We've all heard that to be happy it helps to do what you love, follow your passion and you'll be happy. Unfortunately many of us are stuck in a job we don't like that doesn't fill us with enthusiasm or joy but hey we have to pay the bills. On top of all this we are balancing our remaining time between general chores, friends, family and other forms of entertainment seemingly leaving us with no time for our passions.
Excuses excuses...
The truth is most of us can easily find time but make excuses not to. I have been putting off writing this blog for years. All kinds of self doubt creeps in with reasons to do it another day, or there's just not enough time. Just make a start, that's the hardest part. Once you begin and decide upon your hobby/craft/passion, a momentum quickly builds as you are deeply engaged in an activity that makes you feel alive, in the zone/flow state where time seems to disappear as you are fully focused on your favourite task.
Mind over money...
Many people think about the money side and yes there are plenty who have manged to use their chosen passion as a career path which is great. Unfortunately most of us are not encouraged in our early years to excel at the subjects we love and therefor further develop our skills due to how our current education system works. This often results in being told by teachers, family and friends that you need to focus on getting a job that's 'realistic' and that your not going to make it as an artist, musician or whatever may be your passion. This is where the money doesn't matter, sure you'll need a job to pay bills but in your spare time nothing is stopping you from knuckling down and improving your skills. Your goal should be to put in the 'work' (or 10,000 hours as the popular saying goes) and become so good at your craft to the point of expertise. Now its quite possible the money will come too because you are in the small percentile who are exceptional at this chosen path thus greater than most competition.
Death is guaranteed...
Now i know humans seem to shy away from any thoughts of death and prefer to pretend that they are infinite (which we are but not physically). Facts are facts and each one of our physical bodies will perish which is why you should think about death and often. My reasoning hear is by reminding ourselves that death will come (possibly sooner than we think) should be a kick up the rear end to stop worrying so much and get on with those things you enjoy and excel at. Time is fleeting and you don't want to be that 'death bed one' full of doubts and what if's. When you think of death it puts things back into perspective and you can take the bull by the horns (i take no responsibility for anybody that actually does take a bull by the horns) and crack on with life. Treat others well, don't let others treat you badly and do those things you enjoy. Life can be hard but remember that whatever life throws your way you have a conscious choice of how to react mentally and emotionally and to choose not to allow situations, obstacles and others to control your responses.
IT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU, BUT HOW YOU REACT TO IT THAT MATTERS. -EPICTETUS
Mind over money...
Many people think about the money side and yes there are plenty who have manged to use their chosen passion as a career path which is great. Unfortunately most of us are not encouraged in our early years to excel at the subjects we love and therefor further develop our skills due to how our current education system works. This often results in being told by teachers, family and friends that you need to focus on getting a job that's 'realistic' and that your not going to make it as an artist, musician or whatever may be your passion. This is where the money doesn't matter, sure you'll need a job to pay bills but in your spare time nothing is stopping you from knuckling down and improving your skills. Your goal should be to put in the 'work' (or 10,000 hours as the popular saying goes) and become so good at your craft to the point of expertise. Now its quite possible the money will come too because you are in the small percentile who are exceptional at this chosen path thus greater than most competition.
Death is guaranteed...
Now i know humans seem to shy away from any thoughts of death and prefer to pretend that they are infinite (which we are but not physically). Facts are facts and each one of our physical bodies will perish which is why you should think about death and often. My reasoning hear is by reminding ourselves that death will come (possibly sooner than we think) should be a kick up the rear end to stop worrying so much and get on with those things you enjoy and excel at. Time is fleeting and you don't want to be that 'death bed one' full of doubts and what if's. When you think of death it puts things back into perspective and you can take the bull by the horns (i take no responsibility for anybody that actually does take a bull by the horns) and crack on with life. Treat others well, don't let others treat you badly and do those things you enjoy. Life can be hard but remember that whatever life throws your way you have a conscious choice of how to react mentally and emotionally and to choose not to allow situations, obstacles and others to control your responses.
IT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU, BUT HOW YOU REACT TO IT THAT MATTERS. -EPICTETUS
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