A few years ago, I decided to put my blog out on the internet for all to see! I’m following my passion and making a little progress at a time.
When we follow our passion and do the things that make us happy, we are much more aligned to bring more happiness in to our lives.
However, sometimes when you follow your passion it can be really scary. You are diving into something new that you love, and think that now you are going to manifest all your dreams quickly.
Well, it doesn’t always work that way.
If you are pursuing a passion and it is not going the way you thought it would, take a step back and ask yourself why. What can you learn from the beginning stages? What beliefs are you holding on to? What is holding you back from fulfilling your dreams?
Your passion might be writing a book, opening a restaurant, selling your art, going back to school, etc.
Here’s what I’ve learned about following my passion of blogging.
1. Not everyone will agree with you.
There are going to be people who think what you are doing is dumb, not a real “job,” or a pipe dream. Others won’t see the value that you can provide. But those people are probably not your audience anyway. Let that go and surround yourself with people who have similar passions or who can give you constructive feedback.
2. You can’t please everyone.
Whatever your passion is, do it for you. Do it to make you happy and do it well enough so that it feels good. You may get one or two people who actually tell you that it isn’t good, or laugh at you or write a bad review anonymously, but what you don’t see is the many others that you have touched. Most people see or read or hear something that makes them feel good, but never say a word to anyone else. Don’t do it to please others, do it because it’s best for you.
3. You must find your own path.
When I started blogging, I followed a course that showed me exactly how to set it up. Then I took a course that told me very specifically the steps I needed to take to make my blog profitable. Well, that didn’t work the way they said it would. I need to do the things that I am comfortable with and be OK with the results. My path is mine alone, and no one else is on it. My goals, my dreams.
4. You make your own rules.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to play by someone else’s rules. Unless it’s the law, in which case you should probably follow that, make your own rules! Just because someone else does it a certain way, doesn’t mean it is the only way. You should do it the way that feels good to you.
5. You will always keep learning.
Whatever your passion is, there is something on the Internet that can teach you how to do it better. Whether it’s a specific skill to learn or motivation to start, keep learning. According to Deb Calvert, a speaker and author who writes about learning, the top two reasons to keep learning are:
People who continually learn (whether they have advanced degrees or not) will earn more money than those who rely on a narrow set of skills and experiences.
There is a link between education level and life expectancy. Those who are better educated are healthier.
6. You can always try new things.
Sometimes when you start following your passion you think you know what your goal is, but then something will come up along the way to steer you in a different direction. When I started blogging I thought writing was my passion, but I’ve discovered along the way that I really like the creative side as well. Be open and aware of what else is piquing your interest.
7. You should know your end game.
When you are starting out, take the time to write down why you want to do this. Is it just to have fun, make some extra money, share joy with others, improve your health, etc.? When you know why you are following your passion, it is easier to stay motivated. Giving the Universe your destination helps you get there.
8. Your life is short.
Things will happen in your life that makes you sit up and take notice. An illness or death of someone close to you conjures up those feelings of how you need to not take anything for granted. You should be doing all the things that make you happy now. But then a few days or weeks will pass, and you are right back in your routine. We need to stop waiting for the right time; follow your passion now!
9. Your path won’t feel like work.
You know you are on the right path when you wake up in the morning and you are excited to get to work. Whether it’s your 9-5 job or something you do after hours, I hope you wake up with energy and enthusiasm to start another day.
