The Truth About Passion: Fuel, Fire, + Finding What Really Drives You

The Truth About Passion: Fuel, Fire, and Finding What Lights You Up

What if passion isn't something you discover in a single lightning bolt moment, but something you uncover layer by layer over time?

In this episode, George and Liz dig into passion as the second cornerstone of the superhuman framework. They explore why passion matters, how it works alongside purpose, and the critical difference between the kind of passion that sustains you and the kind that burns you out. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly passionate or just chasing a high that doesn't exist, this conversation is for you.

Passion Isn't Fireworks. It's Depth.

George used to think passion was supposed to be this big, dramatic moment where everything suddenly clicked into place. Fireworks. Magic. Instant clarity.

That's not how it worked for him.

"For me, it's been a lot more like peeling back layers to reveal what really lights me up in my soul, in my core, in the depth of who I am as a human. It's been a slow build, and one that's taught me that passion isn't just about this excited feeling. It's about depth. It's about connection. It's the things that pull you back that make you want to keep showing up, especially when things get tough."

His passions have stayed consistent through every twist in his career: helping others, self-growth, and family. Whether he was working as a lifeguard, rappelling instructor, pastor, riding instructor, or HubSpot hero, the thread was always the same. Making a difference. Being a catalyst. Creating ripples.

The Stars Aligned in California

George shared a moment that crystallized everything.

He was at an event in California for a business he'd started called Graphics for Worship. Standing there, selling this company, he suddenly felt goosebumps wash over him. In that moment, he saw six or seven different jobs from his past all align with what he was doing right then.

"It was like, oh. So I was able to get an 'aha' moment, but it was because of these small steps along the way that when the moment came and I saw the alignment, I was like, this is who I'm being set up to be. This is why I'm passionate about these things. This leans into this purpose."

He describes it as seeing the stars of his own life line up.

The lesson? You don't have to have it all figured out right away. Keep paying attention to what sparks your curiosity and what makes you feel more alive. Passion changes and grows just like you do.

How Purpose and Passion Work Together

Think of purpose as the compass and passion as the fuel.

"Purpose gives us direction, especially when we end up on paths that feel unclear or rocky. Passion is the spark. It's the energy that gets us moving. It's the excitement, the drive, the fire that keeps us going even when things get tough."

Here's where it gets practical: these two aren't separate things. They're two sides of the same coin.

Take this podcast as an example. George's purpose is to help people grow and equip them with tools for a better life. But it's his passion for seeing real change that keeps him coming back week after week, episode after episode.

"Purpose might be the reason I do this, but passion is what brings the energy and enthusiasm that I need to keep at it over and over again. And it doesn't matter if it's just one person, one episode, one change. That's worth it."

Here's the warning: if you're just running on purpose, life starts to feel heavy. Everything becomes an obligation. If you're running on just passion without purpose, it's easy to burn out or lose direction. You need both.

Two Types of Passion: Harmonious vs. Obsessive

Liz brought research to the table that changed how George thinks about passion.

Harmonious passion is balanced, joyful engagement where you can switch it off and stay in control. You show up, dive in, give it your all, then step back, recharge, and focus on other things that matter.

Obsessive passion is that intense, relentless drive where you feel compelled to keep going no matter the cost. You might sacrifice your well-being, your relationships, your health because you're so focused on this one thing. Sometimes you don't even realize it's happening.

George admitted this hit close to home. With the superhuman framework, there are times when he catches himself feeling that compulsion to keep going, keep tweaking, keep producing content, even when he's exhausted or when it's pulling him away from family, client work, or his own health.

Three questions to ask yourself:

1. Am I enjoying this process, or am I feeling pressured by it?
2. Can I walk away from it when I need to, or do I feel like I can't stop?
3. Is this passion enhancing my life, or is it starting to take a toll?

If the answers point to feeling tense, stressed, or out of balance, that's a signal you're moving into obsessive territory.

The Fire Metaphor

Liz offered a powerful image: fire as a controlled burn provides warmth, safety, and illumination. Unchecked fire is catastrophic, not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

She's been there. She knows what it feels like to come to loathe the thing that used to bring you joy.

"I've had desires to kill the baby. I know exactly what that feels like, where you just come to loathe the thing that used to bring you joy."

The warning extends to leadership too. When your obsessive passion makes you judge others as not being passionate enough because they're keeping more standard hours or can't keep up with your pace, you've created a toxic environment. You're asking people to sacrifice their own harmony, their relationships, their health, and their self-esteem to rise to your level.

"If we are operating at a level of passion that is creating disharmony in our lives, and we ask others to rise to that level, we are impacting them, their communities, their relationships, their health, and then also probably their self-esteem."

Why Passion Alone Doesn't Prevent Burnout

Here's the misconception: if you're truly passionate, you should be able to push through anything without feeling stressed or drained.

That's not how it works.

"Passion can keep you in the game. But what it doesn't do is replace the need for rest, recovery, and balance. Burnout happens when we start relying on passion alone to keep us going and ignoring the signals that our body and mind send us."

George has been there. He's felt resentful toward the very things he once loved because he pushed too hard for too long.

The solution? Passion needs structure to thrive.

Schedule breaks. Prioritize downtime. Set hard "no work" times. Keep an eye on your energy. Be honest about when you're feeling drained. Give yourself permission to step back without guilt.

Rest doesn't take you away from what you love. It helps you bring your best energy and creativity to it when you return.

Quotable Moments

"Purpose might be the reason I do this, but passion is what brings the energy and enthusiasm that I need to keep at it over and over again."

"If you're just running on purpose, life can start to feel heavy. If you're running on just passion without purpose, it's easy to get burned out or lose direction."

"Passion needs structure to thrive."

"Rest isn't the opposite of passion. It's the fuel that keeps the fire burning strong."

Your One Thing

Liz's takeaway: Life isn't a fortune cookie. Go out, live your life, discover your passions, and allow them to evolve over time. Approach your life with curiosity and a sense of discovery. Stop penalizing yourself because it wasn't this big explosion moment. Sometimes you'll be doing things for ages and then go, "Oh, crap. This is my thing." When you're in flow, what's easy to you is magic to everybody else.

George's takeaway: If you want your passion to truly last, don't just pour everything into it. Learn to step back and refuel along the way. Passion isn't about going full throttle 24/7. Take breaks. Set boundaries. Remember that stepping back is part of moving forward.

Reflection Questions

1. What activities make you feel more alive, even if they seem small or quiet?
2. Am I enjoying this process, or am I feeling pressured by it?
3. Is this passion enhancing my life, or is it starting to take a toll?
4. Where might I need more structure or boundaries to protect what I love?

Ready to go deeper? Press play above and let George and Liz walk you through the full conversation. This one's worth your time.

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