There's a reason why I'm not a fan of the "Follow your passion" phrase. Here's why.
Do you find it annoying when someone says, “follow your passion?”
I do.
Which is kind of funny because I used to live by that phrase—chase that phrase. And now it irritates me.
In this episode, I'll discuss why following your passion sucks.
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Do you find it annoying when someone says, “follow your passion?”
I do.
Which is kind of funny because I used to live by that phrase—chase that phrase. And now it irritates me.
For one, it’s a privileged thing to say. Not everybody can “follow their passion”, simply because passion doesn’t always provide the necessary needs.
I was born and raised in a culture where I’m allowed and able to find and follow my passion, but that’s not a reality for everyone.
So I need to be more mindful that that phrase doesn’t apply to everyone.
Second, what do you mean by “follow you passion”?
If I feel an urge to paint someone’s house, should I pursue it? Regardless of the owner’s interest?
If I’m done painting, have I finished following my passion?
If I love numbers and I’m in accounting, is that too boring a passion to one’s liking? Should I therefore change it?
It I love cooking, but also gardening, and playing hockey, and dancing, then are those my passions? Should I pursue them all? Make a career out of all? ---I think you get it.
It's confusing to say the least.
There’s passion. But then there’s also purpose and calling and your element, etc. But what it seems to come down to is that we want to do what we love. And if that’s something that doesn’t pay the bills, we have to make sure it does.
But instead of figuring out and chasing passion, why don’t we look at the flipside?
We’ve been created as a 100% unique individual.
we’re here because God wants us to be.
We’re here so we can glorify God.
Period.
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“But…” I hear you say. So let’s continue.
God has a plan and ultimately, he doesn’t need our help fulfilling it. God made us in His image, so He has ALL the necessary skills to do anything himself.
Yet, He has given us the opportunity to take part.
And for that, we can look at what God has equipped us with.
What am I good at? What activity doesn’t cost me any effort? What did I like doing as a kid?
I feel we are obliged to know this. As though we owe this to God. How else can we use our talents for His glory? Think: parable of the talents.
So know what God has given you. And use those talents and skills to glorify Him. When you look at it from that perspective, it doesn’t really matter where you are in life.
If you’re a good writer and currently in a marketing job, use those skills. Create good work so it glorifies God.
If you’re at a management position in the banking world, treat others like Jesus would.
If you’re washing windows, take good care of yourself and others. You’re doing them a service.
But yes, if you are in customer support and you’re just not made for that type of job—trust me, I know what it’s like to reach a boiling point because of someone’s complaint--- then look at what God has put inside. Use what you see there-those talents and skills—to serve others well in a different way.
There are so many ways you can live out a passion.
I guess the problem we’re facing is not what we’re not able to pinpoint our passion or passions or things we love to do, everyone can figure those out.
I guess the problem is BEING CONTENT right now.
In the present.
Not longing for more. Not wanting more. But honing what you’re doing.