If you think you haven't found your passion...
2009-10-16
A few times, I've been asked a question like, “But what if I haven't found my true passion?”
It's dangerous to think in terms of “passion” and “purpose” because they sound like such huge overwhelming things.
If you think love needs to look like “Romeo and Juliet”, you'll overlook a great relationship that grows slowly.
If you think you haven't found your passion yet, you're probably expecting it to be overwhelming.
Instead, just notice what excites you and what scares you on a small moment-to-moment level.
If you find yourself diving into a book about Photoshop and playing around with the program for hours, go for it! Dive in deeper. Maybe that's your new calling.
If you keep thinking about something like putting on a huge conference or being a Hollywood screenwriter and you find the idea terrifies but intrigues you, it's probably a worthy endeavor for you.
You grow by doing what excites you and what scares you.
For me, CD Baby was just a curiosity: that little hobby that kept me up until 2am every night, programming and experimenting. It just grew from there.
yes, everyone experiences passion differently.
dare to know and follow your own experience of passion, however it comes to you!
Yes. Moment to moment is the only way to live that makes any sense. Your purpose is right here, right now. Pay all of your attention to the moment and the rest will take care of itself.
What if you have several things that excite you at the same time? How do you prioritize?
Thanks for the daily inspiration!
I use this technique. There's usually one thing you're feeling the most “HELL YEAH!” about. But if you're actually feeling “HELL YEAH!” about many things at the same time, then choose by which ones other people seem to be selling “HELL YEAH!” to as well. (Your potential audience/customers/etc.) -- Derek
Great perspective Derek (as usual). Thanks for sharing.
In the process of looking for a new direction and feeling unproductive with the business ideas I was pursuing I started writing down dreams. A wishlist. Regardless of how outlandish, of how embarrassed I would be to share it. What is it they say? Create intoxicated, edit sober? It was intoxicating to revisit the list later and see how realistic a lot of the outlandish dreams are! Now to put the structure behind it and PUSH.
I'm passionate about passion :~)
Simplistic. Awesome. As expected (from you).
If you are reading this blog, that is your purpose. If you are breathing, that is your purpose. Whatever it is you are doing at this very moment is your purpose. Are you being fulfilled by your purpose? Hmm... Of course I am.
Another point, especially considering your great 'MuckWork' idea, is keeping one's self encouraged and focused on the best parts of an endeavor.
J.
I've been thinking a lot about the "What is my passion/calling?" question. Thanks for putting it in simple terms. Completely changes my perspective.
Luckily, my passion found me. Don't know what I'd be doing otherwise.
It's good to have many passions, and be open to new ones. Unless we're talking marriage, then it's good to stick to one...
I have definitely found my passion(s). I struggle with finding the energy and discipline to really pursue them.
in about a week I am directing my first music video. It excites and scares the shit out of me.
Making videos was a passion that took me by surprise as a part of doing music.
My problem is there are a lot of passions out there. Maybe its not a problem
A great post, Derek! It's so true. I think it's important to look inward and consider those small things that drive us forward, that excite us. We expect passion has to be these huge tidal surges. It can be that too. But appreciation for both is what takes us to the real source of happiness and passion.
So,true. We all gravitate towards something. Follow the pull and see where it goes.
Author Matthew Kelly says a passion is something you do that is "Characterized by the timelessness of it". For example When I go into the studio, I can rehearse for 10 hours at a time.
Or when I solo, I have to remind myself not become self-indulgent. My solos feel like I'm strapping myself into a F-22 and going for a rollercoaster ride at 20,000 feet.
Music, (almost all aspects) causes an almost out of body experience. Meaning, I'm only connecting with the music. I could have a splinter in my foot, but not be aware of it. This enables me to rehearse on mundane parts over and over because nothing is mundane once I get into a zone.
When you've found an experience like that, and you can leave your clothes on, THAT'S A PASSOIN.
Derek, It is outside our realm that we grow. It is making the unknown known and finding out what we know is not always right that push us to different levels. It is in the discovery of these levels that we find ourselves. Thanks
Thanks, Derek. I think I really needed the pinpoint advice today!
One question: Do you really mean to do what scares you? Or, simply, only what scares you and intrigues you simultaneously?
Oh yeah. I really mean whatever scares you or excites you, go do it. Short of, y'know, jumping in front of a train.... -- Derek
Hey Derek - very much enjoyed reading your article. Thank you
Yes, when staying up til 2 am 'n not feeling drained but feeling more bliss (n a bit of fear), that's when I know I am following my passion/bliss. If what I am doing is draining, then its not my passion. I'm scared 'n feel total elation with the vision that builds steadily. Step by step. Thank you Derek!
I love to swim and I love the Mississippi River. I don't know if it was a mid-life crisis or passion, but I decided to attempt to swim the length of the river as a performance and environmental statement. Most of my friends thought I'd gone off the deep end, but they eventually were infected with my excitement and all came around to actually help with support. We made it happen.
I think that's a topic that is intriguing. Everyone wants to know how a person discovers their passion. For me it was easy. I don't know why. Music makes my blood curdle. I feel as if I have music in my bones rather than bone marrow.
rada
My purpose in life is to find my passions (or find more passions then I already have) and jump in with my eyes closed and head first to see where it takes me. The execution is where I struggle sometimes but with your advice I've grown in my search and execution. Thanks for your incite.
OK. But what if my passion has become playing "prolific" on Facebook? Man. I think I have to reprioritize.
That statue is totally groovy. I live for romance.
For me it's when the rest of the world becomes irrelevant and I'm completely focused. Gotta love that feeling!
There is a book called "the passion test" that has some simple ways to distill down to what really is your passionate life. Google the title and find it. I use it.
Passion is that which is beyond self.
Passion --- the place of quickening, where things light you up and infuse you, no matter the tasks ahead.
i love your over the counter kind of philosophy. this is not a negative comment at all. we all need to reflect upon things w our own words and our own experiences. I love the honesty and efficiency of how you look at things in your life. it is good and healthy for all of us so I appreciate u sharing your thoughs. cdbaby was and is an honest and efficient endeavour. love it!
Haven't commented in a while but your articles are great and sometimes just on time for me... Needed to read that today. Preciate it DS. Keep doing what you do homie.
