Yeah okay not really—we’re all going to die whether we pursue our passions or not. Tough nuggets. But it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of bouncing from class to class, or from 9 to 5, or kids to soccer, or whatever stage of life you happen to be in. Time flies by so fast, one minute you’re upside down doing a keg stand at a white-trash themed rager and the next you’re sitting in your cubicle with a framed picture of your cat drinking one of those nasty Kombucha teas thinking, Where the F*ck Am I? And what does this all mean, and why does it matter? What did I contribute? It’s enough to make even the happiest of us feel a little bluesy on the days when we wonder what we are really accomplishing.
I remember when Steve Jobs died and my boss gathered us together to give us a speech about following your dreams—especially the ones that make you look batshit crazy. I don’t think we all need to up and quit our jobs to start knitting penis finger puppets to sell on Etsy (imagine what my Google search history looks like, people…) but,please, I beg you–if your work is not fulfilling then at least make sure you have a passion project. Give yourself a concrete goal and work toward it daily.
At the end of the week—scratch that—the end of the day, look back and ask yourself what you did that you are really, truly passionate about. This doesn’t always have to mean tackling your Big Passion Project (writing a novel, completing a marathon, or whatever) but can be as simple as cooking a meal with real food that nourishes your body, having a stimulating conversation about something that matters to you, or spending time with the people that are important. Fill your life with activity and people, not things, and I guarantee that you will feel a lot more fulfilled.
What are my passion projects? Well you’re reading one, right now…this is my hobby that pays in lube!
I also have a few more top secret projects up my nutty sleeves, and when I am not hunched over my computer working on one of my zillion writing projects, or knee deep in lube, I also love spending my hard-earned greenery on high quality food, live music, and travel. My most recent bizarro trip was to the Poconos to compete in a Tough Mudder with a handful of my closest friends, most of them who date back to (gasp!) high school. One of my team-mates broke his tail bone, and managed to finish the course anyways because he is BAD ASS all caps. Stay tuned for more about this adventure in the next week or so on XOJane.com. Oh and while you’re at it, read about how I love my boyfriend’s armpits.
America! Where we put ourselves in horribly strenuous situations "for fun"
America! Where we pay lots of money to roll in mud and hurdle over walls...
Now watch this inspiring video featuring my girl Kristin Lajeunesse, Founder of Will Travel for Vegan Food, who crashed on my couch a few months back during her epic journey! Kristin followed her passion out of a 9-5 and into a decked out vegan mobile that travels around the country. Hear her roar—try not to be distracted by how foxy she is.
Great post. I’ve been having the passion in the world of work conversation with a LOT of people as of late. Thanks for your words.
You freaking crack me up ALL the time. Love it. Love your writing. Hmmm I need a passion to pursue. Anything to say about IIN?
Ahhh I loved IIN. But when I did it, it was still in-person lectures, and now I believe it is online. I am sure that makes the experience wildly different. Look into it, for sure!
Thanks! Yeah, I am in Whistler Canada, so I would have to do it online anyway. Again, awesome post, and thank you!!!
Great post!
I’m picking up what you’re putting down. But I’m finding that all these passions of mine are kind of getting in the way of each other. I love films (the quest!), and playing the keyboard, and reading, and TV, and writing, but I can’t fit them all in, dammit! AHHHH SCATTERBRAINED! But yes – I’ve totally been into productivity and progress lately too. This is a quality post! PS – I actually started the Steve Jobs book! John is going to be so proud!
Haha that speech from John almost inspired me to quit. I mean, I love RIS but damn! I was all like I NEED TO FOLLOW MY DREAMS. I MUST QUIT AND OPEN UP A VEGAN COFFEE SHOP THAT SELLS SEX TOYS AND HOSTS ORGASM WORKSHOPS….Good speech, John. You and Hitler…