#4: Chasing Your Passion Could Be Holding You Back; Try This Instead

Part of the ethos here at YLB is to build a business doing something you love.

I’m sure you’ll have heard many times on your journey to date, “just follow your passion.”

But what if you’re not sure what your passion is? Or you’re multi-passionate and want to do everything! You’re not alone, I can assure you.

In a recent interview with Terry Kyle from WPX hosting (the hosting platform I use for my site), we were discussing that if you manage to build a business out of your passion, then you are one of the lucky ones!

For the rest of us, just the simple act of determining our passion, or honing it down to just one thing can stop us moving forward.

That’s why it’s often better to instead focus on, curiosity, strengths, and interests. These three components can be the driving forces behind building a successful lifestyle business, even in the absence of a clearly defined “passion.”

Here’s why;

1. Passion is a Heightened but Fleeting Interest

Author of one of my fave books, ‘The 4 Hour Workweek‘, Tim Ferris says;

“Passion is a heightened interest, but it’s also fleeting. Curiosity, on the other hand, is constant and insatiable. If you follow it, it will lead you down paths you’d never expect and towards opportunities you’d never have otherwise found.”

Let curiosity, rather than passion, be your compass; you never know where you might end up!

2. Curiosity is the Path to Unexpected Joys and Unanticipated Expertise

In the same vein, Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat Pray Love,” & another of my fave books ‘Big Magic‘ (well worth a read if you’re a creator), says;

“Stop trying to chase your passion and just follow your curiosity. It’s not about a divine calling or a grand plan. Rather, it’s about small interests that tickle your fancy and draw your attention. It’s about being attentive to what interests you and then taking a step to learn more about it, then another step, and another. That’s how a journey begins. That’s how you stumble into unexpected joys and unanticipated expertise.”

By focusing on things you’re curious about and want to explore further yourself, who knows what passions you’ll incite in yourself and others.

3. Passion Comes From Action

Scott Galloway, a professor of marketing, an author, a serial entrepreneur, and the publisher of a brilliant weekly newsletter, points out that;

“the marketplace rewards competence, not passion.”

His advice is to focus on what you’re already good at.

Building upon your existing skills not only gives you a competitive edge, but also opens up the path to mastery and satisfaction. As you become better at what you do, passion often follows.

4. Live by Themes Rather Than One True Calling

James Altucher in his book, “Choose Yourself,” recommends living your life by themes rather than one true calling. He acknowledges that we change and evolve as we grow and experience new things, which means that it’s likely our habits and interests evolve with us.

I, for example, recognise that 15 years ago I didn’t realize how passionate I’d be about traveling the world and now it’s pretty much all I think about.

In my experience, starting multiple businesses without knowing my “passion,” has been less about finding that one true calling and more about my desire to learn, tap into and improve my strongest skill sets, and follow paths that interest me.

It’s also about diving into new experiences, cultivating skills, and exploring different avenues. Most importantly it’s about taking action, as action generates passion, not the other way around.

So, if you’re stuck and unsure of your “passion,” just start. Follow your curiosity, use your strengths, and engage with your interests. You might just find that your passion has been hiding in plain sight all along.

Your Challenge

Write down things you’re curious about right now.

Identify your strengths and how they’d lend themselves to your business (maybe you’re great at writing, perhaps you’re a natural conversationalist, etc,) and make a list of your general interests in life.

How could you turn your curiosities and interest into a lifestyle business and how can your current skill sets assist you?

Stop worrying about going down the wrong path and just start something. By taking action, the path you truly want to go down will reveal itself.

Have a great week and as always Make It Happen!

Jo 🙂