by TJ Jorgensen
At 22, Jake had two choices: clock in, do the bare minimum, and collect a paycheck, or show up with energy, take initiative, and prove he was someone worth remembering. He chose the latter. While his peers complained about long hours and low pay, Jake brought ideas, enthusiasm, and drive. Within a year, he wasn’t just another employee – he was leading a team. His passion was infectious, and leadership followed naturally.
Every decision you make today is shaping the person you become tomorrow. Right now, you’re either building a version of yourself that’s strong, driven, and ready for success, or you’re coasting—hoping things will just fall into place. The truth? Nothing falls into place. Leaders aren’t handed opportunities; they create them. And it starts with energy – bringing passion into everything you do, whether it’s your job, relationships, or personal growth.
Think about the people who inspire you. They’re not the ones who drag their feet through life, waiting for something good to happen. They bring energy into every room, into every conversation, into every challenge. Passionate leaders don’t wait for motivation; they generate it. Even on the tough days, they push forward, knowing that their future self is counting on their present effort.
So how do you cultivate that infectious energy? First, stop thinking of what you have to do and start focusing on what you get to do. Every task, no matter how small, is a step toward something bigger. Second, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you; energy is contagious, but so is complacency. Lastly, own your journey. If you don’t take control of your life now, someone else will.
The choices you make today – how you show up, how much effort you give, how passionately you pursue your goals – are shaping the leader you will become. Be the person who lights up the room. Be the person who attacks challenges with enthusiasm. Be the person who makes your future self proud.
