I recently read a quote from Elbert Hubbard that said “Enthusiasm is the great hill climber.” This made me realize that there are many experiences that I have had due to this enthusiasm and positive attitude. I have been willing to take on many challenges and I have been willing to fill many roles that I may not have had any business filling. My enthusiasm has turned me into a “jack of all trades, a master of none”.
I think of it also as a zest for life. Some examples of where this zest for life has lead me are making paintings, photography, singing, creating music, crafting with gourds, wood working, event planning, cooking, yoga, gardening, dancing, traveling, writing, teaching, and on and on. The tricky part about this is that each of these “hobbies” if pursued to mastery have the potential to earn income. So now I am faced with the decision of which hobby to spend my time on with the goal of earning additional income.
Do I invest time and money into becoming a musician? Do I invest time and money into producing photographs and art? Do I invest time and money into becoming a certified yoga instructor? Do I try to run my own event planning business? Each of these avenues would be fulfilling, but which would be the most lucrative?
Right now I am leaning toward photography, but I am having a hard time committing to it. I know if I commit to it then I will have to give up my dream of performing and entertaining. Living a life with one foot in one direction and another foot in the other is going to get me no where. So as I finish this blog, I am convincing myself that it is finally time to commit to at least one of my dreams, put in the work and time and make it happen, once and for all.
For those of you that might find yourself at similar crossroads, I wish you well and would like to learn about your options and notions.
I have found that taking a nonmonetary look at things is generally the best way to cultivate passion. And generally, money follows passion.
ReplyDeleteWhen I decided to become a writer, it knew it would not be initially lucrative, but I believe in the end it will yield great monetary gains through persistence, talent, and belief. The greatest lesson in my adult life was to realize where I had an equilibrium of passion AND talent & follow that lead. It's worked out well for me on many levels!
- Billie