The Hope QuotientSample

Five passion killers will drain your fuel supply and leave you empty. Avoiding them is the first part of keeping yourself fully energized. 

Passion killer #1: Unhealthy people. Emotionally unhealthy people are draining people. You have to recover after you’re around them. Can you only be around only perfect people? No. But to recharge your batteries, your primary relationships have to be with people who build you up. 

Passion killer #2: Unkind critics. It’s important to listen to advice and feedback, but unkind critics don’t have your destiny in mind. We all know people who think they have a “spiritual gift” of criticism. An old saying goes, “Listening to your critics is like bobbing for apples in a vat of acid.” Avoid unkind critics. 

Passion killer #3: Unbalanced schedule. An unbalanced schedule drains. A friend says, “If you’re burning the candle on both ends, you’re not as bright as you think you are.” More on this later. 

Passion killer #4: Unnecessary guilt. You cannot feel enthusiasm and guilt at the same time. Most of us are guilt sponges. We are saturated with guilt, not joy. The reason Jesus went to the cross is that God wants to forgive you. Guilt locks you in a self-imposed prison. The least healthy thing you can do is get stuck in regret from the past. 

Passion killer #5: Underestimating the impact of exposure. What we think about determines who we become. Your mind will think most about whatever you expose it to. The law of exposure says that events you attend, materials you read, the music you hear, images you watch, and daydreams you engage in shape your mind and ultimately your actions, character, and destiny. If you violate the law of exposure, don’t be shocked when what you exposed yourself to shapes your life. 

Think Up: 

Of the five passion killers, which is draining you and leaving you empty today? 

How can you keep yourself fully energized? (Read on).