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What's your excuse for not pursuing your passion?
Mr. Smith talked about all kinds of excuses we are making for not going for it in life. I have many tiered dreams in life, and while some are checked off (like working abroad), others still need to be (like changing the world). I find myself thinking that there are too many gatekeepers in the world and too much potential for environmental destruction (i.e. putting out a certain product), so I am always rethinking my "passion", and hoping that I don't come across something where others or the world have to suffer just because of my own ego / narcissistic need to self-actualize.
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Lee Miller 10+
But, IMO, the idea that everyone should pursue their passion is faulty anyway. How many people do you know have a passion for cleaning public toilets? If everyone followed their passion we'd have thousands of rock stars and no janitors. Besides, the way Larry talks you'd think that anyone who isn't following their passion is not contributing to society at all, which isn't true; they may be perfectly good at whatever job they're doing.
Genevieve Tran 50+
I believe there are other TED talks which have been trying to newly implant in our minds that our society needs to shift towards compassion, regard for the environment and the future etc. as new social goods. So, one day, our dreams will shift and the goal of having your own reality show, in the Western world, will be seen as dumb.
sandy naiker
Linda Taylor 50+
If you passion is music it does not mean you are a rockstar. You could work in the business but perhaps you work to be able to enjoy your passion.
But Larry is insightful. Because to get up every day, day after day to go to a job is easier if it somehow contributes to your passion. But your job may or may not BE your passion.
Colleen Steen 500+
I agree...passion is not necessarily related to work experience. You say..."pursing your passion means you move in the direction of your passion".....good point! What if, as with me, my passion is life, so that passion is actually moving with me in every moment?
Funny you mention cleaning toilets...been there done it!!! At the same time I was pursuing an acting career, I also owned and managed 32 rental units. It was not unusual for me to go to the city for acting/modeling jobs, then go back to the country and clean an apartment...including washing toilets....LOL:>)
I was pampered and paid very well with the acting/modeling, then the next day, I'd be the washer-woman with my hands in the dirt of a trashed apartment. I LOVED and was passionate about it all!!! For me, it was all part of the process of really "living", so I appreciated, and continue to appreciate ALL life experiences. I know I'm weird...can't help myself!!! LOL:>)
sangita vardhan
Lee Miller 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
I appreciate your kindness, sensitivity and understanding. As an older adult, I realize that my passion for all aspects of life is not weird, and I was having fun with the idea in the previous comment:>)
There have been times in my younger days, when my passion, joy and unconditional love for life was thought to be "weird" by some people in my life, and it was challenging for me to understand how they COULD NOT feel passionate about being fully engaged in each and every moment. I still have difficulty understanding why people do not want to embrace life in that way, and it's ok...we all have differences and choices:>)
I learned, as I traveled the life journey, that my passion for all of life is indeed a gift which adds MANY dimensions to the life adventure, and as you say..."the ultimate passion IS life and living...fills us with zest...impacts every facet of our lives...gives us confidence to face challenges, and remember that we have choices. Thanks for the reminders Sangita:>)