Passion or Purpose? Why Not Both?

There’s a lot of advice around about following your passion if you want to be happy and successful.

Most of us have heard: Follow your passion and success/money will follow.

But if you Google ‘follow your passion’ the first page is full of advice about NOT following your passion.

So what’s going on here?

Doing something you’re passionate about is never bad advice, and quite often is where you’ll find success/money.

And happiness …

Passion = Happiness

I think following your passion, or your bliss, or your dreams, is too open to interpretation …

And far too vague …

It’s more about doing what you know …

There are some things you know more about and have more experience with than 90% of the population.

Passion doesn’t always enter into it, but often does.

And if it’s something you enjoy, then you’ll be good at it …

Because you enjoy it.

And presumably you indulge regularly.

Passion = Interest

There’s a good chance others are also interested in it …

And that’s where mining your experience and knowledge can really pay off for you.

When you do what you know, there’s no steep learning curve.

Of course, it’s unlikely you know everything about it, so you’ll want to learn more …

But you already ‘get it’ …

So there’s a good chance reading and learning more will be fun and interesting. And something you’d do in your spare time anyway …

My Passion …

When I first started writing web copy I would write for anyone who needed my services. On any subject, even some I knew nothing about.

The research I had to do to be able to write about new topics was taking up most of my days – I’m nothing if not thorough.

Then, I’d write my piece, and get paid. And I’d know a lot more about that industry than I did before I took the job …

But then I’d move onto another client and another subject, and it would start all over again.

My general knowledge was a mile wide, but only an inch deep …

And I was working long hours for little reward – I don’t really need an in-depth education on verandas and pergolas, or big screen TVs.

They are fine subjects, but they’re not for me. I’m not passionate about them, and it showed in my writing.

Now I write about things I care deeply about: natural health, personal development, and animals …

And I really walk my talk …

I love writing about them, I have plenty to say, and my excitement for them bursts out of my writing, and inspires others.

And best of all, because these topics are a part of my life, and have been for many years, I don’t need to spend so much time on research.

I can mine my many years of experience …

And I can be authentic and passionate in my service to others.

Passion = Authenticity

There are plenty of companies out there peddling services and promising the world …

They sound good at first …

But there’s no enthusiasm or excitement so they consistently under-deliver lacklustre services, and their customers are left disappointed and unhappy.

When you’re fired up and driven, you’re also genuine and authentic.

People are drawn to authenticity. They themselves feel more authentic when they see it in others …

When you do what you know consistently, you become an industry expert …

And your dedication to that industry shines through in the work you do.

Passion = Purpose

Think of it more as purpose. Your purpose in life …

But there should be passion in your purpose …

I think the original advice is still good, but it’s been misinterpreted …

Perhaps it should be ‘follow your purpose’ –  your mission in life.

And to find that, well, you’ll need to feel the passion.

I’m all for passion, in everything you do. The world needs passionate people – there’s too much apathy and indifference …

If you can swing it so your passion is your job, then use your job as a vehicle to fulfil your purpose …

What’s not to love about that?

 

KEEP THE FAITH

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