When I ordered my first guitar from a mail order shop in 1969, I had no idea that music would be the focus of my life and my profession.
I had no musical education and I couldn't play anything. I was curious.
The guitar was a cheap japanese instrument that somehow resembled a stratocaster. It came with a cable that I could plug into my parents (tube)radio.
I just started playing on one string. I was fascinated by playing, and after one year I was asked to join the local band of our village. It was never about goals, it was all about the love of playing. This is still what keeps me playing, composing, producing.
Derek:
Yes! Two points:
1) Refuse to Choose (book) offered a model I've tried on for size (works well for me).
L-T-T-L. Learn, Test, Teach, Leave... for folks like me who find a new passion-by-the-hour, it's a workable model (I might be 'here' for hours or years, but I'll learn what I came for, test my learnings/system, teach somebody else the system, leave -- on to the next 'passion')... It's also a nice model for entreprenuer-types.
2) The Marc Andreesen/Pmarca guide to productivity fits well with this. http://ow.ly/uOQY
Keep your 'flow' on.
I know what my passions are, but it's been really hard getting myself to dive into it. It's a source of constant frustration, but I still keep at it, and I imagine I will for a long time...
Funny, after all these years in the music business, I was just having this conversation last night with a colleague and former agent, Scott. I've been fortunate to have figured out my 'role' in the music business. Music and sound are my passion. It's not work, it's a life style....
Still after 20 years, I'm not sure what got into me to ask Mike, the owner of the wonderful Italian place down the street, if me and my crew could take over his place for one night. To my surprise, he said, "SURE!".... holy S*&t! He gave us the red carpet to feed his customer and whoever else we bring in.
I called Scott, who had been a sous chef in many a fancy restaurant. We both thought, YES!, then reality hit.. what are we going to do with one night?
I have no idea, no plan, no concept of what it takes to run a restaurant even with all the details taken care of (like buying the food). Feeling the weight of this event, Scott then asked, why did you do this? I said, "I've always wanted to own a restaurant. Maybe this would get it out of my system."
I have NO idea what to do, but the challenge is intriguing. Then again, when I started OTR Studios 20 years ago, I had NO clue what I was doing and am still in the business. Then I started a record label and sold more music than studio time (how crazy is that?)... then I bought a second home down the street! Okay, THAT was crazy and I lost a shit load of money... but I did it and am not sorry.
If I get too old to dream, I might as well be dead.
thanks, Derek, for opening up a community for thoughts.
I think things like Passion and Purpose find us. That is part of what makes them so exciting and special. At times like a tiger leaping out at us from behind a tree and others a slow methodical spiderweb being formed over years in an empty space in our minds. Life Happens.
Yes! Passion has always been the essential ingredient for me, for my music or anything I attempt. Navigating through the music business over the years has certainly presented it's challenges, rejection and disappointments as well as those successes big and small. During the lean and difficult times it's the passion that carries me through. Without it, I'm lost...
Ah, the never-ending debate over what it means to be passionate. I really dig the Paul Graham "passion = curiousity" approach, which echoes much of what you are saying. Thanks for sharing, Derek.
Link to Paul Graham essay (a never-delivered graduation speech which explains his take on passion): http://www.paulgraham.com/hs.html
I enjoyed this blog..the tug inside of us to be the best we can be is what passion means to me...I love seeing it in others as well as noticing it in myself in those beautiful moments of clarity..Your passion is alive and well...may you always inspire Derek!
Music has always been my passion, but has been something that has never been able to pay my bills for some reason or another. Graphic design is something I really like, but I'm not in love with it. It has paid the bills the majority of the time. I'm 54 now and I'm still dreaming of making a living with music. I hope there's still time. I think I'm fortunate that at least there is something that I'm "in like" with that is taking up most of my time her on earth. Still...
Totally agree. I never intended on pursuing a career in music. I figured I'd be a lawyer or something. But it was the overwhelming draw I felt towards writing songs, and playing and instruments, along with the realization that time moved quickly when I was doing it and I was enjoying it so much.
Until recently, I'd never thought of fear as a reason to do something. More and more, I've learned to recognise when it's a valid fear (of some kind of self-endangerment) and when it's the selfish fear of failure, or success.
Steve Farber talks about what he calls OS!Ms in "Radical LEAP"—it's about actually pursuing fear sometimes.
I'm so used to working inside my confidence. Now I'm looking for fears to turn into passion.
I can`t live my passion 100%...I got family, but somehow it`s o.k. now. Was a long way.
J.D.
Passions turn into dreams. Never stop persuing them. Never
Derek,
Have you seen this video of Gary Vaynerchuk? I recommend everyone reading this to check it out here on youtube - http://bit.ly/1cdrav
This guy has so much passion... a little will rub off on you just by watching. (he's funny too)
Morgan
Yeah! Having dinner with him in 2 hours, too. We're both speaking at a conference in Jacksonville tomorrow. -- Derek
there are always risks when pursuing a passion... but they're worth it. This is especially true if you find yourself making a living doing something that is merely a job but not something you particularly care about or that you find meaningful... wishing you could do something else. At some point, you may have to walk away from your 'job' and go without income or with less income for awhile while you build your dream.... better to do this than arrive at the end of your life regretting what you didn't do with it...
PASSION... in my humble opinion ...
"it" finds you... and "it" is unmistakable... and "it" can happen MANY times over again...
...in the mean time... do whatever you do with GUSTO!!! ha
imho.
~rhonda
Derek, Again, another inspiring message here! Going into PR excites me and scares me so I guess I'm doing the right thing! You always express things so simply and well. Cheers!
If Passion is fulfilment, then writing a song from the Heart takes some beating, when you know it's what you wanted to say and wouldn't change it.
Live your bliss,follow your passion.Do it now you do not get theses days back.Never hear the word no.
In other words: if it moves you, do it!
What you think about and dream about expands.Be with like minded people.
big up
I'm passionnate about more than one thing. I'm passionnate about my art, about my family, about Japanese films, about my dog and a few other things. I'd hate to have to live without any of them.
The idea -- common among artists -- that you need to have "one passion for which everything else must be sacrificed or compromised" is very unhealthy. Unfortunately, I know too many artists who try to live their lives that way, to the point of criticizing those of us who don't. Most of them seem unhappy.
