NdukuOutLoud

A reflection on why chasing passions may suck and how I am figuring it out

We’ve all heard the motivational speakers. They stand on stage, eyes gleaming, telling us to “chase our passions” and “never give up, even when it gets hard.”

I used to roll my eyes at that.

I figured the whole point of chasing a passion was that it shouldn’t be hard. I thought it would be all lightning bolts of inspiration and waking up every day ready to take on the world. Why leave a difficult job I might not like anymore just to pick up a “dream” that is also difficult? It didn’t make sense. I thought they were wrong.

But then, I had a ‘ why the hell not moment’. And I started doing those things that I have always wanted to do- this blog being one of them. . And boy, was I in for a reality check. I finally realized why they tell you to keep going when it gets hard. Because..

• There’s like a Isolation Phase. When you start, your vision only makes sense to you. Explaining why you want to quit a stable job to paint, write, or take photos feels impossible because the “why” hasn’t manifested in the real world yet. And it makes sense since..

• Unlike a corporate job with a handbook, passion rarely comes with a manual. The plan is often too wild to even say out loud, which makes it feel fragile. And if the plan feels fragile, then..
• The version of you that doesn’t get things done will suddenly start checking in every morning. It will remind you of every time you procrastinated or quit before. Which brings about
• The “Who Do You Think You Are?” Factor: Fear and doubt aren’t just background noise; they are loud. You’ll question your right to even dream this big. And we have not even got to..
• Things rarely pan out in real life the way they do in your head. When expectations don’t match reality, your brain tries to tell you that you were wrong to start in the first place.

How I’m Keeping Myself Afloat
I wish I had a smarter or more magical solution than those speakers I used to mock. But the truth is, the only way out is through. Here is how I’m navigating the choppy waters:

1. Own Your “Selfish” Phase
   It’s okay if it only makes sense to you right now. This is your journey to discover and nurture. It will make sense to the rest of the world later. For now, it’s yours.
2. Don’t Mourn Your Potential-Use It
   Realizing you had this talent all along can be heartbreaking. Don’t let that grief crash you. Let it be a reminder of what you are truly capable of now that you’ve finally tapped into it.
3. Passion is Not an Excuse to Skip the Work
   The fact that you love it doesn’t make the labor go away. There are no shortcuts. The only way to get things done is to actually do them, even on the days you’d rather not.
4. Build Systems, Not Just Moods
   Motivation is a fickle friend; it fades when the weather gets bad. Systems stick. I’m currently testing flexible systems that are firm enough to keep me moving, but kind enough to keep the joy alive.

There’s more- I know. And once I get my head around them I will share. But for now. I will leave you with the words of famous anonymous speaker that said “Do it even when it’s hard- especially when it’s hard”