From a young age we’re told that we need to go to school to get a good education so we can get a good job so we can support our family.

Everything is laid out in stages like checkpoints in a video game. Once we complete each level, we can give ourselves a pat on the back and carry on to the next. Rinse and repeat until you’re retired.

Because when you’re retired, that’s when you can have all the fun. The only problem? You might not be in the same healthy shape as you were in your younger years. Which means you probably won’t have the energy to write that novel you’ve been sitting on for decades, to trek to the Everest basecamp or to volunteer in Africa. I mean, sure you might, but it’s unlikely.

By that point, we have a life of checkpoints to look back on that have made us who we are.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are people who are throwing caution to the wind and spitting in the face of normalcy.

But, as romantic as it sounds (not the spitting, obviously), this method of living life also come with its downsides.

As much as you might hate it (I do, too), money makes the world go round. You might not need as much as most people think you do, but it’s certainly (and unfortunately) one of the things we need most in this world to survive.

To make money and, therefore, to survive, we need to be practical about things.

This is where the barriers become blurred, because so many people err on the side of caution and segment themselves away in the practical box. They get a good job that pays well (even if they hate it), they get married, they have kids, and then they retire. Everything is neatly ordered, every tick box checked.

And whilst this lifestyle might seem like a happy compromise to you, for others it brings them out in a cold sweat.

So many blogs, websites, and films tell you to follow your passion and endure whatever sacrifices you have to make. Yes, this is good advice in the Hollywood movie sense, but it’s not always realistic, is it? In fact, what does it even mean to follow your passion?

What is Passion?

Passion is just a label for something that makes you excited, that gives you purpose and fulfilment, and that piques your interest.

It’s not necessarily a specific “thing”, like writing, playing an instrument, or travelling. Passion can also relate to things like “self-improvement” or “problem-solving”. These things are less tangible, but are equally as easy to be passionate about.

Can You Follow Your Passion to Happiness?

A lot of people assume that if they follow their passion they’ll be happy. But, whilst I think it’s good to have big dreams, this is hardly ever the case. We should never rely on one thing to make us happy. By saying “when I’ve had my novel published I’ll be happy” just puts a whole load of pressure on me. And how will I know I’ll be happy then anyway? More importantly, what if I’m not happy when (if) my novel gets published? What then?

So, having a passion is good, but relying on it is not so good. In the same way it’s not so good to rely on any one thing in life.

Now we find ourselves in a bit of a sticky situation, right? There’s this life that society thinks we should be living and the life we want to be living, so we need to find the intersection. Because that’s what it’s all about – finding the middle-ground where you’re comfortable and happy.

What Would You Do if Money Wasn’t an Issue?

Ah, the million dollar question. Or… the zero dollar question, I guess. I’m sure you’ve asked yourself this before, but really take the time to consider it.

How would you want to spend your days? If, like me, you see flashes of quiet beaches, palm trees, and a hammock swinging in the afternoon sun – great. A lot of people wouldn’t work if they had the choice. If they didn’t have to earn money.

But that doesn’t mean your passion in life is not working. Take the characteristics of your answer – like relaxation, sunshine, stress-free afternoons, cocktails, etc – and incorporate them into your daily life.

I’m definitely not advising you to quit your job and hole up on a desert island somewhere. I’m saying perhaps you could inject some island qualities into your everyday lifestyle, like cocktails at the weekend and trips to the beach.

It’s less about your answer (the thing you would do if money weren’t an issue) and more about how it makes you feel. Tap into that and you’re onto a winner, because it’s this that you can fold into your lifestyle.

It’s the Little Things

I did an interview the other day where I was asked what makes me happy. My answer wasn’t writing about travel (my job), it was taking walks in autumn and having pub lunches with friends and family.

These aren’t my passions – they’re what makes me happy. You know, that warm fuzzy feeling you get inside when you’re content in that very moment.

It’s these little things that make us happy that, over time, build up and make the bigger picture. The bigger picture being eternal and wondrous happiness, of course.

Instead of focusing on one passion, try taking it in steps. If you can’t quit your job to go and volunteer in Africa forever, start closer to home. Volunteer in a youth centre on the weekends, or donate and fundraise for a local charity.

It’s important to realise that work isn’t everything. It doesn’t define who you are. And, whilst many people believe that they won’t be happy until they’re CEO of a multi-million dollar company with their own luxury yacht and jet, in reality it’s the little things that sweep at you from the side that make you happy.

It all comes down to being practical when you follow your passion to ensure you’re not disappointed when your dreams become a reality and to ensure you’re not a slave to making money just so you can hit those ever-coveted checkpoints in life.

Your turn? How do ensure you follow your passion whilst being practical? Share your tips in the comments below!