If you haven't found "your one true passion," maybe that just means you're living life fully. I think that's okay.
I concur with your assessment of the potential pitfalls of the "passion/purpose" relationship. That's why the small momentary focus is key. It helps us get back to what inspired our passion in the first place. Too often, our ambitious minds drift towards some future output that we hope is the result of our passions. Many a passionate endeavor (& relationship for that matter) has died this way. Stay strong & thanks for the useful thoughts.
Relevant to your thoughts, Derek, about "a relationship which grows slowly" and "a moment to moment level":
And "intensity" is certainly not the same as "velocity."
Did you know that "passion" and "patience" are derived from the same Latin root, "pati":
PASSION - Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin passion-, passio "suffering, being acted upon," from Latin pati "to suffer"
PATIENT - Middle English pacient, from Anglo-French, from Latin patient-, patiens, from present participle of pati "to suffer"
The notion of "to suffer" is archaic, and certainly not our modern meaning of "suffering." Instead, "to allow": "The eagle suffers little birds to sing, And is not careful what they mean thereby." --William Shakespeare, Titus Andronicus (Tamora at IV, iv)
But more so: "passion" also means "the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces" (Mirriam-Webster, def. 3), and yet its synonyms mean "intense emotion compelling action."
I'd suggest that "compelling action" is a key point of resonance to think about. (Pondered little by little over time, of course.)
I knew music was it when not long after I got my first multi-track recorder, I would wake up from a dead sleep an record a track... one song I recorded a track of and dont really remember doing it.
It was what I was working on in my sleep. I was very surprised to find the new song started with a bridge that I hadnt been working on.
You are my virtual mentor and have helped to shape my business model by your example. Can't thank you enough for your generosity.
I like the idea of passion being something you simply enjoy. About 30 years ago when I was an undergrad studying music at Stonybrook University an elderly gentleman who was probably a professor said to me as we were walking down the hall,"Be careful what you do; you'll get good at it and wind up doing it for the rest of your life."
I don't know why he said that to me. It probably had some significant meaning in his own life but, every time I'm faced with a long term project those words haunt me. Thirty years later I still haven't quite figured out what I want to do with my life.
goo d.s good real helpful...
good d.s. good
Good thoughts Derek!
This is one thing that has remained constant throughout my life. God gave me a passionate vision from the age of 3, and it is still as strong in my heart as from that early age.
My love for music has blossomed over the years as well as my love for God and for people.
I feel incredibly blessed to have been given the gift of passion from above. It has always been a dream for me, it has always been my identity.
It has always been the fuel that fires my soul. I give credit to God for that, because no 3 year old could conjure up this kind of passion if it weren't God given.
I remember asking other kids
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Many gave me answers like "I don't know".
That has never been something I ever had to wonder about, only pursue, only dream, and only believe.
Overwhelming passions don't last. I came to realize that it's all about controlling your thoughts and feelings. It's about truly caring and yet not being fixated on the idea of succeeding... So, basically it's all about following your path step by step instead of being super-excited or thrilled about the goal. Not an easy thing to do, but that's how it works, I think
I have read this blog for some time and never has something hit so close to home.
I have asked that question to myself every night...
not i have an answer.
d
Thak you for all this amazing articles, information and the more important thing: your passion for music and all the artists in the world!!!
Most importantly, if you think you might have identified that passion, do it right now. Don't put it off. That's why it keeps you up late at night, because right now is the only time you'll ever do anything.
"After years of repetitive work, you will often have to dig hard to find your passions, redefine your dreams, and revive hobbies...", and as you say, be alert to what excites or scares us NOW. Not used to be being in tune and alert to our own desires sometimes, as we have focused too much on what everyone else wants.
I love that your blogs and comments seem to be so personally directed, when actually you are reaching thousands of people. I find it endlessly fascinating that your passion seems to be helping others. Kudos to you!!!
Passion seems to come in many guises. Following one's passion, no matter how impractical, isn't that what a life in music is about. I only feel truly alive when I'm singing.
Thank you for this post! Good advice.
HI Derek, when one is very passionate about something in life, the energy behing the passion is a strong and rooted force that simply keeps the kinetic energy moving, either slowly or quickly. The speed never matters. When the passion is there, things simply happen from the essence of the actual passion. One doesn't question it very much, it simply is as it is. When there is a long and deep passion what is the purpose for questioning it? The passion that is being lived runs on its' own batteries. Having a passion however doesn't always mean it is going to be easy. I know that is a bit of a contradiction from what I just said but once in a while the passion leads us to a direction that is somewhat chaotic and nerve-wracking..I'm sure you know what I mean. The passion needs a tune-up and some silence and retreat and then the fire burns all over again. Keep up the passion everyone!!
I've been living my passion for over thirty years. At this stage of my life I have very little to show for it. I have a beautiful home. Four, some have said, "amazing CD's". But unfortunately, our society does not have entertainment at the forefront of its priority list. Mostly because of economics, people have always held the arts as a disposable commodity, while acknowledging, it's intrinsic value overall.
So, having one's passion become the Albatross around ones neck, is a scary place to be for sure, but the alternative still seems far more frightening. A society (or culture) devoid of dreamers and artists. Free thinkers willing to challenge not only themselves but the larger whole of society.
Passion is what feels good. Passion is change. passion comes from the heart. Passion can be divine. Passion is believing. Passion is reaching goals and achieving dreams. Passion is everything positive. Without Passion, your mind and soul are empty. Passion is what's missing in the world today!
I have to hit this piece of inane hippy idealism, Dave you comment "
Yes. Moment to moment is the only way to live that makes any sense. Your purpose is right here, right now. Pay all of your attention to the moment and the rest will take care of itself."
This is complete rubbish! A feeble attempt to sound profound, and misses the point entirely.
Its the attitude of slackers & sociopaths. Good luck playing whakamole with your life and chasing your tail from whim to whim.
I know I'm working on a project that is my passion when, every moment that I'm not able to be there working on it, I can't wait until the next time I will get to it. For example, right now I'm not in the recording studio, but can't wait until the next time I will be in that studio.
