Advice about business passion usually comes from those most qualified. They’ve not only achieved meteoric rise in careers with businesses no one else would dream possible, but they want us to know that passion is what made it possible. They are our success hero’s and role models to emulate.
Their stories of long, lonely hours invested and not knowing if anything would ever come to fruition captures our imagination. We marvel at their perseverance in the face of rejection, and the failure of those who felt they were wasting their time.
They give courage to dream big and go out and find our passion. This passion that excites and consumes us; this passion that fills us with the emotion of elation and sense of fulfillment; and this passion that motivates us to take action and to abandon the old and create a new business identity for ourselves.
However, as exciting as it is to discover our passion and want to live our passion, when it comes to business we often misplace passion by making it the “primary” success principle.
There are a few things to consider before you start with a business passion.
- Your passion is an intense personal emotion which may be hard to explain logically to others.
- Not every passion is a viable business.
- Passion is the big idea, the vision; it’s not your business plan.
- Passion can be a place to start a business, but it doesn’t guarantee you a successful business.
- Not everyone is able to sustain the same business passion over time.
- What makes you passionate about your business today, can decline with the everyday reality of your business.
- Passion can motivate you through dire times, but you need the support of a business with meaning and purpose as well.
- You carry all the passion of your business, and it can become exhausting.
- Some businesses thrive on passion, but “… success is a do-it-yourself endeavor.”
- Passion is secondary to purpose which gives a business direction, goals and values.
Not everyone will build, or want to build, a business based on passion like a Steve Jobs or a Sir Richard Branson. Their passions can inspire you to discover your own passion whether you decide to turn it into a business endeavor or not.
However, an overt emphasis on passion can leave you feeling guilty about your business for not having a passion or not feeling passionate enough.
It’s comforting to know that your businesses can thrive without passion. First and foremost you are working to fulfill the purpose you have set for your business. What you share and contribute, the problems you solve, the solutions and options you offer, and the challenges you set yourself to grow a better business are deeply rewarding and fulfilling on their own. And, it can be more than enough to make a business successful.
And, sometimes there will a melding between the two – when you’re just outright passionate about your purpose.
Let’s chat below about the role that passion plays in your business.
Resources:
http://eir.dell.com/why-a-passion-based-business-may-be-doomed-to-fail/
https://paidtoexist.com/why-passion-doesnt-matter/
http://sbinformation.about.com/od/startingabusiness/a/passion-for-business.htm
http://biggsuccess.com/2012/09/25/3-differences-between-passion-and-purpose/
http://www.transformationalexpansion.com/blog/?p=456
http://biggsuccess.com/2013/06/19/does-passion-for-your-business-lead-to-failure/
http://biggsuccess.com/2012/10/09/why-you-should-not-follow-your-passion
Image: Pixabay 1127710
You Can Find Me At -
Hmmm, this was interesting.. made me think. I know I love what I do.. .stressful at times, but I love it. I love even more helping businesses grow and being with other people, so much so (both) that I would venture to guess that I am passionate about it.. however, I think there is more out there for me to tap into.. not sure what it is.. but I’ll find it. 😉 Thanks!
Glad this got you thinking about something else out there for you. There are always possibilities to explore.
Good points here, Joyce. You can be passionate yet still lack a path to success if you haven’t uncovered your purpose. Putting your passion and purpose together can be a powerful combination. And, as you point out, there’s got to be a plan – a road map to follow as you grow your business.
Passion is a wonderful thing, but is it a business or a hobby? Important question to answer.
Right Deb. Passion is a powerful motivator but you need a place to channel it.
It’s funny that whole talk on passion could also be said of relationships. As for passion in your work, you can create a business and run a business with passion but know that there are going to be days that you don’t want to have anything to do with the business, and that’s ok! As a matter of fact, I’d be shocked if someone said they felt passion every single day. Learn to breathe through the tough days, expect the slow days with grace and take advantage of the time and lastly revel in the good times. Always remembering there will be ups and downs no matter what you do.
