How do you monetize your passion? Is it possible to turn a purpose into a paycheck?
Like many other business owners, I enjoy talking to people about their businesses and careers. It's interesting to find out the various motivations people have for doing what they do. As you know, the majority of people are just in "it" for the money. That's fine of course - we all need some! So often though, people tell me that they don't know what they really want to do, and that they've always wanted to own their own business. At some point in our lives, we've all been in that searching, unsatisfied phase of knowing there is something more to life and work. I ask them one simple question: If you could do any kind of work you wanted, but didn't get paid for it, what is it that you'd do? The answer to that question is very important for each individual. The answer leads people to discover the inner drive that motivates them - imparted gifts - their heart's desire - life purpose - PASSION.
Inside of you there is something totally, completely different from anyone else on the planet. If you can tap into your "passion," you are on your way to feeling fulfilled about your life's purpose. Many people never discover their passion and purpose even though it's available and inside each of us. The brightness of life slowly dims as a person moves further away from their passion and who they were meant to be.
Finding your passion is a huge, wonderful breakthrough. So... having your new found awareness is all fine and dandy until you have to take it to the next step. Now what? Enlightenment becomes contemplation. How can you make a living with it? How do you monetize your passion? Is it possible to turn a purpose into a paycheck? I have to admit that monetizing my passion has not always been so easy for me. Both in figuring out how, and feeling strange about charging people to have me do something I love.
Here are a few business and career examples of monetizing your passion:
Unfortunately in this imperfect world, it just isn’t normally possible for us to work for free. Those darn bills just keep coming! When that twinge of guilt rises up in your mind as you ask someone to pay you for your work - your passion - quickly change your mindset. People are normally happy to pay for a creative service or a talent that someone else possesses. In their mind, it's money well spent to have someone else's skill go to work for them. I'm sure you've said to yourself on various occasions, "Boy, I really should pay someone else to do this..." That's a sure sign that trading their time for your money would be a good idea. Give that task to someone who is good at it, and actually likes doing it! It takes all of us - every gift, skill and talent to ensure the mutual success of all of us, right? After all, life is a team sport so get good at the position you are meant to have. When you find strategic people who each partner up their passions, that's when you'll have a business team that's humming.
When you finally discover your purpose and passion, you now have a responsibility to do something about it. Go get the necessary training. Find a mentor. Ask for help when you need it (you will need it). Develop your skills and hone your gifts. Have the right attitude and believe in your unique "why." If you start a business, start the type of business that fits you and your life best. Set business goals and move towards your goals with each decision you make. Don't allow your passion to wither away and perish. Keep your day job at first if you financially need to. What you have to offer the world is very valuable. Your skill, talents and passion should make you proud and help others (and YOU) see the value of it too.
Learn more about the author, Krista Dunk.
Too often, we get stuck in a job that may not be what we wanted to do but it is never too late to pursue that passion inside as Krista describes. It may not become your main source of income or provide for retirement but it will provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that money can not buy!
Nice article Krista!
Bobby
Thank you for sharing this inspiration, Krista.
I'm all for supporting anyone who wants to learn how to monetize their passion.
For those who are experiencing disappointment in finding their passion, consider that it's not always finding that "one thing."
If you act on ONE of your interests, you will begin to see your passion develop into something you would have never thought up with your THINKING brain :)
Great article Krista. You make excellent points around what happens if we aren't working/living our passion. Too often I have seen many a business leader get bogged down (broke, busted and disgusted, as I like to say) because they aren't passionate about what they are doing. No amount of money is worth the dissatisfaction of going to work at a j.o.b. that is not fulfilling or inspiring the hear.
To find one's passion is key, there may be multiple key components that surface in the exploration. That's ok. It is time well spent to ensure a long and prosperous life - defining ones passion.
You're all right on!
Whether your passion becomes your #1 source of income or not... still find it. Act on one of your interests and it IS amazing what develops. It is time well spent to find out how to NOT be broke, busted and disgusted :-)!
This is exactly what happened to me. I was helping my mother buy clothing for a fund raiser and she looked a me and said.. you should be paid to do this. The very next day I went online, set up a web page, got a business license and started posting adds everywhere and anywhere I could. I still work my 9-5 but I really do enjoy helping people out.
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