Isn't passion a fruit? ;-)
Right on the head as usual. I guess I'm very lucky because I seem to find a little passion in everything I do every day.
Derek,
This will be my first time leaving a comment on your blog But I've been reading and following for a while now. I just felt the need to say that I appreciate your thoughts a great deal. You have perfect timing brotha! Thanks!
-Stanza
I keep looking at what I feel in my heart, and take it from there...
Tedi May
PEACE
Truth!
I agree with dave about the here and now, My only passion in life was music, then I started playing golf, I am hooked , It is starting to scare me, its all I think about. Its been a year now, and its got me playing every day, constantly trying to improve, My mind is filled with golf balls and music notes, Its not easy having two passions, Life is good
Just reading the comments, and not to be quiblesome but the latin for the passion that means excitement is animi concitatio, animi impetus. Concitatio or concito has more to do with speed(haha). Animi having to do with the soul or spirit. Excitement as a quickening of the spirit. Quickening means to come to life. Passion!
found my passions
she is pleased, 13 orgasms in one
night.
multiple orgasms always for 8 years.
that's what i call passion.
bright musical ways
ian the being
really good for an old guy
EXCITES:
GUITAR!
Playing in a live band, studio session work, teaching guitar, writing and recording guitar music.
Seeing others enjoy it to the point of buying it!
SCARES:
Passing on before getting all of the music in my heart and head 'out there'.
Never being able to make enough music income to permanently let the day job go.
Dying alone because music, guitar, and 'the band' are (evidently) more important to me than 'she' will ever be...ha-ha.
The trouble comes when following your passion collides with what the world is willing to accept from you.
That's when you test how much your passion means to you:
are you willing to persevere in the face of
total indifference? If it's a true passion, there's no question; you'll follow it.
I have a need to tell stories with music.
Even if no-one ever hears them, I have to create them. To be continued.
@Gen Berthault: Yes, but (not to quibble) the derivation of the English word "passion" itself is as I stated (or as Mirriam-Webster states); even though "affectio" is as you say (or as Riddle-Georges-Arnold says, their English-Latin lexicon being based on the German-Latin lexicon, which offers its own linguistic colorations by that simple fact).
(Though I am quite in favor of "animi impetus" as an operating force.)
Good call nevertheless, Gen, since our words and their relationships to meaning change so much over time, culture, and geography.
Passion is an extreme emotion and can be an addiction. Single-minded pursuit of "passion" leaves out everything else. Passion is a self-generated drug, and can easily be a destroyer as well as a creator. Don't let a temporary altered state blind you to balance.
Thanks for the read Derek;
I think you made a very good point there. Finding the purpose to life is the best thing anyone can discover in life,but many do wonder from it.
Then also the passion to fulfill the purpose just stands by. There's always that passion to pursue the purpose if found. The bible puts it this way" Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails" (proverbs 19v21).
The Lord's purpose is that thing who enjoy best, that makes a day look like a minute doing it, it's that which God has put into your heart co-joined with passion.
keep it coming, Derek
There is no way you did not read this blog post:
http://www.pluginid.com/what-to-do-with-your-life/
Just wanted to play Cat Stevens songs on a hill alone somewhere and maybe drink some wine... 30 something years later I still can't get enough of making music.
Last time I followed advice like that I like to never have explained my way out of it.........
When it's hard work but you love it so much you'll do it for free, if you could, then it's your passion...
If you have to ask, “How do I find my passion”, I hate to break it to you, but you may not be a passionate person in the first place.
You don’t “find” passion… you either are or you’re not.
You don’t “try” to be sensitive… you either are or you’re not.
You don’t “learn” to care… you either do or you don’t.
BUT, All IS NOT LOST!
You can decide to give anything a shot.
You can make an effort to be less self-centered.
You can attempt to walk in someone else's shoes.
Just be who you are! Stop trying to live up to some unrealistic, romanticized image of yourself.
Don't forget, the world needs smart, analytical minds too.
We can’t all be in the clouds… like most songwriter’s are.
So, I’m thinking about passion, while still pondering the theme/example post, and I see this beautiful thread that flows forward, and backward through all of Derek’s recent musings. ‘How do you grade yourself’, ‘you should feel pain when….’, ‘how I knew…’, ‘doesn’t feel like…’, etc, all remind me that external success often springs from internal clarity. We all know the phrase ‘to thine own self be true’, but what D reminds me of time and time again, is that we have to know who that self is, before we can be true to anyone/thing (including those over-arching principles like purpose, and passion). I love the idea that as we get clearer on what drives us, motivates us, inspires us, delights us, and yes, maybe frightens us a little, we also get much clearer on our general life trajectory -and how it is, or is not, in line with those inner leanings. The micro is indeed, the macro, and I am reminded once again; outward success is often an inside job. Thanks, Derek.
Everyone should also have a 2nd passion!
Steve Bruce encourages everyone to dedicate victories (small or large) by publicly saying the following words, "This is in memory of the 25 thousand children who died today. I want to see the end of starvation throughout earth."
Visit his website www.thecount.org.
SAY IT OUT LOUD... WE CAN END HUMAN STARVATION WITHIN FIVE YEARS
The process in ending human starvation brings:
1) A New Compassion
2) A New Intelligence
3) A New Hope For The Future
We should all understand the contrast between trillions & trillions & trillions of planets as compared to tiny planet earth where presently the human species allows 25,000 children to die per day. This is a DEBILITATING CAVITY within the human core and it holds us back and puts us in danger. Please view this contrast possibly best illustrated in my song/video "Don't Know The Way" which can be experienced on www.youtube.com/songsfromaheadband in the Top Ten BruceMeister playlist. Everyone and I mean everyone should experience this video!
Then add your precious voice (your 2nd passion) in ending human starvation and malnutrition throughout earth. This is the greatest thing we can do as a human race. We can actually accomplish this within five years... that's right FIVE YEARS!
Steve Bruce
Make sure you experience the video and share it with at least one person!
Derek,
I have been an avid reader of your blog since you set it up. You have had many great articles. This one was so dead-on I sent it to my husband who (as a CPA) struggles with finding his passion. Well stated--and good advice for people of all career paths!
