Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to

"Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don't be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going." These words, spoken by the visionary Kendra Scott, carry within them the essence of persistence, purpose, and the unyielding power of passion. Scott’s insight speaks to something deep within the human spirit—the driving force that moves us forward, even in the face of difficulty and uncertainty. It is a call to seek the fire within, to follow what sets our hearts alight, and to allow that passion to guide us in shaping our lives and our futures, even when the path is uncertain, and the road is fraught with obstacles.

In the ancient world, the great sages and philosophers often spoke of purpose and passion as the cornerstones of a fulfilled life. The Greek philosophers, for example, believed that true happiness—eudaimonia—came not from the accumulation of wealth or power, but from the pursuit of one’s true calling. Socrates famously declared, "The unexamined life is not worth living," urging others to seek what stirred their souls. This pursuit of what ignites the spirit is what Scott advocates. She encourages us to seek the very thing that makes us come alive—whether it be art, knowledge, leadership, or service—and to pour ourselves into it with passion and commitment.

This passion is not something we are born with in a fixed form; it is something that must be discovered, nurtured, and protected. Take, for example, the story of Michelangelo, the legendary sculptor, painter, and architect. Michelangelo’s passion for his craft was evident from a young age, but it was not without its struggles. He faced countless setbacks and challenges, from financial difficulties to moments of doubt about his own abilities. Yet, it was his passion for his art that kept him going. The David, one of his greatest masterpieces, came not from ease, but from a deep love for the craft and the determination to bring his vision to life, despite the challenges. Michelangelo’s journey was filled with missteps, yet his perseverance allowed him to create work that transcended time and place, a legacy that continues to inspire.

In our own lives, Kendra Scott’s words remind us that the challenges we face on the path to fulfilling our passions are not signs of failure but part of the journey. Life, like art, is often full of blank spaces, moments where we feel uncertain or lost. But those moments are also opportunities to fill the space with something meaningful, something that reflects our unique voice. The great explorers of history—like Christopher Columbus—faced treacherous waters and uncharted lands, yet they persevered because they were driven by something greater than fear. Their passion for discovery, their desire to fill the empty space with knowledge, drove them to move forward, even when the horizon seemed distant and unclear.

To walk the path of passion is not to walk a smooth road, but one that will demand strength and resilience. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, failed thousands of times before he succeeded. When asked about his many failures, he replied, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Edison’s passion for invention and his relentless pursuit of progress did not falter because of the challenges he faced. He knew that setbacks were merely stepping stones on the way to success, and perseverance was the key to turning his vision into reality.

So, the lesson in Scott’s words is clear: passion is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, especially when the journey becomes difficult. When we pursue what sets our hearts on fire, we find the courage to overcome obstacles, to turn challenges into opportunities, and to continue creating, even when the road is uncertain. Scott urges us to embrace the white spaces, those moments of blankness or uncertainty, and to fill them with our vision, our creativity, and our love for what we do. Whether it is through art, invention, or service to others, the path of passion is one that demands not just skill, but resilience and faith in ourselves.

In your own life, take Kendra Scott’s advice to heart. Find that thing that stirs your spirit, that ignites your inner fire, and pour yourself into it with joy and determination. Do not fear the challenges or the setbacks, for they are the crucible in which your resolve is forged. Remember the great heroes of history, from Michelangelo to Edison, who did not falter in the face of difficulty, but found their way through it by holding fast to their vision. The blank spaces you face today are merely opportunities waiting to be filled. So step forward with confidence, passion, and perseverance, and let your journey be one of creation, growth, and fulfillment.