Happy Galileo’s birthday!

That kind of greeting may surprise you on a day when everyone else is saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

But Galileo, whose birthday is actually tomorrow, has more to do with love than you might think.
His passion for study and observation earned him the title of “father of modern physics.”

“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night,” said Galileo, who spent countless nights trying to learn about the heavens.

“Passion is the genesis of genius,” he said.

So true. Passion makes the world go ’round, whether on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year.

“Anyone can dabble,” said comedian Bill Cosby, “but once you’ve made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it’s very hard for people to stop you.”

Passion becomes contagious. Look at what Jeremy Lin has done for the New York Knicks both on and off the court. Entering tonight’s game, they have won five straight games. Off the court, their stock is soaring. Attendance is up, and merchandise sales are on the rise. Lin Fever may even help bring an end to a raging cable TV dispute.

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter,  taught the whole world about crocodiles with his enthusiasm for them. “What a beauty!” he would say. I had never thought of crocodiles as beautiful, but Irwin had a way of making you buy into it.

“I believe that education is all about being excited about something,” said Irwin. “Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message.”

No matter whom you’re leading, you will make people follow if you let your passion show.

“What I do best is share my enthusiasm,” said Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

When you’re celebrating with your special someone today, remember that passion is not a one-day thing. It’s how you build a rich life.

Happy Galileo’s birthday!

*** *** *** ***

TotalGamePlan offers Winner’s Workshops for schools, sports teams and businesses. The emphasis is on motivation, skill-building and teamwork. To bring a Winner’s Workshop to your group, just email coachtully@totalgameplan.com or call (973) 800-5836. To order a copy of “Ten Things Great Coaches Know,” click here.