Passion and Practicality: Coexistence through Creativity

We all have passion for something. Some of us are passionate about our jobs. Some of us are passionate about our families. Some of us are passionate about our hobbies. Some of us have passion for all those things. And then there are those of us who have passion for something, but it is as of yet undiscovered.

Passion is power, plain and simple. Passion provides energy to keep on doing something. Passion powers persistence. Passion helps us to focus. Passion is the foundation of greatness in any undertaking. If we have passion, we can accomplish the miraculous. Without passion, we often feel like we are swimming upstream when doing whatever it is we are doing.

At times, suggesting the need to have passion for a job or profession gets confused with a lack of practicality. For example, I will say to someone, “If you do not have passion for what you are doing, it is going to be hard to succeed over the long haul. Not only that, it is going to be tough to lead a happy life.” Often, the response comes, “I need to be practical. I can’t just follow my passion. I have to make money.”

And herein enters passion’s best friend, creativity. Creativity comes to passion’s rescue. From a practical point of view, it does not make sense to wake up one day and quit our jobs – if we have no passion for them – particularly when we have no other prospects for work and no money saved. Not only is it impractical, it is irresponsible.

However, who says we cannot endeavor to find passion for what we do? Who says we cannot create a way to merge our passion and our work? And if that is not possible, who says we cannot develop a plan to make a career change? The reality is that if you combine passion with creativity, you can be practical in the pursuit of your happiness. Being practical and being passionate need not be an either or circumstance.

Be honest with yourself about your passion. Then, using your creative abilities, make a plan to pursue it. Passion and practicality can coexist if we are creative.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

*Authors note: You might see this column pop up online in a newspaper, under the name Both Sides. I am publishing this column here first at CYInterview.com. For a bunch of years, I have been writing newspaper columns. Since my columns have received a good response on CYInterview, I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy.

You can reach me with your questions and comments at Jay@CYinterview.com Like today’s column? Check back frequently.