Ever find yourself wondering if your passion for your job—or your relationship—has quietly faded while you weren’t looking? I’ve been there. After twenty years in sales, I took a real vacation for the first time and realized something had changed. Maybe it’s not burnout… It’s perhaps clarity. Let’s talk about it.

Is the Passion Gone?

I’ve been in sales for over 20 years, and every time I’ve taken a vacation, I’ve still found myself in “work mode.” If you’re in sales, you get it — it’s in your DNA. You live it, breathe it, and it’s hard to switch it off because you’re driven by results, energy, and that next deal.

But this last vacation felt… different. For the first time, I was completely disconnected from work — no emails, no calls, no “quick check-ins.” And that’s when it hit me: maybe my passion for what I do is fading. Perhaps I’ve changed — or maybe the company needs to change to reignite that spark. Can passion be restored? Possibly. But the real question is: whose responsibility is it — mine, or theirs?

Why Passion Matters

Passion is everything. It’s the fuel behind success — in business, in relationships, in life. When it fades, everything slows down. In a company, lost passion can cost thousands in sales. In a relationship, it can cost a connection — or worse, a marriage.

In sales, especially, passion is the secret weapon. Buyers can sense it. When you truly believe in what you’re selling, people feel it — and they buy into not just your product, but you.

A friend of mine, a real estate broker, told me about a colleague who landed an exclusive listing on a home he secretly dislikes. Other agents in his office love the property, but he’s the one with the deal. The homeowners have no idea. How long do you think that house will sit on the market? Exactly. You can’t fake passion — not for long.

When a salesperson loves their product, their job stops feeling like “work.” They show up energized, creative, and driven — and that energy translates directly into success. The business grows, revenue climbs, and morale stays high.

So how do companies keep that fire alive?
Simple — but not easy:

• Provide the right tools to do the job well.

• Deliver quality products and stand behind them.

• Recognize effort and reward success.

• Lead with respect and integrity.

• Pay your people what they’re worth.

A great salesperson is like a fine bottle of wine — handle with care, and they’ll only get better with time.

Passion in Relationships

Now, let’s talk about personal passion — because the same rules apply (well, minus the paycheck part… although, who knows, that might spice things up too 😏).

Just like in sales, relationships need energy, attention, and appreciation to stay alive. When one partner stops showing up with enthusiasm or curiosity, the connection fades. Passion needs feeding — in love, as in work.

Final Thought

Passion isn’t just about liking what you do — it’s about feeling alive while you do it. If you’ve lost that spark, don’t ignore it. Figure out whether it’s burnout, boredom, or a signal that it’s time for something new. Because passion doesn’t just make you better at what you do — it makes life worth doing.

Real Talk, Real People — that’s where the truth lives.