What They Didn’t Tell You About Following Your Passions…

You have heard this before: “Do what you are passionate about and the money will follow”

It’s very smooth and soothing and has inspired many to go after the things they love. Who wouldn’t want to pursue a passion as opposed to grinding your life away sitting behind a desk doing something you really don’t like?

Doing something that’s un-interesting is a drain. It saps the living life out of you. So, yes, you will be much more energized and excited about the possibilities by pursuing your passion.

… but, there’s one thing missing that is imperative you know to avoid massive financial failure and misery

Not knowing this has caused people to fail faster than missing this.

What is it?

Well, first of all, they don’t tell you to make sure there’s a market for it. If there’s no market, then there’s money to be made. If there’s no money, well, I think you know what happens. So make sure there’s a market, and a big enough market so you can get paid enough to make it worthwhile to you. Otherwise, your passion will fizzle.

The other thing they don’t tell you about following your passions is that if you don’t know how to effectively market and sell yourself, you will have to leave your success up to pure luck working for you. I don’t know about you but I like it when I’m lucky, I also like it when I have more control over my financial future and what I can accomplish. John Maxwell said that “hope is not a good strategy”. You can also say that “luck and hope are not good strategies”.

So, yes, pursue your passions, whether it’s photography, painting, art, starting your own business, creating a 2nd business – go after what is in your heart. Just make sure you invest time, money and energy in learning how to market and sell yourself.

And we all like to do things on our own. I mean the world and society tells us to be a self-made man (or woman!). It has great appeal to it. Who wouldn’t want to be known as that?! Pictures of fame, fortune, recognition, stardom go along with it. It also drives me insane.

Show me a self-made man and I will show you a man that hasn’t made much of himself.

Why do I say that?

Everyone I know who has been successful has had a variety of things come into play… they have received a “lucky break” along the way – usually in the way of having a wise mentor impart a piece of wisdom or making a much needed connection. They have also been coached and mentored by greats that have gone before them, whether it’s in the form of books, audios, videos or mentors and coaches. Or more often than not, a combination of them.

There are 2 ways to gain wisdom – mistakes and mentors.

If you don’t want a mentor make many mistakes and take the long road to your goals.

But why not find a mentor that has experience in the area you want to grow in? … this is a true shortcut to your goals and living in your area of passion.

Oh, and by the way, you have special gifts and talents. People need what you have. Lives are waiting to be touched by your gifts and your story.

Follow your passions. Learn to market and sell yourself. Find a mentor or coach that can impart wisdom to you. Then work your buns off and leave the results to God. (that’s a story for a rainy day :)

Be great eh!
Chris