We’ve all heard the sage advice: “Find a career that you love so it doesn’t feel like work and you’ll be happier.” Difficult to disagree with that. So why are so many of us doing work just to pay the bills? Sure, most of our jobs aren’t so bad, but I would say that most people don’t literally “love” their jobs. For many of us it’s really hard to find a job doing what we love like traveling, writing, teaching, music, sailing, or whatever. Most of those jobs don’t pay enough unless you make it big.
That doesn’t mean that we need to abandon all hope though. We can always work full or part time at our regular jobs and pursue our passions on the side. One of the benefits of SkillWho is that it is an outlet for people to showcase their skills, talents, and passions. Sometimes we can make a little extra money on the side from our passions. Sometimes it’s just something we enjoy. SkillWho was designed to enable people to market those skills or just share them with the community. It’s also a place for people to meet others with a complementary skill or one they are seeking for a specific project.
My greatest personal passion is music (closely followed by surfing, travel, and Sunday afternoon naps with my wife and bulldog on the couch). I play guitar, piano, bass, and drums. I write and record songs. I don’t have time for a band though, although I did produce an album on my own (see mendism.com). I’m also an avid world traveler. Been to over 20 countries and lived on 3 continents. I’ve never really made any money with these passions though, but I still find them fulfilling. Luckily, I actually also enjoy building websites, online marketing, and business start ups. I find it exciting and a great outlet for creativity. So that’s what brings home the bacon for me. The purpose of my sharing my personal passions is just to show an example of how it can work so you know that I’m not just preaching without having practiced.
Best Ways to Pursue Our Passions?
1. Just do it and start today! Don’t procrastinate until a later time in life. The “perfect time” may never come. Make now the perfect time.
2. Start by writing out your goals and a plan on what to do. Maybe do some online research on what others are doing in that field.
3. Make a website. Doesn’t sound that important in the beginning stages, but there’s something about making a website that makes your pursuit official. It’s like opening a store front. And it’s a concrete reminder of your goal.
4. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues what you’re up to. You’ll get lots of support from your friends who will be excited for you and they’ll cheer you along.
5. Have a launch party. Whatever you’re doing, celebrate the start of your journey.
6. Work on it every day, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
7. Persist until your goals are achieved.
8. Regularly update your written plans and goals.
9. Fail a lot. The most successful people are those that have failed the most. They swing hard at the most pitches and every once in a while they knock it out of the park. Embrace setbacks as steps forward in your wisdom and your journey. Learn from them and adjust.
10. Have fun. If you’re not having fun, then what’s the point?
These are just my personal opinions on pursuing our passions. Hopefully it’ll be helpful to some people.
-Aaron Mendes, CEO SkillWho.com
I enjoyed reading those 10 step and I am in the process of building and design my own website.
I am a Loctician and Dread locks is my passion and that’s what I love to do.
All my clients advise me I should open a Beauty Salon
and this is what I want to do within one year.
I even went to Beauty School as a Cosmetology and I have to tell you I love it….
Once I design my Web page successfully I would like you to check it and tell me your honest opinion.
Posted by Wow 10 step are very helpful | December 31, 2009, 1:32 pmGlad to hear it. Good luck with your site and your venture.
Posted by skillwho | December 31, 2009, 4:04 pm