Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend some time with two long time friends and business owners. The conversation centered around two questions, "What is your life purpose?" And, "What are you passionate about as a business owner and provider of goods and services?"

We agreed that on one level our purpose is to sell our goods and services in the marketplace, make money to generate a profit, and provide jobs and income for our employees.

While these are certainly valid we agreed there is much more. For example, what would have to happen for one to really be passionate about what they do? So passionate they generate an excitement within themselves that also radiates out to the people around them. The conclusion we came to was that there are Four Secrets to Success and Personal Fulfillment that would fuel passion every day.

1. You have to be really good at what you do.
2. You have to really enjoy what you do. Enjoy what you do so much  it is more like play than work.
   
   
3. You have to be able to make money at what you do.
   
   
4. And above all, you must make a contribution to society. A contribution is not necessarily the product, but the impact you have on individuals and companies.

One of my colleagues was very clear that he is not building houses.   He is building homes that contribute to the quality of a family's life. He creates an environment that contributes to family lifestyles. He even went as far as to say he is totally committed to quality. My other colleague provides beauty that can be used by designers. She went on to say that she is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure her customers are completely satisfied.

I personally look forward to going to work every day. I leave the house with a sense of excitement on a daily basis and look forward to making a difference.

The question I ask my self every day is, "What do I need to do today to service my clients in the best possible way, provide an environment so my staff experiences a partner relationship, can make a contribution, and are able leave at the end of the day energized, and create an environment where we all live and work each day like we are on vacation?"