Which Passion Should I Pursue?

Several readers mentioned that they have several passions, interests and/or ideas and they wanted to know how to determine which one to pursue.

My advice would be to pursue them all until one starts to show a little promise. At that time, feed that new sprout with more attention. In other words, where there’s smoke, pour gasoline. If your fledgling enterprise ignites, you will naturally be swept up and it will immediately consume all your energies and stoke your passions. It can be a scary time because you realize you will have to abandon your other pursuits to do justice to this one. But, on the other hand, it is exhilarating to be involved with something that is taking off.

In the earliest days of my starting my ice cream company, I was also pursuing three other enterprises at the same time. One involved importing cashmere; another involved free lance writing, and the final one involved marketing a toy I was enamored with. At the time, I thought the biggest upside resided with the toy. I saw ice cream as a part time business at most. But one thing led to another and before I knew it, there wasn’t room for anything else. I was living, breathing, eating, sleeping, and loving ice cream for the next nine years.

When I started my telecom company, it was only meant to be a part time involvement whose purpose was merely to throw off enough income each month to support my family modestly thereby buying me time while I figured out what to do with the rest of my life.

Again, the next nine years got totally dedicated to the joys (and pains) of growing that business. Nature figured out for me what I should do with my life.

Just pursuing an interest is enough. If it has potential, then that potentiality will show itself soon. If it doesn’t, then you know you need to make a course correction.

www.lazyway.net

Comments

[Ben]

Hmh, maybe that's what I have done wrong so far. I probably put too much pressure on my first steps. It always has to be that big one idea that hits a homerun.

I know this better, but still... probably have to have more trust in myself and more patience.

I also think it's difficult to letting go. The idea that I just pursue my interests a little and let nature/universe/god/whatever judge my steps and tell me what I should do next is not easy.

Yeahh, trust is probably the key.

Good to hear that you too had more than one idea. When reading about successful people, it often sounds like they had just one inspiration, followed it and then they were successful, where I never had this clear vision and I guess most people neither.

I'm going to try pursuing my interest and waiting for it to show its potential, going to try it hard ... aahhm, I mean *lazy* of course, very lazy :)

Thanks Fred, another great post from you that got me thinking.

[Ben]

Just an idea: I think it could be great to discuss the lazy way with others who also try to follow it.

If someone knows a good place for this, please let me know. Or if someone is interested in chatting about this drop me a line :)

[avin]

Great Post Fred. I am currently juggling a couple of things myself and often wonder if I'm doing too much. You are right though, I have a feeling nature will sort it out on its own.

[Peter Gibbons]

Ben, Drop me a line. I'm always interested in "follow your dreams" kind of talk. I decided a few months ago to just trust in myself and follow my interests wherever they take me - without thought of financial rewards. I talk about it on my web-site. I have met a lot of great people and it has definitely improved the quality of my life. But I have yet to turn it into something financially rewarding - and I may never decide to do that. I am enjoying the ride, though.

[R.Leal]

Great article! I have not had quite the same success but thoroughly enjoy the passion and uncertainty of forging ahead with a new project. I look forward to reading more.
R.Leal

[Tony]

thanks Fred, this helps