Passion? I think it was Nietzhe that said, imagine God's boredom on the eighth day? It's fleeting isn't it? I go only by feel. And then I work more.
Nice thoughts, thanks again.
This moment is all we really have, and if we cannot be present to it, then we miss it. We find our passion in being present to each moment. Be conscious of where your mind is.
Are you paying attention or thinking of ????
Great info. The biggest problem about passionate people is they are usually passionate about everything. Do your best to focus on one thing at a time and follow your rhythms. Everything will fall into place.
Success is loving what you do.
Mark...I seem to remember quibbling with you last spring... and I agree with you that passion as the word is used today comes from a Latin form but, the ancients used it as you say, to speak of endurance or suffering. We do still speak of the passion of Christ and mean suffering.
When speaking of excitement,however, or passion as the word passion is used in today's article, the Latin would still be expressed animi concitatio. I mention this only because while the history of the word is interesting I would hate people to think that passion as we use it now should have anything to do with suffering or endurance of that type. It is definitely a happy thing, and I like the way the Roman's described it as a quickening of the spirit. Ah, isn't it wonderful when two argumentative people whose passion is words cross paths? I can't tell you how my spirit quickened when I saw your etymology of the word! Oh crap it even makes me forget that my children will be getting off the bus soon. Thanks for the thrill! Bye.
you had me at "hell yeah!"
Heh heh...I would love for a certain member of my family to read this post! We have a recurring pattern which infuriates me, wherein she looks to me for guidance and constantly says "I just don't know if that's what I want to do with my life". She's been saying this for 10 years, as if she's waiting for her fairy godmother to come down and bing her with the magickal "destiny" that she then knows is the 100% sure thing she is supposed to be doing with her life. While she waits for this epiphany she does nothing. Drives me nuts!
Hi Derek, in my passion, i'm myself, it's wonderfull and true, many energies and more are spent.
***Thank Much for Your Help***
What if you try and try and nothing really happens? What if you don't have enough experience? How do get "heard" if you don't have the time and money to put into 'passion'? Your blogs frustrate me and inspire me at the same time ;)
Oh, I know my passions.
And I do what I really want to do.
And people tell me that I do it well.
(Chris Rea had our CD as #2 in his Rolling Stone Top 10 choices! We get standing ovations when we play club & festivals so we must be doing something right!)
On another side... We also have a passion for helping others.
We've been "wintering" in Laos and have started a project to help vision impaired people in the south of Laos to get corrective lenses and/or eye surgery as needed. This project is going well! You can read more about it (and donate if you wish) on our site.
In an infinite universe there are probably a quadzillion things we could be passionate about and still be completely unique. Its our birds eye view on the big picture that sometimes causes us to misperceive our purpose. I love this site
Always great to be reminded.. thank you Derek
I played the piano starting at age 5. I knew early on that my passion was music and I pursued it with great passion and energy. Now, I just turned 60 and I'm looking for another passion. It's not that I don't have passion for music anymore - I do, but I'm looking for something else now - something I can feel equally passionate about. I am finding it quite difficult to nail down so I have great compassion for those who might still be looking.
‘Romeo and Juliet’ represent a small sliver of the spectrum we call love but it gets the majority of the spotlight.
Passion’s useful for moving from inertia to action but isn’t it other qualities which carry us forward?
Endurance and determination don’t excite the spirit like passion but ... I can’t do much, which will last, without them.
Do you care about what you’re doing? If so - why?
That matters..... the passion can grow in its own time.
As for purpose, if you want to share what you care about and meet deaf ears then it doesn’t mean that the purpose was useless.
If reward and accolades are what lies ‘behind the passion’ then you may be disappointed. Passion has a tendency to fade without some sort of acknowledgement - unless it is entirely self generated - like a painter who must paint.
Now - there’s a lucky soul - who doesn’t need an audience to feel fulfilled by artistic endeavour.
Ya know, I kinda let my passion for what I love take a back seat to my commitment to family (perhaps that was just a bigger passion for me at the time), but in my old age - I just turned 50, I am finding my passion again in composing music. I dont like playing live - its too tiring and too much work, and just too darn loud! but I am enjoying what at one time was my absolute passion now, many years later, and I see a huge benefit from my choice.
In the early 80's I played professionally in a semi-known west coast band, playing covers as well as originals. I wasnt rich, but I made my living off of it for about 3 years. We always seemed to be just one step behind what the labels were after. After the band split, I had a hard time finding a footing where I felt I could once again take a shot at "making it", I was privelaged during that time to meet people in the business who had become famous playing music. But that was not me, so at 24 I gave up on the dream of being a musician and became an IT guy, not because I loved it, but because it paid the bills. The truth is, it has been a grind for me (the job, not the family). I have a house, kids in college and a mortgage I'm 1/3 through paying. In essence, I am the Schlep Derek warns y'all about.
But I digress, I now have a studio where I can write at least an hour a day - sometimes many hours, I have re-learned and become proficient at instruments I never had the chance to play when I was performing, and I can concentrate on what I love, which is composing and recording the music that continues to flow into my head. It has never stopped since I was young.
Because I put my passion off, I am on no deadline, I dont have to make my living at it, and quite honestly, had I become somebody at the age of 24, I currently would be like a few of my of my old friends; longing for "the good ol' days" and wishing I could just get back on top once more. I find that a bit sad, because they cant seem to be happy just making music, hey have to have the fame and success that goes with it. This certainly is not every one who has been a musician, but I personally know two famous men who were once on top of the world, who cant seem to shake the addiction of commercial success. I suspect had I had that kind of success, when I was younger, I would not be enjoying music like I do now.
Perhaps I'm just fooling myself, but I think the point is a worth making. Life is long, and reaching the top as a 20 something, in a business as slippery and fleeting as music, you have no place to go but down. I have seen great people - musicians who I genuinely care for fall into this, and I for one, am glad I chose my family over my musical aspirations. At 49 I signed my first (and last) contract with a small, but real label - if I ever get it finished that is, and to be honest, today is a far different world in music from the 1980's. I can be 50 and still have a fanbase. I may have put my passion on hold, but at least for today (for I may be dead tomorrow) I am a happy musician.
