I recently watched this Mike Rowe video on Facebook, and it really got me thinking. If you haven't seen it yet, click on Mike's picture to open the link.
This video got comments from people agreeing and disagreeing, but I think those who disagree fail to get Rowe's point.
You don't always want to follow your dreams/passions, what you want to do is take them with you. See the difference? It's an important one!
Financial Guru Dave Ramsey often says things like "If you're not careful, your dreams can turn into nightmares." For example, if you've always wanted to own a bakery, then you might want to learn how to bake. Get a job in a bakery. Save money, learn the business, develop a business plan- do it the right way!
Even with our best efforts, we simply might not be blessed with the things we need to fulfill our dreams the way we originally thought we should. Mike Rowe's example of American Idol Contestants is a perfect example of this.
However, we might not all be able to become rock stars, but anyone can become a better singer. Keep in mind though, even if you've become a much, much better singer than you were, due to lessons, practice, etc., you still might be terrible.
Does that mean you have to give up on your passions? No, but you might have to modify them, or make them your hobbies. Doing so might make you enjoy them even more.
A few years back, I read an article by a friend who was finally able to fulfill his dream of opening up a martial arts school. He loved the martial arts, and opening his own school was his ultimate dream. It only took a few years to discover that he absolutely loathed owning his own school. The business aspects that he had to deal with robbed him of every ounce of joy he'd once had for doing something he loved.
Whatever you do in life, learn to find some sort of joy in doing it, and if you can't then move on, but do so wisely and in the proper time. Don't turn your passions into burdens, or your dreams into nightmares.
Good advice! Thanks Mike Rowe.
What do you think about Mike's advice? Comment below and let me know.
