The Strategies
Enjoy this experpt from the book Strategies for Happiness: How to Achieve Your Happiness Potential. To get the full story, Click here to order a copy today!
Pursue Your Passion
"The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours."
Ayn Rand
What are you doing with your life? Are you living it to the fullest? Are you waiting for more time, the right time or enough money before you start to live? Are you wasting even a precious moment of your day on self-pity, anger, frustration, envy, or anything else that would take away from your joy?
Are you stuck in the trap – the lie that life is just to be endured, or that mediocrity is inevitable?
Don't wait for your ship to come in; jump in the water and swim into your passion. Find out what you really love to do and then take action to make it happen. That way, whatever you do, it won't feel like work. When people are trying to find out what to do with their lives, they often ask questions like "How much money can I make?" "What kind of demand is there for this job?" "What kind of advancement can I expect?"
People are taught to believe that if they work hard, someday it will all pay off, and they will be able to retire and have some fun. With being caught up in the trap of retirement and sticking with a job that is no fun and of no interest, they feel they can't leave because of all their seniority. Leaving too soon will mean losing their retirement package. It's such a waste of potential and passion.
Unfortunately, there are so many people that live their life in the future and miss out on really living. They say, "One day, when this or that happens, then I will be happy." I know, I still find myself saying it.
When we are young, we have so many dreams and aspirations. There is so much we want to do, to experience, and to enjoy. As we go through life, if we are not careful, we can let the events of our lives snuff out our spark, putting out our fire. We put off what we really want because we feel it's just not time yet.
So ask yourself, what really makes you excited? What gets your heart pumping with joy? The world can use people who are truly alive. Find out what you really love to do, and then find the way to make it happen.
Ask yourself, if you had all the money in the world, all the time, and you knew that you were going to die in six months, what would you do with your life? It is really a hard question to answer, I know, but it does help you to focus in on what is really important to you.
Only you know what your dreams are – what you are passionate about. Your passion is something you would be willing to do even if you didn't get paid. Be honest. What do you really want to do? Don't worry about what others think or want for you. It's not their life, it's yours.
Maybe your passion is sharing joy with others through music or writing. Maybe your passion is expressing the pleasure of colour and light through stained glass creations or painting. It could be helping people better their lives through goods and services you provide or the opportunity to heal others mentally or physically. Whatever your passion, it needs to be expressed, and by doing so, you will touch the world.
Your passion needs to be healthy and one that contributes to your well being, with positive consequences. Happiness is fueled by purpose, which is fueled by passion.
Passion is energy.
It's a fact. You have the same amount in you day as anyone else. Therefore, make sure to not waste a minute of it living according to someone else's plan. Be true to who you are and what you want from your life, not what others want you to do. Its your life, your goal, your passion that is the only thing of importance in your life. Even if the world looks on your choices and the result as foolish, it's still your choice and that is something to celebrate. Don't allow others to make those choices for you.
Don't let anyone talk you out of your dream. No matter how impossible it seems to the world, if it's what you really want, do whatever it takes to achieve it. If you do achieve that specific dream, great. Otherwise, along the journey you might find it's not what you really want, and you can change your direction toward what you now really want. It is all a journey, but you will not get anywhere if you don't attempt to start.
Don't stop, no matter what others say, unless you realize it's what you want to do. Be open to changing your mind if you realize the direction you have taken is not where you want to go. There is nothing wrong with re-thinking your goals.
As you pursue your passions, you may have times that you fall flat on your face. That's okay; at least you tried. Always allow yourself the freedom to consider the possibilities. You won't know unless you attempt it and find out the lessons it can bring you. Otherwise, you will always wonder what might have been.
You Can Always Learn What You Need to Know
Don't let your lack of knowledge stop you from pursuing your passions. If it is your passion, you can always learn what you need to know. It's not lack of knowledge that stops people from achieving their dreams; it's lack of determination. If there is something you are truly passionate about, the energy to persevere will be there. You won't have to force yourself.
So find your passion and don't let people stop you. Be open to what others have to say but always decide what is right for you – what resonates with your being. Pursue your passion and then no matter what happens in your life, it will be full. If you find and live your passions, the world will be a richer place for everyone, including yourself.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
Harold Whitman