I dont want in any way to poo-poo what Derek has said, I have just found my own peace with my passion, and it will never be too late to live my dream until, I guess I'm too riddled with old age. Even then, there is a chance you will find sitting on my porch me humming my next album to myself...
I am passionate about my beliefs - I am passionate about those I love - I am passionate about mountains ans poetry - music is my meditation, and its promotion is a hobby.
Only X-Factor contestants are passionate about their music...because they are desperate...
Yes! There is something exciting about facing your fears when it involves your passion. It gives that certain spice to life! Have you ever heard someone say, "my life is boring?" If your life is boring, do something about it! I do indeed take chances when it comes to my passion for music. Yes, sometimes I have so much fear, my nerves twitch, but I think I get a mental rush from the experience. I don't have to wonder what could have been, would have been, or should have been, I actually experience it, and it feels great. Passion can drive you forward in life!
Ro
Jim,
It sounds like you're living your dream. When you follow your passion, that's enough. It may be disappointing not to make big bucks, but that's not what it's really about anyway. Passion is a personal thing, and its rewards are very personal too--not always appreciated by others.
Good call, Derek. We live in an age where everything is supposed to be utterly extraordinary and amazing. Our expectations are off-the-scale. "Little by little" is the way to go. Sam McNally.
hey Derek!
it's good of you to bring up passion, obviously in the artistic sense. my passion after all these years is to create and record music, whether it is reworking and arranging old tunes and songs or composing some music that is entirely new. it all started out that way and it will probably end that way.
as far as something that "scares" you and "excites" you
is concerned, I can say this. I have always been a little scared of confrontations, artistic or otherwise. on the other hand, I am excited to know that one way or the other things are going to get better. if you are stuck in a relationship, concerning a band or concerning a romantic relationship that should have been over months or even years ago, then you should overcome your FEAR of failure or "things not working out" and just get free of a bad situation. if the other side doesn't pull out a gun and kill you, then it won't be the End of the World. when any people are afraid to rock the boat, rattle the cage or change, they will stop growing PERIOD
Well I still have to say that Music and Art have always been my true passions in life because those were the G-d given talents that He put into me. I was only sidetracked from developing those talents because of bad choice's I made growing up. Now that I have been re-tired the Lord has allowed me pursue those talents in which makes me happy and I really enjoy that because I'm doing something now that I've always wanted to all my life.
Reff:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037:4&version=NIV
Yep.
I make a point of reminding myself that I never have a "passion" for anything.
On the other hand, if the passion of life sneaks into the soul of the endeavor...well then, whatever it is I love to do will look, sound, or feel - pretty passionate.
I don't particularly believe that us humans are capable of privatizing passion...like it was some sort of public commodity (that's running a deficit)
It's really just a feeling, and private, and no-one would ever know until it blows the lid off some form of expression.
Which is maybe the best part.
It takes that expression - to let anyone else know.
jp
Great article, Derek!
(as usual)
It gets tricky when you find multiple passions, all competing for your attention. Each excites you in a different way, but somehow they all makes sense and own a space of importance in your life. Giving any of them up does not feel like an option to you, so you become a juggler. I echo Greg's sentiment above... thinking that you can only be “one thing” is a false and limiting dream stealer.
The challenge is to learn to surf the wave of your intuition and inspiration to shift your focus & energy to whichever passion calls out to you most loudly... for the moment, for the month, for the year... an ongoing learning experience and opportunity for growth. Different passions may suit you at different times. And sometimes external circumstances help guide your choice of focus. (are they really "external?" There are no coincidences
So many questions arise:
Do you have it right?
Are you channeling your energy in the direction most needed to maximize your opportunities?
What does "success" in any/all of your chosen pursuits look and feel like to YOU... is it monetary reward, personal satisfaction, recognition, touching lives in a positive way... multiple affirmatives, or all of the above?
They can be difficult questions to answer with certainty and the answers may frequently change... it's a constant refinement process... as is life. I guess the key is to learn to listen for & heed your inner guidance. And that's a learning process in and of itself. But it's a wonderful ride.
Hi Derek,
This is one of the best posts you have ever written.
My passion is making music, writing songs, playing and recording them, but I still have periods when I am less motivated to do that.
I think many people (myself included) can take the notion of doing what you love as being an "All or nothing" thing, where on days when they don't feel like doing it, there must be a big problem and "maybe this isn't the right path for me" etc.
Passion for things, as you say on a moment by moment level can shift and I can accept now that I can be passionate about music today, but maybe not tomorrow because I have something else to enjoy.
Talking of things keeping you up until 2am. Apart from recording or mixing music, which often keep me up late I also find myself working through the night designing and building new layouts for my websites, which I never really looked at as a particular interest of mine in the past (although I think it is!)
Thanks for a very insightful and necessary article. A lot of people think that they haven't found their passion, precisely because they are waiting for something huge to come along. Most people will never have a true passion, in the proper sense of the word.
Those people that haven't found a passion should ask themselves: "What do I like to do without getting paid for it?"
This doesn't necessarily imply a full-time commitment. Most musicians with a true passion for their art don't get to devote 40h/wk to music either.
Likewise, it doesn't have to be something that the rest of the world labels "productive." I think that's another stumbling block. I would hazard a guess at the fact that CD Baby grew out of a passion for listening to music - something that people would typically label "unproductive." Derek can correct me if I'm wrong on this, but you get the point.
Maybe someone's happiness lies in dog-walking on weekends. Another may be just thrilled to be playing video games. Those things may not sound very impressive, until the dog-walker writes a best-selling book or the gamer wins the next international Halo championship.
Or not. After all, passion is something one pursues regardless of the opinion of others.
Who knows, maybe this could be you next year - http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/06/17/iowa-teen-wins-text-messaging-championship/
It seems to written all over me that writing/playing music is my passion (at least others have told me this). It's been my passion as far back as I can remember (2 or 3 yrs.old), and I can't imagine my life without it, without doing it. I'm totally and completely in love with what it is, and what it means.
I know my passions pretty well but mastering business that goes along with it is proving to be tough. Having faith in others and having to rely on others is difficult.I have followed my passions but life sometimes goes in different directions.
i can always tell what my passion is..it's always there before i go to sleep at night...did i accomplish it today, can't wait to get at it again tomorrow, that type of thing..for me it's" running until i get there musically', i have a lot of goals and a lot of fans i wanna meet.. i just want to stay creative and make my living at that...