You’re so right Lisa. Any business has it’s challenges. Passion can make us fall in love with our business. But, every day we need to face the music and go out there and meet the world.
As a creative, I must feel inspired and somewhat passion-driven in my life. It definitely makes it more challenging to be “successful” (however you define that), than if you go straight to the business plan and take it on, whether you have passion for it or not. Your post reminded me of a talk by Cal Newport who says, “I think “follow your passion” is terrible advice. Most people don’t have preexisting passions that can be easily matched to their work. And for those who do enjoy such passion, there’s little evidence that building a career around it will lead to satisfaction.” Your point exactly, Joyce. It might work for some, and yet the day to day “grind” of running a business often sees passion take second seat to the activities necessary to bring your goals to fruition. Thanks for the realistic post putting “passion” into context.
Beverley, I always enjoy your posts and responses. You are so thoughtful, and I appreciate that you take the time to comment so fully.
Great post. I started my business with the passion to help women and small business owners. I still have this passion but the application to help has changed over time. I started with organizing moms homes and now I help small business women with their business. I’m flexible in the process. It’s ok if it changes, I want to be of service.
Good observation Sabrina to notice how application has changed over time. Flexibility and change are the key. Most people want everything to remain the same, so they know exactly what to do. And, then they wonder why their businesses don’t grow!
Thank you, for letting me know passion doesn’t mean success or failure.
I am so passionate about my message and my business but not passionate about the constant struggle to find ways to bring in new clients. Being in business is hard and someday’s I find my passion flame is about to go out.
Thanks for sharing Kim and being honest about a dimming passion flame. No questions about it that business is challenging. But, always remember how far you have come and how much you have accomplished. Give yourself credit for the challenges you’ve already met. If you believe in what you are doing then keep going. You have lots of friends here to support you.
Passion for health was what got me to go to school to become a health coach, however, my purpose is to help women take control of their own health and stop waiting for the white coat cure and make health decisions with confidence and purpose.
You are obviously very clear about the difference between passion and purpose. That’s a hard thing for some to understand the difference. They somehow believe that passion alone is all that is necessary for a business to succeed.
Without passion Joyce, I would NEVER have ventured where no one had gone before; I would never have been in business publishing a national genealogical publication for over 5 years, an administrative/executive assistant for over 8 years, a website designer for over 20 years, or publisher of a book! Passion is what has always pushed me forward when times got tough.
Trish, make sure you give yourself a pat on the back for making your passion work for you. Many people have a hard time doing that. Keep us posted as to where your passions are going to lead you next.
Not too long ago I saw a Ted talk by the author of Eat, Pray, Love-Elizabeth Gilbert. She apologized to everyone for promoting idea that you must find your passion. She didn’t know how her talk would be received but knew she had to go ahead. She felt that she had been holding people back from moving ahead, or they were feeling badly about themselves because they couldn’t identify their passion. I thought it was profound.
So glad you addressed it as well. Often the business side can diminish a creatives passion.
Roslyn, that was so kind of you to share this. Passion works for some and not others. It can be a wonderful force in someone’s life, but a business it doesn’t always make.
I liked this article a lot, Joyce. Very down-to-earth advice. Passion alone isn’t enough but oh, how fulfilling it is to be able to find the blend of passion and purpose that makes you happy to wake up in the morning, eager to work with your passion.
You’ve given me a new way to describe myself Beth – down-to-earth. I like that. So glad you’ve found a way to blend your passion and your purpose. It certainly shows in the women you have attracted to this group.
Great post, Joyce! While I’m lucky enough to live my passion as a novelist, the “business” side of this is something entirely different!
You encapsulated it for me with: “Passion is the big idea, the vision; it’s not your business plan.”
So true!
While writing is my passion–and what keeps me going–the author brand side of things (the business side) needed a plan 🙂
Love this!
That’s so great that you are able to pursue your passion as a novelist. Yes, the business side can get in the way, but just think of where it led J.K. Rowling.
I like melding the 2 together – passion and purpose – in the sweet spot!
Congratulations Teresa. Sounds like you’re on your way to a very successful business.