The Key To Happiness? Love Something To The Point Of Ridicule
A few weeks ago I stumbled upon an amazing video of a guy in New York seeing a limited edition train for the first time.
May sound irrelevant to you and me, but this guy is absolutely obsessed with trains and it makes for one of funniest videos I’d seen in a long time.
Enjoy this wonderful 2.5 minutes.
After sharing the video on Facebook, a friend pointed out one of the youtube comments that read,
"Wow. I wish I cared this much about anything."
We can laugh at this guy for getting fired up about something most of us know nothing about. But the truth is, very few people can honestly say they care this much about anything.
And then it dawned on me: Loving something like this guy loves trains is the secret to happiness. It's also the secret to humanness. (Click to Tweet)
I believe we were created to build, strategize, love, scheme, obsess, and innovate. For this guy, limited edition trains probably keep him awake at night. In a world where so many can't even name one positive thing they are passionate about, there is something beautifully human in this guy losing his mind over a train.
Excited train guy from New York gives us a small glimpse into the great capacity for joy and excitement we as humans have the ability to experience.
Furthermore, loving something to the point of ridicule is extremely important. Especially if it's something of value or purpose. I knew I was on to something when a few years back people started poking fun about my work with These Numbers Have Faces.
A good friend once told me he was in the process of starting a similar organization called "These Braces Have Faces," whose mission is to provide counseling for kids who had undergone embarrassing dental work. We got a good laugh out of that.
People poking fun at your passions is a very good sign. It means they care enough to notice what you're doing and are most likely a little bit envious. (Click to Tweet)
So what is it for you? What’s the thing you’d film a video of yourself doing, knowing full well that people might make fun of you?
Don’t know? I encourage you to figure it out. Take a tip from the excited train guy in New York.
- JZ
Photo Credit: YellowBullet.com
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TweetComments (17)
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Caleb Day
LOVE IT! Fight apathy with all you've got, even if it makes you uncool!-
Justin Zoradi
Cheers Caleb! Appreciate it man.
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Chris Goble
As always, love it, and love your heart that clearly speaks through this. And to take it even a step further: Once we're able to love things this passionately, we can pursue the right thing to love passionately. Apathy, look out.-
Justin Zoradi
Thanks Chris! And yes, it is about choosing the right things to love passionately. No doubt about it. Thanks -
Justin Dernison
Thought provoking as always. Running through my list. Had many things in life some come and then go. Some go and then come back and go again. Finding the right thing and making it last; now there is something to look for!-
Justin Zoradi
For sure Justin! Thanks for reading and your comments.
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Justin Zoradi
Thanks Dave. Appreciate it so much.
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Robyn
Thank you for sharing the video and your commentary - while the video is certainly enjoyable - your commentary moved and inspired me - not so much to find my passion - but not to worry about how it ignites me and that there is no need to make excuses related to my enthusiasm. Thank you!-
Justin Zoradi
Awesome. Thanks Robyn. Appreciate you reading and commenting.
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I get excited about books and have been almost moved to tears reading Peter Drucker. Thanks Justin!
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Justin Zoradi
Thanks Drew! Love Peter Drucker. He's a legend.
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another great post!! love this; I get teary eyed over great design. in nature, in stores, over creative ideas...over paint colors! gracious. this made me feel better about that! :)
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Justin Zoradi
Thanks Jennifer! No need to be ashamed over paint colors! Thanks for reading.
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Kayla Aldrich (aka Weber)
Thanks for this Justin. Although we have never met, I find it awesome how we are connected through family. Your mom directed me toward this blog. My husband and I just got through our first year of marriage, and it can be a difficult thing to stay fired up about. I find myself dramatically changing our lives (job & living situation) in order to focus on our marriage. Alaska has taught me to focus on the family and make it a priority. Portland taught me to make money and keep climbing the corporate ladder. This was so encouraging to read, and I realized that I may encounter ridicule based on my decision to change everything for my husband and our relationship. Good luck with your business. I have heard so many great things!-
Justin Zoradi
Thanks Kayla! Glad we connected. You're Trevor's sister as well right? Really appreciate you reading and your comments. Thanks!-
Kayla Aldrich (aka Weber)
Yes, I am Trevor's sister.
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