Top 10 Ideas To Turn Your Passion into Your Career?

Global B2B buy sell website: http://www.bytrade.com

 

Of all the presentations and workshops I’ve given over the past few years, turning your passion into a career is one topic that has received the greatest response.  Showing people how to follow their passion is one of my favorite things to do too, because the buzz in the room is palpable, people light up with excitement on the spot and within days I get a slew of emails and notes telling me in detail how their lives have already started to change. So for all who haven’t had a chance to see me speak in person, I want to share these valuable and actionable tips on how to make a difference in your career immediately!

1. 1.   Make sure that you have a passion not just a mere interest/hobby. There is a huge difference between what we like and what we are passionate about. I like cooking, it is my hobby but I am not passionate about it. The thought of spending the entire day in the kitchen cooking for hundreds of people is horrifying to me.Ask yourself this simple question “Am I ready to do this every day of my life for 5, 10, 20 years?” If your answer is “yes” then you have found your true passion.


2. 2.   Expand on your passion. Look at your passion from different angles in order to see what the real source of it is.I have been a fitness instructor for 8 years and I considered it my passion. However, a few years ago I realized that my true passion lied in helping people perfect their bodies, improve their health and find their life balance. This is how Balance In Me (my blog) was born. Pilates, Yoga, self growth, spirituality and healthy eating are different branches of this passion and they help me stay enthusiastic about my goals.Do not choose a very narrow passion that you might outgrow in a couple of years. Look at the broad picture by analyzing everything that makes you feel fulfilled in life. Do you see a connection?


3. 3.   Think of all possible ways how you can pursue your passion. This is the opposite of the previous tip. Brainstorm all possible ways how you can pursue your passion. Let’s say that you are passionate about cooking. You can become a chef and eventually open a restaurant, you can write a book of recipes, you can have a blog about cooking, you can give private cooking lessons or cater for private parties. The more business opportunities you see the easier it will be to find the one that will work for you.


4. 4.   Get support from your family. If you are married then this is a must before you even start thinking about making business out of your passion. Misunderstanding, arguments and constant nagging can kill your passion really quick.


5. 5.   Treat your passion like business. A lot of people when they venture out in the pursuit of passion make a mistake of treating it like a hobby. There is a common misconception that when they love something they must do it only when they feel like it. In terms of writing it will mean writing only when you have inspiration (whether it is once a day or once a week). Treating your passion like business means:
   - Doing it whether you feel like it or not.
   - Having a to-do list or some plan that must be completed in a certain amount of time.
   - Having regular work hours (do not let your family or friends disturb you during those hours even if it means skipping a cup of coffee with your best friend or missing that great movie at the theatre).
   - Getting dressed for your work (you will need this if you are going to work from home. I can never come up with post ideas while I am wearing my pajamas).
   - Having an organized uncluttered work space (even if your office will consist of a chair and a table, make sure that you do not have any clutter or anything that will distract you from work).
   - Not expecting to earn a lot at once (at first you might even have to do everything for free just to gain the experience)
   - Having days-off and vacations (otherwise you will experience burnout really fast).

6.Know that you always have options

Never tell yourself you’re stuck.  You’re not. You have more options than you can even dream of.  In fact you could spend your whole life researching them and still not uncover everything that’s possible.  Challenge yourself to uncover 5 new opportunities for you this week, then another five next week.  Brainstorm 10 or 20 with your friends or family if you’re really inspired.  It’s an amazing exercise to do with a group.   See the road ahead of you as an open one to do with as you wish.   Get excited about having so many options.  That energy will help you tremendously as you set out to pursue the ones that rise to the top of your list.

7. Get some critique. You might think that your passion and idea for business is awesome but in reality it might be a disaster waiting to happen. Talk to your friends or family and let them critique your business to make sure that you have realistic expectations. Do not get offended when they criticize but rather use this information to come up with better plans for business.

 

8. Explore!

Get out and discover what’s out there!  Make a commitment to launch a serious expedition to uncover all sorts of new and exciting possibilities.  Every day of every week holds opportunities to meet new people, attend events, sit in on webinars, sign up for newsletters, join organizations or fan pages and engulf yourself in the worlds that following your passions can open up to you.  Keep exploring until you get yourself to that place.

 

9.Do not turn your passion into obsession. When you love doing something you must still be realistic about your plans and expectations. How do you know that your passion has turned into obsession? It is when you start thinking about your passion/business 24 hours a day and when you give up any other opportunities in your daily life (spend an evening out with your friends or take an unexpected trip to the ocean with your family). It is also when you stop noticing any critical comments of your friends or relatives and keep following your passion even when you are on the verge of bankruptcy.

 

10.Always have a backup plan. When you are just starting out it is good to have some funds built up in your account (enough to let you live for 6-12 months) or have a half-time job that will let you survive even if your business idea fails. Business laws have nothing to do with passion and your business might be a failure. Be prepared for any consequences and be ready to readjust your plans if needed.