Six Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs: Passion

Photo Credit: The Independent

By William Ballard

Much has been written about the subject of passion, and most of what is written romanticizes the idea. But do you know what passion really means? The word passion originates from Latin (also referred to as the language of love, by the way) and actually means pain and suffering.

In other words, passion is less about doing what you love and more about asking yourself what you are willing to go through pain and suffering for.  Now, it’s been said that most people think in pictures, so nothing paints this picture better than The Passion of the Christ.

Because Jesus was so “passionate” about the Church and about you and me and our salvation, He was willing to go through the pain and suffering of being mocked, beaten, and nailed to a tree and held up in shame because of that passion.

​In other words, our salvation was His calling (in fact, it’s in His name – Jehovah Our Salvation), and nothing would get in His way of achieving that calling.

Now, I'm not trying to imply that entrepreneurship is equal to what Jesus did for you and me, but I am trying to paint a picture here that entrepreneurship is not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person to continue going through the pain and suffering that entrepreneurship brings on a person.  

In other words, entrepreneurs, especially those who find start-ups, are often mocked by those they love, beaten by the cut-throat that is business, and held up in shame more times than they can count. That said, passion is often regarded as the heartbeat of entrepreneurship.

It is the driving force that propels entrepreneurs to turn ideas into reality, overcome challenges, and persist in the face of adversity. It is what wakes you up in the morning to get beaten by the world once again, even when you don’t want to. For aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners alike, passion can be the differentiating factor between success and mediocrity.

Why Passion Matters in Entrepreneurship
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• Fuel for Resilience: Entrepreneurship is a journey fraught with obstacles, from financial constraints to market competition. Passion provides the energy to face these challenges head-on. When driven by genuine enthusiasm, setbacks become learning opportunities rather than insurmountable barriers.

• Inspiration for Innovation: Passion ignites creativity. Entrepreneurs who are deeply passionate about their vision are more likely to think outside the box, find unique solutions, and create products or services that resonate with their audience.

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• Attracts Others: Passion is contagious. A passionate entrepreneur can inspire their team, attract investors, and engage customers. It creates an emotional connection that transcends transactional relationships, fostering loyalty and trust.

​Real-Life Examples of Passionate Entrepreneurs
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• Elon Musk: Known for his relentless pursuit of ambitious goals, Musk’s passion for sustainable energy and space exploration has fueled companies like Tesla, Starlink, and SpaceX. His dedication inspires not just his teams but also millions worldwide. Just consider the links he went through to help provide methods of communication for those in the hurricane that went through South and North Carolina.

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• Sara Blakely: The founder of Spanx started her journey with a single product idea and an unshakable belief in its potential. Her passion for empowering women has grown Spanx into a global brand.

​Cultivating Passion in Your Entrepreneurial Journey
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• Align with Your Values: Passion often stems from a deep alignment with personal values and beliefs. Identify what matters most to you and integrate it into your business vision.

• Immerse Yourself in the Field: The more you engage with your industry, the stronger your connection to it will become. Attend events, network, and stay curious to keep your passion alive.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, can reignite your enthusiasm and keep you focused on your larger goals.

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• Surround Yourself with Passionate People: Passion thrives in a supportive environment. Build a team that shares your vision and enthusiasm, and seek out mentors and peers who can inspire and challenge you. That is what our business coaches are here for. 

​Balancing Passion with Practicality

​While passion is essential, it’s not a substitute for sound strategy and planning. Entrepreneurs must balance their enthusiasm with realistic goals, data-driven decision-making, and adaptability. Passion should be the spark that drives the engine of a well-thought-out business plan.
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Final Thouhgts

​Passion is not just a nice-to-have trait for entrepreneurs—it is a cornerstone of enduring success. It fuels perseverance, inspires innovation, and connects people to your vision. Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing business, cultivating and channeling your passion can set you apart in a competitive landscape. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about the energy you bring as the strategies you employ.

To that end, my question to you is not, “What are you passionate about?” or "What do you love to do?” but rather, “What are you willing to go through pain and suffering for?” Until you can answer that question clearly and with all your heart, your business outcomes will always be mediocre, perhaps even in vain. 

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​William Ballard is the founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC. He is a serial entrepreneur and has built a successful career leading and growing organizations based, in large part, on his ability to ask great questions, speak with candor, and identify talented people with whom to collaborate.

​It’s from this foundation that William helps aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ministry leaders navigate organizational, industry, and societal changes to move their organizations closer towards their vision.