A Good Kick in the A*S: Today, I had the fortunate experience of working out, picking up my race packet, and eating lunch with my good friend and mentor Roger. Not your average friend by any stretch of the imagination and sometimes when you need a good kick in the a*s - best to get it from one of your best friends. As stated in an earlier post, I'm doing a triathlon this Sunday. Not just any one but the Couples Triathlon with Roger. Roger is 67 and has been training with me for the last 5 months and only this last month have I been able to beat him during swim and bike practice but I know he can finish this triathlon. He also inspired me to get off my ever shrinking b**t and get that open water certification for scuba diving. However - it is not just his athleticism that left me in awe but his generosity. He actively coaches 2 sports in special Olympics (basketball and baseball) and works really hard to make sure that all his special needs players have a good time. He gives his time away to coach 3 nights a week and their division won state. Roger is also very generous and willing to give his advice on running a successful business to those who are willing to listen. Lastly, he has been supportive on my job search and entrepreneurial exploration by giving pointers and making sure I have at least a good lunch after every morning workout. So when I was feeling blue after attending a mid-morning seminar, Roger, like the good friend that he is, reminded me of what is the most important in business (whether as an employee, CEO, or a sole proprietor) -> passion. At various points of our professional lives, we all have to work long hours. Without a genuine passion for our idea, product, or service, we will fail and it doesn't matter if we saved 1.5 or .25 years worth of income before starting. So whatever challenges you are facing today, hopefully you have a good friend who you can gracefully appreciate a good hard kick in the a*s from to keep you moving and become a better person.