Discover Your Passion: Do What You Love And The Money Will Follow

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productivity tips

You’ve heard this cute advice a hundred times: Do what you love and the money will follow. If you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. But what if you have no idea what your passion is?

It’s time you find out.

It’s time to live your passion.

In real estate, there’s a concept called “highest and best use” (HABU). Properties are valued based on the best use of the land that will produce the highest value. For example, appraisers may value a two-bedroom house on a busy street next to retail shops as if a strip mall occupied the land, because the best use of the property that produces the highest value is a strip mall and not a house. In other words, other two-bedroom houses in the town might be worth $200,000, but an investor may pay $600,000 just for the land in order to build a strip-mall.

When you use the other 8 hours to create, you must focus on your HABU — your unique talents, skills, and experience that produce the most value. The dead weight that so many people drag around with them is their feeling of unfulfillment at work. Part of the reason for this lethargy is that most people feel underutilized and don’t have the flexibility to do what they do best. We get boxed into positions and job descriptions that we can do adequately, but usually don’t tap into our core strengths.

This is why creating during the other 8 hours is so much fun. You create your own job description. You are your own boss and you can focus on what it is you enjoy the most and do the best. You might not be performing at HABU during your working hours, but in order to maximize your chance for success during the other 8 hours, you need to focus on projects that use your best and most unique talents. Duh, right? I wish it were so obvious.

Over and over and over again, I see people starting businesses and getting engaged in projects that are so completely outside of their best use. They focus exclusively on what will provide them the “highest” value-that is, those projects that look like they’ll make them the most money — but they don’t first consider what their personal “best use” is. I’ve seen guys who can’t set the time on their VCR (I guess I’m dating myself) try to start technology companies. I’ve seen others who can’t balance their checkbook try to start finance companies. I’ve seen somebody try to launch a video game application who had no gaming experience (and in fact, didn’t even like games).

And guess what? All those ventures failed. Why? You have to be passionate about what you’re doing or you’ll give up after the first setback. The more you love what you do the more you will persevere. Also, when you capitalize on your unique qualities and gifts, you’re making it easier on yourself. If you start something you’re halfway into or that doesn’t capture your talents, you’re making it much harder to succeed.

Exercise: How to Discover Your Passion

So what’s your highest and best use? Here’s a simple exercise you can do that will help you pinpoint where you should focus. Make three lists. On the first list, write down all of the things you are good at — everything that you do well and that you have mastery over. On the next list, write down everything you enjoy — hobbies, special interests, games, TV shows, etc. Finally, list everything that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. Now for the magic . . . find common elements across all three lists. That’s when you’ve discovered your HABU. That’s what you should focus on in the other 8 hours.

Don’t go for the “sexy” ones just because you think they’ll be the most exciting or have the most potential. Focus on those that feel right for you — those that mesh well with your skills, interests, and greater purpose.

You can download several free resources (assessment, poster, audio interview, video, and more) at www.other8hours.com and learn more about my new book, The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose.

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  • http://budurl.com/ynfr Megan Zuniga

    Great article! I can attest to this. My mother had tried many business ventures, coffee shop, tailoring, internet shop, and even a piggery. And I know better than to criticize her, but I knew why she failed all of those. It’s because she knows nothing about them. Sure, she hires people who knew something about it. But it wasn’t enough. And most success stories come from people who are passionate about what they do: Donald Trump, Bill Gates, the guy who made Starbucks, Madonna, and many many more.
    For additional reading, although this post already said it all. Please visit http://budurl.com/kqk7 to help you with your list.

  • http://divorceforguys.com Jeff

    I recently discovered my passion. While I’m at my “job” I can’t wait to get home and work on my blog.
    I really don’t care if I never make a penny, it is something I enjoy and it does not seem like work, at all. I wish I would have found this years ago.

  • http://www.richardshelmerdine.com/blog/ Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com

    If we don’t know after this then we can just do whatever fills us with passion RIGHT NOW. If there is nothing you want to commit to long term that is. I get this all the time.

  • http://www.zentactics.com/ Adam

    “Why? You have to be passionate about what you’re doing or you’ll give up after the first setback.” – Although what if you really dislike your job or your co-workers? I’d be curious to see if others think that’s enough motivation to do something you enjoy more (as opposed to having 100% passion for) and make it succeed.

    “The more you love what you do the more you will persevere. Also, when you capitalize on your unique qualities and gifts, you’re making it easier on yourself. If you start something you’re halfway into or that doesn’t capture your talents, you’re making it much harder to succeed.” – This is great advice that jives with common sense. Thanks Robert.

  • http://positivelypresent.com Positively Present

    I’ve heard this so many times — follow your passion and the money will follow — and I really believe it to be true. When you do what you love, other people pick up on the positive energy and they are drawn to experiencing that good feeling with you. It can be hard for people to remember this (or even for some to figure out what it is that they love!), but it’s such an important life lesson. Thanks for the great reminder!

  • http://unreadyandwilling.com Kenji Crosland

    Blind pursuit of passion only takes someone so far. Balance should be achieved between ones abilities, one’s interests and what the market is looking for. I agree that passion should come first–if it didn’t what would be the point? After that, one has to think about the other two factors. There’s a winning combination for everyone. It just takes time to find it.

  • http://humandevelopmentinstitute.com/ Roger K. Allen

    Wow! Nice blog. I really agree that passion must come first. I really believe that if you will follow your passion, the money will follow. When you do what you love, other people pick up on the positive energy and they are drawn to experiencing that good feeling with you.

  • http://www.siliconebracelets.cn lily su

    nice article,thank you very much.

  • http://budurl.com/ynfr Megan Zuniga

    @Kenji it’s true that passion can only take you so far. But passion in itself is powerful. It can be a driving force behind our motivation. But passion without direction could also lead to failure. So you have a point, there has to be a right balance, a right mix to it.