I stumbled across my passion when as a young kid I found an old guitar just gathering dust at my grandfather's house.He showed me a couple of chords and from that moment I was hooked.
I recently watched a film on Hulu that blew me away regarding the future of music and how we got to where we are in the industry. But in reference to this particular article from Derek, I think most would appreciate this film and the comment given at the very end of that really sums up PASSION.
here's the link: http://bit.ly/126Jn8. Enjoy!
Really awesome stuff. I have been trying to figure out my passion and purpose for a long time and a lot of people expect me to know it. The moment by moment view completely relieves that burden from me. Thank you so much and I can't wait to see your presentation today at LessConf.
I honestly don't know much about you as I never used CD Baby or anything, but a lot of people have been saying amazing things about you and after reading this, I am definitely following your stuff. Thanks again.
just take time
My brother used to live in Ft. Collins, CO, and was an acquaintance of the guy that started New Belgium Brewing Co - Fat Tire beer etc, and remembers him as this guy that used to love to make beer in his basement and share it with his friends, and as they say, the rest is history. But printed on the beer labels is a saying that puts it very nicely, and I think it's extremely good advice - "Follow Your Folly". I like that a lot, and I think it works a lot of the time for a lot of folks - but then not a lot of us have the support, training, faith, guts, and all that to do it. To me it also ties in with one of your recent postings on the book "Ignore Everybody", which I immediately ordered and had read within an hour after opening the box. Thanks for what you do, Derek! We love it out here.
I don't think passion and life's purpose are necessarily the same thing.
My passion is my music. It is in my mind day and night. I have been writing music and lyrics for over 60 years and I have experienced excitement
and satisfaction I would never have
known if God hadn't given me this
talent.
Frances
Someone asked about prioritizing.
I think the best way to figure out prioritizing is to ask yourself this: "If my house is on fire, what do I grab first (and second, third, etc.)?"
Like many, I have varied interests. However, if my house was to catch fire I'd be running straight for my recording studio.
This is how you know what you care about most.
Great post. In waiting to discover that big passion, we might be missing out the small cues that life gives us everyday.
I find my passion while contributing to open computer science education. I have been working towards it slowly... and here's the result (a website with a lot of aggregated CS courses with video lectures): http://www.adaptivelearningonline.net
--
Regards
Parag
I am hell ya about flags, making them, I am hell ya about producing works...
I think I am in my passion... now to find those other day to day passions.
In our western society passion is used to describe a zest for everything. In eastern society it is used to describe a zest for just one thing. If you have ever been in Japan, you will see restaurants specializing in just one thing. The chef has spent his whole life learning to make noodles for example. His passion is to be the best noodle maker possible, not the best in Japan, but the best he can be.
I think that we westerners tend to equate passion with success. If your passion is to be a shovel sharpener, then be the best you can possible be. This is reward enough.
Well, after suffering from some sleep deprivation for several years trying to do a job that was definitely not "ME" and now holding one that fits fine, I kinda tend to hit the sack a bit early and enjoy the restorative sleep! That other job took several years of good sleep away; perhaps I need some more years of good sleep to catch up. But yeah, the stuff that makes time seem to just disappear, that's where we're supposed to be; that's where we find freedom of mind. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote a lot about that. He said "Repression is not the way to virtue. When people restrain themselves out of fear, their lives are by necessity diminished. Only through freely chosen discipline can life be enjoyed and still kept within the bounds of reason." I love his book "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience."
1 more thought -- I was just wondering on your picture above; is the sculpture part a mermaid or supposed to be a woman? Strikes me as humorous she's not clothed but he is...like he'd conformed to social norms and maybe she represents wild and untamed passion.
-- Derek
That's Romeo and Juliet, from Central Park.
A curious question about your minimalistic lifestyle, this is left field, so please excuse it ; ) If you don't have a tv do you just have a huge monitor at home? I am dabbling a bit with xhtml and xml for my yahoo store, so I was interested in hearing your feedback in regards to what type of OS to use, windows for programming and Leopard for everything else?
Have a stellar week!
- Jose
No huge monitor, either. I just don't need much entertainment. I prefer to create it, instead. But if I want to watch a movie, I just watch on my laptop in bed. As for OS, I prefer Linux/BSD as much as possible, OS X as a decent compromise, and Windows only for a few things like MS Office, Intuit or Adobe apps. -- Derek
hey derek,
nice article.. enlightening as well about passion and purpose. One definitely need to realize its importance in life!
~deepthi.
Sono daccordo con te,bisogna fare solo ciò che la passione ci fa fare.Senza passione e senza amore in ciò che si fà non si arriva da nessuna parte.
My passion was my wife of 22 years and our children, We've been apart for a year and I'm trying to be passionate about myself, its been tough and I want my music to take me there. The statue pic really hits home bro.
If you are asking "how will I know if this is my passion" it isn't! You WILL know. And purpose? The same.
As a quick follow up. I got really lucky and found my passion and my purpose - professional storyteller. I know that this is what I am meant to do and I do it well. I have had other callings - I ran Youth Hostels and was a professional photographer - but when I started out as a storyteller, I KNEW that this was it. I also know that I will never do anything else ever again. I also know that I might get rich (but never THAT rich!!), but I might also be very poor - economically, but this is what I HAVE to do. Agreed, we all have choices, but it is a calling and a feeling deep within that knows that this is what I am, what I have done all my life has led me to this point. I just wish it had happened a decade ago!!
May ALL find their passion.
You have said "do what scares you" in several contexts, and I *think* I get what you mean, but I am not sure.
"Scares you" in what way, could you explain some of what you mean by that?
Tbanks!
I'm scared to move to China, scared to talk to this gorgeous girl in the park, scared to speak at TED, etc. Because these things scare me, that means I should do them. Because once you do what scares you, it doesn't scare you anymore. -- Derek
Thanks Derek. As one who is trying to tease my passion out from all the noise, I appreciate your insights.
Also, in the world of knitting patterns, anything between two asterisks means "repeat". Interesting...
