[quote style=”boxed”]It is never easy to keep reaching for dreams. Strength and courage can sometimes be lonely friends. But those who do reach the stars, walk in stardust.[/quote]
2012 sure has gone pretty fast! I remember it quite vividly, like it was just yesterday that i woke up, looked at my calender and realised that i had to make the year count and make something happen.
Did i succeed?
In all honesty, i could have done so much more. But what i can say is that with each year passing and being a year older, the new year gives me a reminder that time really is precious and not to be taken for granted. The new year should be a reminder to us all that if we are to reach our true potential, we have to make each day count.
2013 to me is about following my passion. It allows you to see a glimpse of what makes you come alive and is something that gives you hope, a dream and the motivation to live your life to the limit. You’ll be doing the things you love if you decide to follow through.
But why is passion so important to achieving happiness?
Without passion, you can pretty much forget ever trying to be happy. It’s the fundamental thing most people fail to understand when it comes to finding happiness. Having spoken to various people about what they do with their time, i often get confronted with a rather blank and frustrated look with a response such as:
“I’m working as a toe nail clipping artist which is ok, but its not really what i want to do…”
Now don’t get me wrong, while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a toe nail clipping artist and no doubt a respectable job that pays well. What is clearly evident is that people tend to get stuck into jobs purely for the sake of doing it, whether it’s for a salary, to pay off a mortgage or for whatever reason. It’s so common that people tend to call this ‘making a living’.
The problem with this concept is that it forces you to chase after whatever it is you’re looking for. Does this sound familiar?…
“Maybe if I work hard enough, I just might be able to save enough money so I can put enough aside to do the things I really want to do and leave the rut I’m currently in…”
I’m here to tell you that this doesn’t work.
Let me ask you a question…
If you knew you only had one day to live, what would be the number one thing that you would most like to do?
What excites and motivates you?
Finding your passion is very simple. It also doesn’t have to be job related. It could be a past time activity, a hobby or something you’ve always wanted to do but have been putting off because you’re too busy watching the latest TV sitcom.
Imagine having a day completely filled with all of the things that excite you. You’re in a job doing what you love. Soon after finishing, you go off and do a past time hobby, which makes you feel great. Soon after, you have a nice bath listening to your favourite music to wind down, followed by a half hours writing session that you’ve always wanted to get good at.
The cool thing is, all of this is within reach and can be realised as quickly as figuring out and deciding to do something about it.
lastly, notice i haven’t spoken about Goals or Achievement in the things i’ve explained. The reason is simple:
Happiness isn’t found in the things you achieve. It’s found in the act of doing what it is you’re doing.
This directly explains why so many of my friends have asked me why i’m able to get good at most of the things i pursue. It’s because of this very reason. I’ve never set out a task to achieve anything, but rather for the pure enjoyment of it. The achievement is merely an after effect.
This mindset is vital and goes hand in hand with the idea of living in the present and enjoying the moment. It’s also a great way to eradicate fear and doubt.
Have a great 2013 and make sure you spend it doing what you’re really passionate about!
photo credit: TheeErin
