But here are four essential elements required for something to fall under the passion category.
- You’re ok with the playing the long game. Meaning, you know your idea or project is going to take some time to implement or experience success — and you’re ok with that.
- You’re ok asking those closest to you for their opinions — or help even! With obsession projects, this is seldom the case, in my experience.
- Regardless of the outcome, you’re going to be proud of your effort, energy, and focus — and will celebrate those wins.
- And finally — and most importantly — failure is not an option.
That’s right, failure is not an option.
I’m not saying you can’t go back to your day job if it doesn’t work out. Of course, you can. But when you find your passion — writing in my case, and specifically writing novels — you will do almost anything to stay on this path.
Obsessions are fun, but always end poorly.
I was obsessed with my first crush in high school. After she broke up with me, I didn’t date anyone else, because I believed there was a chance we might get back together. I wasted two years waiting for her.
We never got back together.
When obsessions don’t work out, dreams get shattered. Confidence gets decimated. And pride, well, poor pride takes an unwanted vacation — until the next obsession arises.
Where does passion come from?
I believe, in most cases, the passion we seek is already within us.
I wanted to be a writer since fifth grade, because of Mrs. Blake, my fifth-grade English teacher, and her kind words during a Parent-Teacher conference with my dad. She told him I was a talented writer and should consider writing outside my required classwork. When Mrs. Blake shared their conversation with me the following day, I was hooked on writing.
I’m not sure if it was because of her kindness and encouragement or something else, but writing, especially creative writing, meant something to me. Whether it was for my high school newspaper or personal journal, I was never happier than attempting to transfer stories or poems in my head to paper.
Unfortunately, my writing passion only reappeared when my dad got Alzheimer’s and I needed an outlet to express my grief and frustration.