Thanks Derek. I'm taking a leap of faith right now starting a new business and this was just what I needed to hear. I'm scared but exhilarated so I must be on the right track.
he he r.e. China ... well that's a healthy fear! It is one place where it does help to have a good boss. An employer can open a lot of doors for you and teach you some of the ropes about how to deal with CHANGE totally not under your control. Or maybe a visit would be a good idea to start. This is absolutely NOT America!!!! : 0
Good word Derek! Good word!
OK Derek, you used in your example the name of a song I've LOVED for years "Just Like Romeo And Juliet!"
I guess it started out for me when I was a kid and first heard the Beach Boys hit "Surfin USA." Then all the other groups I listened to afterwards...I was hopelessly lost in the world of music that just felt incredible.
A best friend in Junior High pulled out a guitar and started playing it. He told me years later how my face lit up when he started playing...it was all over after that...still to this day I still dream about performing music!
My passion is the moment. I can plan beyond the moment in future tense, but it is always in the moment , in the instant. It is always now, subject to change. My whims are reason enough. All the rest is what will be, beyond the now. Dreams are all I know of the future. .
Like 'Jack and Jill', passion, for me anyway is about doing the best you can with the help of friends and people you love.
Derek,
@132 posting hit me hard, i had to give it a thought.. if my house is on fire... i will pick my notepads containing my lyrics i.e my passion first.
Derek where all these inspiration is coming from will never run dry. Never mind what all these GREEN GOBLINS around are saying...
For me, it's "just follow the feeling." See where it's going.
Silvia Silk/Jasmine Texts
I've found mine it is programming php and doing web design. Very rewarding.
This is just what I needed to read. I am having the hardest time focusing on what my passion is. I did put up my first website from scratch for halloween niche, but it's a work in progress, and now I need to think of another niche something that represents me! Thank you for this it's great.
I am learning to read from my body language what my passion is other than music. Of course, I love to dance, sew, write, and travel. Because music is top dog some of the other things are in the past waiting to come back. (smile)
Hi Derek, I'm curious to know what happens when you make your passion your work/business and suddenly the realities of that business mount against your passion? I own a music company, and love working with artist, but find the slow gradual nature of the music business somewhat discouraging, especially when I just had a baby and need a lot more cash around.. I guess money is the root of all evil
That's exactly what the great book Ignore Everybody is about. If this is your struggle now, I highly recommend it for you. -- Derek
Great insight Derek.
As with any task, thinking of it up front can be daunting and challenging, but when you actually get down to the nitty gritty, and try to ignore the 'expected' result, in this case, expecting passion to automatically develop, is a bad idea.
In my dictionary, passion is a taste and hunger for something that you want and that it is certainly developed, and never 'imbibed' in someone.
Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Loved the post. I found you on twitter, first time on the site, found it a very insightful and helpful read. Thanks!
The idea is scarier than the thing itself.
I think one will only discover his passion through action.
Here's some books I've enjoyed to help clarify a persons passion/purpose:
One Month To Live
by Kerry & Chris Shook
The Dreamgiver
by Bruce Wilkinson
Put Your Dream to the Test
by John C. Maxwell
My wife just read this article and said 'who would be scared to move to China?'.
A few years ago I started "my war on unfinished business"... recorded the music, re-did the website. Took on too-long-procrastinated remodeling projects in the house. Followed up each inspiration and presented it either as an artistic creation or a 'proposal' of some sort to someone. The motto was "let's do what we can do from where we are."
Response was flat... feedback rare. I still have my results... recorded music, new kitchen and bath... but with so little information coming back at me, those efforts that once seemed so vital are now old news, and I'm wondering what the next passion will be.
I need another way to distill these signs from life. I've learned the one about reaching outside my comfort zone. It's a great lesson... and yet there has to be more.
One clue to a passion, I think, is when you've hit on something and you find that others support, want and demand what you do. It's when there's that "click" and the people that love and care about you can totally "see" you in that role and give you a big YES... and when someone is willing to pay you to do it.
In any case I could use a clue. ; )
Best wishes, all!
You know, it's 1:30 am and I've been reading many of these wonderful posts about passion and what it is(or isn't)and agreeing with most...I remember 1968, Holland,driving my wife to be to work, and returning to the pad at about 9 am and sitting down at the piano only to be rudely rousted from my trance by the phone and my fiance breaking the news that it was 5 pm and where was I? Its a wonder that she married me...my almost 41 y.o. son Yasha is living proof of this..she never was really upset because the office was 10-15 minutes away by car and she knew that I was immersed in readying my first Dutch recording
project......and this story repeated itself...not daily, but frequently......I digress......thinking about Yasha, his two kid sisters that followed, and now two beautiful grandson's reminded me of the hundreds of songs/compositions/arrangements that I was blessed with having the opportunity of creating over the years...the similarity between the kids and songs is that they're relatively easy to create but somewhat harder to introduce to the "real-world" not necessarily
'waiting' for them to arrive...a certain amount of "tug-boating" is required....and then, inevitably, one day the front door opens and off they go "into the wild blue yonder".....to be or not to be!
So, a certain amount of business accumen is required to launch that wonderful new musical creation of yours...in my case, I was educated by my dad and in school sales and marketing classes....I always enjoyed this pursuit but not nearly like the creating of of a new melody or some meaningful text or a cool and unique arranging quirk!......not even close!
I kind of resent the fact that in order for these wonderful songs to get out in the 'cruel, cold world that I'm going to need to 'moonlight' on a different kind of playing field with businessmen who are not at all like me and somehow perservere and accomplish the mission....
Derek,
Thanks yet one more time for the opportunity of having a musical 'pulpit' to share with you and all of these wonderfully creative and expressive people!
Rich
Your comments on passion came in handy for me today. Thanks,
I've often wondered about it, wanting to play and create music has been with me for most of my life, earning money at it, enough of it to make a living at it seems impossible. So music remains a hobby in my life that has a finacial cost that some times I can't afford.
Love your articles, Derek. There is a fine line between fear and excitement. The trick is to just step off the line - and everything will be fine. My experience is fear transforms into excitement after a few friendly handshakes.
good lord man! this article just hit me in the solar plexus and i'm laying on the floor trying to catch my breath. i might know what it could be now... we'll see. i'll tell no one. ;)