When your passion and purpose don’t align

In the early 80s, I had a dream of starting a graphic design business. The ability to visually tell stories ignited a fire within me. However, at that time, I was young, impressionable, and intimidated by the idea of pursuing my dream alone. Fearing failure, I allowed myself to be convinced by friends to start a residential and commercial cleaning business instead. Little did I know, this detour would teach me valuable lessons about passion, responsibility, and the importance of staying true to one’s dreams.

The Unforeseen Journey:

Despite our lack of experience and expertise, the cleaning business began to grow. Within the first year, we were making a profit, expanding to a small office space, and employing 14 individuals. At first, it seemed like a remarkable achievement, but the reality of running a business soon revealed its challenges.

I vividly remember driving over 20 minutes to rectify a simple mistake made by an employee who left toothpaste on a customer’s sink. I faced incidents where chemicals discolored a customer’s floors, resulting in costly replacements. Employees would occasionally fail to show up, extending already long hours while profits dwindled. It became clear that running the cleaning business was becoming increasingly expensive and far from the vision I had originally held.

Reflecting on Distractions:

Looking back, I recognize how easily I allowed myself to be distracted from my true passion. I allowed someone to sell me the idea of undeveloped land, promising great things that never materialized. Waiting for these elusive promises, I lost sight of my initial dream.

Understanding Passion as Undeveloped Land:

Passion, much like undeveloped land, holds immense potential, but it requires cultivation and nurturing to reach its full splendor. Like wild, untamed land, passion can be both exhilarating and challenging to control. It can be messy, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming. Yet, when passion is nurtured and harnessed, it becomes a source of beauty, joy, and personal growth.

Tips for Cultivating Your Passion:

Identify your passion: Take the time to introspect and discover what truly ignites your soul. What activities make you come alive? What brings you the greatest sense of fulfillment?

Set goals: Once you have identified your passion, set clear and meaningful goals for yourself. Define what you want to achieve and envision the impact your passion can have on your life and the lives of others.

Take action: Embrace your passion wholeheartedly and take actionable steps towards its realization. Avoid getting trapped in a cycle of merely dreaming; instead, actively work towards your goals and pursue your passion with dedication and perseverance.

Be patient: Cultivating your passion takes time and effort. Patience is key as you navigate the ups and downs of the journey. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Trust the process and continue working diligently towards your goals.

Embracing the Risk of Passion:

Pursuing your passion is akin to purchasing someone else’s undeveloped land. It may involve uncertainty and risk, as you step into the unknown. However, when you are truly passionate about something, the rewards far outweigh the risks. Passion has the power to propel you towards greatness and unlock your true potential.

Conclusion:

Passion is a force that can shape your life and bring fulfillment beyond measure. It requires courage, dedication, and resilience to cultivate and nurture. While distractions may arise and detours may be tempting, staying true to your dreams is essential. Embrace the wild and untamed nature of your passion, work hard, and trust in the process. Let your passion flourish, and who knows? One day, it may transform into something extraordinary.