Fired Up! The Psychology of Passion

Every Monday, That's Fit's very own "charged up" wellness guru Laura Lewis presents The Passion Principle, a weekly guide that will help you achieve your greatest potential through words of inspiration, cutting-edge ideas and action tips you can use in your every day life!

What exactly is passion? Do you really know? When we think of passion, we often relate the term to relationships, romance and love. But here on "The Passion Principle," we delve into the feelings that compel you to follow the path of being fit in all areas of your life, to find that spark within that will light the fire of passion in your belly, the passion to "Just Do It" as the Nike ads proclaim.

While traveling to NYC this weekend, I picked up a book at the airport called, "Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival" by Joe Simpson. A well-written read, it's a book I typically would not pick up as the subject matter has to do with how the author and a friend climbed to the top of a 21,000-foot peak in the Andes and then dealt with a tragic situation. It is a story of passion and survival. I would never think to climb a mountain. Are you kidding me? With special shoes that spike into sheer walls of ice? I was mesmerized by their story and found myself wondering what would compel them to do this type of thing? It has to be pure, burning passion for the sport, the high and more.

Recently I was reading how one researcher was delving into the psychology of passion. He states: "Passion is defined as a strong inclination toward an activity that people like, find important, and in which they invest time and energy." A bit ho-hum for me, but hey, at least someone is studying what makes people tick. He and his fellow researchers even identified two types of passion: Harmonious and Obsessive. Hmmm, I wonder if Joe's passion for climbing is obsessive?

But I am curious -- what gets you fired up? For me, it is almost innate, this burning desire to be healthy, to eat right and to be active. Interestingly enough, new research in the field of neuroplasticity, the science of how the brain changes or adapts over time as a result of various conditions or experiences, shows how our addictions, passions and behaviors can be linked to very specific stimuli. For example, if one received positive reinforcement as a child while singing in front of the family, that may very well lead one to have a passion for performing. (I wonder if that happened to Madonna as a kid?) Or what about being passionate about eating healthy foods? This could be related to a specific time where the spark may have been ignited.

I have to say, my parents did not influence me to eat nutritiously; however my best friend's German-born parents did. When I slept over, breakfast time was fascinating to me as my friend Ariane and her three sisters sat around the table with shining skin, sparkly eyes and quick minds and their mother and father doled out super healthy whole grains, fresh fruits, cheeses and to top it off, handfuls of natural food-based supplements such as dessicated liver, seaweed and more. I was so hooked at the age of 10. Wow! Don't get me started on the rush I felt while riding my bike everywhere. Health and fitness became a life-long love affair of mine.

So what is your passion? What inspires you? Better yet, have you found that passion to be healthy and well? If you haven't, here are a three suggestions:

• Find someone else who is passionate about fitness and hang out together. Or if you don't know anyone personally, buy DVDs, download podcasts and read information (like this!) from people you admire in the field. Infuse your brain with their ideas, information and passion!
• Make a list of things that "light you up." Then think about the origin of those things. Having fun is a big one for me -- laughing and talking with others is what I enjoy. It's no mistake that I choose to work in an area where I can do all those things. Think about a way to integrate your current passions with passions you would like to acquire. Does that make sense? Creating a new passion? According to researchers, you can change your brain, it will adapt and then be fueled by the new "feel good" conditions you have introduced into your life.
• Start living a passionate life now. Make the decision to do so. Life is too short. I am not just saying that, I know. I lost my husband when my girls were small, and I have to say that losing my spouse fueled my desire to live life to the fullest. Don't wait until it's too late. And heck, if you are going to start living with gusto, you need to be healthy to do so. Get on that great eating program. Work out regularly. And smile while you're at it!
  

I would love to know from where your passion originated or what your thoughts are about this subject. Share by leaving your thoughts in our comment section. Who knows, what you share may be the inspiration someone else needs to read! Until next time, here's to living a passionate life!