Top 10 Reasons for Not Following Your Passion

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008


The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!

As you proceed on your passion to profit journey, you may find yourself challenged by doubts and fears. It’s only natural. While this is a natural part of being human, however, giving into those doubts and fears doesn’t have to be. Here therefore, are my counterarguments for “The Top Ten Fear-Based Excuses People Give Themselves For Not Following Their Passion”

Reason #1: Will people really want to pay me for this?

If you believe that the only place your prosperity can come is from your employer, then that’s the reality that you will create. If you accept that your good and all the blessings of the universe come from other sources, and that you can create and receive wealth for yourself from any channel, then you’ll understand that you can make enough to thrive, not just survive! It’s a law of the universe that people will pay for the things that have value to them.

Reason #2: I don’t have the credentials.

Most successful entrepreneurs don’t have a formal education or degree. If you are faced with a task you’ve never accomplished before, you don’t need to be smart, you simply need to know what to do. Many successful passionpreneurs are simply people who knew the steps to take to go from where they were to were they wanted to be.

Reason #3: If it does sell, will my luck continue long enough for me to be successful?

The question is not whether IT will continue long enough for you to be successful, but will you? As long as you are providing value to the world, there will be people who will pay for it.

Reason #4: I don’t know where to begin.

That’s a common fear. You feel this way because you feel overwhelmed by the task. The trick is to make your list of things to do and simply take one step at a time.

Reason #5: I have kids and a family to feed.

Yes, and soon the kids will have more expenses, like college tuition. It’s been at least 20 years since one or even two incomes has been enough to meet the average family’s rising cost of living. Rather than working more and more hours to make more money, wouldn’t it be easier to put something in place to decrease your dependence on a single stream of income? Your kids are the reason you want to make money. Don’t let them be the excuse you use not to.

Reason #6: I’m not a good business person.

Again, that’s not a requirement. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs are "idea people" who were simply smart enough to find people who are good in the areas they aren’t.

Reason #7: If I leave my job, I’ll lose my pension and benefits.

If it’s predicted that 97 percent of the population will retire dependent on family, friends and the federal government to survive, and they’re doing pretty much the same thing you are, what assurances do you have that your fate won’t be the same? Besides, no one’s saying you have to leave your job, but why not think about creating something that can create your own pension and benefits. It’s my belief that no job can ever match the potential for prosperity of someone with the passion to succeed.

Reason #8: I’ll think about that when I’m older.

And in the meantime? There really is no such thing as the future. There is only now. Your future and the lifestyle you desire is created by the things you choose to do now.

Reason #9: It’ll take too long for me to be successful at it.

Ask yourself: "How old will I be in 10 years?" Then ask, "How old will I be in 10 years, if I don’t do this?" Then ask, "How old will I be in 10 years if I do this?" The fact is, the years will pass regardless of what you decide to do with your life. By not pursuing your passion, however, you’ve simply decided to pass the years unhappy and frustrated rather than in empowering pursuit of fulfillment.

Reason #10: I’ll start when I have the money to invest.

Many people assume that no actions can be taken unless and until they have a certain amount of money. In fact, just the opposite is true. Paperwork can be completed. Products can be designed. Calls can be made. Estimates can be acquired. Marketing strategies can be mapped out.

In addition, it’s been my experience that if you proceed AS IF you have the money, faith, and the divine order of the universe will bring you what you need. Remember, we live in a supportive and creative universe. And this creative power of the universe is brought to bear by commitment, is multiplied by faith, and serves men and women who go after their dreams!


Note: For more tips on overcoming your fears, acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com!

Note: There’s a new blog in town! Check out www.blacksonsaipan.com

* * * *

Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!