The adage “do what you are passionate about and the money will follow” may sound delusional to those who put their passion in a box. They categorize their passion as a profession, discipline or label and often get disappointed when it does not pan out. This misplaced perception breeds a vicious cycle of distrust and insecurities for those who have failed following the footsteps of national celebrities and icon.
“I am a talented singer – everybody attests to my great voice but I have been doing this gig for 5 years and I seem not to be making ends meet. Look at Mr. A, who cannot even sing as well as I can but the whole nation cannot seem to get enough of him – he now tours the whole world in private jet.”
First things first, this guy assumes that if he can sing very well, he should naturally be a celebrated musician – this is a faulty premise and it is what most people who pursue their passion assume. They link it to a “perceived successful icon” and strive in a wrong direction. Your singing must be solving a particular problem because Mr. A is aware of what is singing is solving; he gets the fruit of his labor.
One important premise – no human being can tell you what you are called to solve. According to the Bible, Joseph had a dream where he saw his father and brothers (Israel) bowing to him – he knew he was called to leadership. No matter his situation, he was always the leader – in Potiphar’s house, he was the leader of the stewards – in Prison, he was the leader of the Prisoners – in the Palace, he was the leader of the Egypt nation. Joseph exhibited his leadership skill in all situations not knowing he was ultimately called to lead the whole of Israel from pending crises.
Jesus Christ was called to salvage the earth from sin. When he was on earth, everything he did was about saving human beings from diseases, demons and even the most difficult thing on earth to conquer by the greatest of all scientists – death. He ate, dreamt and slept salvation. When he was reeled with pain and was about to die on the cross, he saved a thief from eternal doom. Jesus found what he was called to do and it became his very first nature despite difficult situations – “Father, Let this cup pass over me!”
They are so many careers opened up for those who can sing very well. Note, it may not be as lucrative as the celebrated musicians but it should be equally satisfying because the essence of every passion career is for self-expression. Your situation no matter how difficult, should not bury your passion, it should enhance it. You are not called to a position or shaped to a box called doctor, lawyer, economist, project manager, writer, life time coach, etc – you are called to solve something and your passion career should be evident to all.
In the part 2 of this series, we will look at how to value your passion career for economic benefit.
Have a nice day!