  • http://warriormindcoach.com/blog Gregg Swanson

    Wonderful article! I find that many people do know their “passion” but stop themselves from following it because they don’t know how to make money at. They look at their passion from an income perspective…from a workers point of view. Faith, trust and looking at their limiting beliefs will help with a shift in perspective.

    • Jaynine235

      So true! I love ballroom dancing and am an instructor, but to work at it full time, has me wondering and in fear that I will not make enough money.  It pays so little but is so enjoyable! So, I have been holding off….because of this.

  • http://gurutalks.com Guru Talks

    nice article and great term HABU, it is absolutely right the people, who do not earn much money because they fail to recognize their talents and passions.

    Great Energy is released when one goes with one’s passion, because it’s always hard to flow against the stream.

  • http://improveminduniversity.blogspot.com jonathanfigaro

    Follow you passion. Follow your heart. Life is too short to do anything else!

  • http://www.mastery-journey.com outstanding

    So how do you reconnect with your heart and find your passion? The answer is to take extremely good care of yourself. Give yourself as much love, care and nurturing as you give others. Take a good look at how you treat yourself. My guess is that you would never treat your children, friends or even your coworkers as poorly as you treat yourself. Most of us work much harder and take far less time for fun then we encourage others to do. It is time to take extremely good care of yourself. You deserve it!

    I have found the best way to do this is by making self-care a daily habit. What are some activities you love to do that feel nurturing? These can be simple things like having coffee in a beautiful mug that makes you happy every time you look at it, or turning on your favorite music as you get ready in the morning. These daily habits can be activities you already do but are not mindful of. For example you already take a shower, so why not turn that activity into a delicious, nurturing habit by using wonderful-smelling bath gel or lighting candles. You get the idea! So now, take out a piece of paper and list 6-10 “Daily Delicious Habits” that will make you feel pampered.

    really great article that great can enhance people life . thanks for sharing this and keep it up

  • http://achievementradio.com/ Don Weyant

    Above all, be true to yourself, your values and your beliefs. If you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it. Your passion is most likely that one thing that you won’t allow yourself to do because someone you know would laugh at you. Examine that closely, grab some courage and go for it. You may be shocked at the support you get from those who you thought would laugh or disapprove.

  • http://www.pharmacytechnicianblog.com/ pharmacy technician

    Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

  • http://asktallgirl.com/ tall lesi

    Self exploration, listen to your heart what you want another way to find your passion. Follow small leads until it feels right to you and you beleive in it.

  • http://www.pharmacytechnicianblog.com/ pharmacy tech

    Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

  • http://guyfarmer.tumblr.com Guy Farmer

    Great tips Robert. It’s so vital to find what we really want to do in life. It’s as if all else follows when we finally connect with who we are deep inside and what our true path in life is. Once we connect with that part of us we can live a life of great fulfillment.

  • http://www.damemalone.com Dame Malone

    Great article. I especially enjoyed the tips on finding your passion. That really works. I wrote a piece in my blog on a similar topic “Where is your GIFT? It’s inside.” Check it out here if you have time. Thanks.

    http://www.damemalone.com/2010/10/what-is-your-gift-look-inside-and-you.html

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    wow very informative.. thanks

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    gotta bookmark this one THIS IS VERY GOOD REFERENCE.. thanks for sharing..do you have twitter? i should follow you.

  • E AB

    Do what you love and the money will follow. Yes, if you love to be a Lawyer, a CEO
    on wallstreet, etc. No, if you’re a just poet, or just a painter. If the money isn’t there at the start, it won’t be later. The book by the way is trash. Money is only mentioned i the title.

  • rickrude

    “Do what you love and the money will follow.”

    When exactly is that supposed to kick in? How many decades will it be before that happens? Doing what you love will, most of the time, not provide you with enough to live in anything resemble a respite never mind comfort. I’m with E AB. Right on.

  • http://twitter.com/xtreme014 gurdeep singh

    i am unable to find my passion.hope your advice will work for me.thanks.

  • mae

    very inspiring,love it!

  • Dkconsignado

    This article helps me a lot, I have been struggling jumping my careers to different areas of businesses, I have realized that it is better to become great into something you are passionate about than being just good in different field. Thanks!!!

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  • Barbara

    It’s interesting that all your comments are from a year ago.  I have trusted this philosopy for over thirty years and it has served me well…..until now.  The economic environment can no longer support our lofty values.  This country is in a spiraling downturn and unless you get a mind-numbing government job….we are all doomed.

    Thank you for your inspiring website.

    Barbara Van Duyne

  • anonymous

    Okay, well, I’m doing what I love and the money ain’t followin’.

    How do you get the money to come? I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even have enough money or energy to do what I love anymore. How do I get enough money to do what I love without ending up homeless, and still have the time and energy left over after my mind-numbing exhausting retail workday is over to spend working on what I love?

    Seriously, nobody ever gives me a practical answer to this.

  • anonymous

    Okay, well, I’m doing what I love and the money ain’t followin’.

    How do you get the money to come? I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even have enough money or energy to do what I love anymore. How do I get enough money to do what I love without ending up homeless, and still have the time and energy left over after my mind-numbing exhausting retail workday is over to spend working on what I love?

    Seriously, nobody ever gives me a practical answer to this.

  • anonymous

    Okay, well, I’m doing what I love and the money ain’t followin’.

    How do you get the money to come? I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even have enough money or energy to do what I love anymore. How do I get enough money to do what I love without ending up homeless, and still have the time and energy left over after my mind-numbing exhausting retail workday is over to spend working on what I love?

    Seriously, nobody ever gives me a practical answer to this.