Get All Access for $5/mo

How to Pursue Your Passion and Reach Your Full Potential Finding your passion in the world can be the difference between struggling to get out of bed in the morning and being excited to get the day started.

By Lewis Howes Edited by Dan Bova

This story originally appeared on Lewis Howes

Shutterstock

Success has a very tricky definition. You can have the ideal job, make a decent salary, have that sports car you always wanted, and still not really be successful.

To truly be happy, you need to be doing things that fill you up. Finding your passion in the world can be the difference between struggling to get out of bed in the morning and being excited to get the day started.

Sometimes you need to stop and ask if you're really chasing the life you want or chasing something someone else wants of you. This is a lesson that was hard learned by my latest guest, Rich Roll. Roll has been on my show twice before, and it was a pleasure having him back. He battled an alcohol addiction that nearly ruined his life from the age of 17 to 31, when he finally went to a treatment center. Most people only spend 28 days there -- he ended up spending 100.

When he got out, he changed his life. He pursued a career most people would consider ideal and made a great living. The problem was, it wasn't the life he wanted and it took a toll on him physically.

After having a brush with death in his late 30s, he began living his life for him. Since then, he's become a successful athlete, motivational speaker, podcast host and all around incredible human being.

You can hear all about his incredible journey and his plans for the future, on Episode 619.

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play or TuneIn.

Lewis Howes

New York Times Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Coach

Lewis Howes is a New York Times bestselling author of The School of Greatness and The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American, he is a current USA Men’s National Handball Team athlete. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of Greatness. Howes was recognized by the White House and President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30. Details magazine called him one of “5 Internet Guru’s that can Make You Rich.”  Howes has been featured on Ellen, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The New York Times, People, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health and other major media outlets.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

From Side Gig to 6-Figure Success — How I Built a Thriving Home-Based Business as a Busy Family Man

I've made over $17,000,000 for clients worldwide and brought in multiple six figures for myself, all while barely leaving my kitchen.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Side Hustle

After Being Laid Off, He Started a Side Hustle With Facebook. It Made Almost $3 Million Last Year: 'I Bought My Mom a $50,000 SUV.'

Carlos Ugalde, founder of House of Chingasos, didn't know anything about digital marketing — but he dove in anyway.

Franchise

Expanding Your Franchise Overseas Can Make You Millions — Or Tank Your Profits If You Don't Consider These Risks.

Deciding to expand your franchise concept internationally is a challenging one. Doing so can provide growth opportunities far beyond those in your current home market. But doing so before you're ready can create undue stress on your system. International expansion requires a full investment of time and resources to do it right; it is a serious commitment that reburies hard work, supported by a well-thought-out and well-executed game plan.

Growing a Business

How to Choose The Right Insurance Broker to Grow Your Lower to Mid-Market Company in 2025 and Beyond

Private, client-focused insurance firms matter more than ever in 2025 — here's why.