about your experiences and what new things you’re trying!

Laura

Founder, Passion Collective