Entrepreneurs are enormously passionate people. We’re the ones people look to when they want an example of go-getters, dream-makers, and innovators. For most people, an entrepreneur is an example of someone who followed their dreams, pursued their passions, and came out of top.
It takes a lot of moxie to leave what you know – the stability, the comfort, the income – to pursue the unknown. The assumption, then, is that entrepreneurs have mastered following their passion.
While entrepreneurs are undoubtedly passionate about what they do, we must be careful. You’ll find that publications like Forbes and Entrepreneur will say that “follow your passion” is the worst career advice you can give someone.
As established or budding entrepreneurs, we must be wary of the advice we accept and that advice we give to others.
Relying on passion can be dangerous. Here’s why entrepreneurs must look beyond their passions to succeed.
4 Ways Following Your Passions Leads to Disaster
#1) Passion doesn’t compensate for experience.
We’ve all met people who are passionate about things that they just aren’t very good at. There are plenty of passionate singers out there who can’t carry a tune. If they follow the advice of “pursue your passion” they’re bound to encounter more than their fair share of rejections, setbacks, and financial hardships.
The truth is that passion doesn’t always translate to career viability. Not everything has to be monetizable to be worth your time and effort. You can be passionate about a great many things and passion never compensates for a lack of real-world experience and perspective.
This isn’t to say you can’t try new things and be successful doing so – only that you cannot rely on passion alone to make your dreams reality.
#2) Passion fades.
Passions are not permanent. “Passion” is based in extreme emotion and emotions are not reliable motivators. It’s far better to root your entrepreneurial pursuits in discipline and purpose. These provide more direction, more consistency, and long-term dedication than passion can. Passions will pull you in many directions and if you rely on them, you will find yourself distracted and stuck: a jack of all trades and the master of none.
#3) Passion leads to obsession.
It’s true that passions can lead to viable, successful careers. It’s good to have passion. One problem is that passions tend to blur the lines in our lives, crossing over into obsession. Obsessing causes issues by itself – leading us to try to make things work no matter the cost, regardless of the logistics, or market analysis.
Passions must meet real talent and real research to work. Otherwise, you will find yourself taking unnecessary risks based on unrealistic expectations. Obsessing can kill your ability to be objective and analytical. Don’t let passion lead to obsession and obsession to denial.
#4) Passion creates an imbalance.
Following your passions can lead you to neglect the other important things in your life. Not only can you become so focused on their pursuit that you neglect things like important relationships, but you can quickly lead yourself into burnout. Being passionate won’t stop you from hitting a wall.
In the same way, if you find you cannot actively pursue your passions – and say, work on them on the weekends while working a “regular” job – you’re going to find yourself feeling dread and resentment for your current career.
In turn, that hinders performance. Just because you aren’t passionate about your current occupation doesn’t mean it is not important, good work, or that it is less deserving of your best efforts.
Better Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Passion is important. What you care about is valuable. However, this advice of “follow your passion” lacks the clarity and direction that budding entrepreneurs need. We don’t always know what we want or how to build a business based on it.
Instead of focusing on passion along, couple it with talent. Encourage yourself and others to pursue things where passions and abilities collide. Talent is nurtured through discipline and discipline helps you stay the course when emotions are fickle.
Once you identify both things that you care about and things that you are good at, start looking at the real-world, practical business applications. You must understand the business.
“Follow Your Passion” only works when it is coupled with:
· Natural talent nurtured by discipline
· Industry experience and understanding
· Real, meaningful purpose
From there, you can transform your passion into a viable entrepreneurial pursuit.
Where do your passions and gifts collide? Share your vision for entrepreneurship in the comments.