Unfollow Your Passion
What? Aren’t we supposed to do the opposite?
We are constantly bombarded with advice like “follow your dreams” and “do what you love”. I recently went on Terri Trespicio’s site and saw a section about this very topic! Terri had writing prompts around the subject and when I did them I found the whole concept so interesting. I will link to Terri’s site later in my email, in case you want to do the prompts for yourself, they are quite insightful!
Sometimes life takes us on unexpected detours that we never saw coming. We’re often told that finding our passion and sticking to it is the key to happiness and fulfillment, but what if it may be better to let that thinking go? It turns out that unfollowing your passion might be the best thing you can do for yourself.
Here are a few reasons why unfollowing your passion could lead to an even more satisfying and exciting life:
Embracing Change: Life is all about change, and our passions can evolve over time. When we lock ourselves into a single passion, we might miss out on the opportunities that come with new experiences. Embracing change and being open to different passions can lead to personal growth and a broader perspective on life. This really goes along with what I’m reading in “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck regarding fixed and growth mindsets. It seems the premise of “following your passion no matter what” is more of a fixed mindset, not a growth mindset!
Redefining Success: Following our passion often comes with the pressure to be successful in a specific field. But success isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Unfollowing your passion allows you to redefine what success means to you personally. It could be pursuing a stable career, building strong relationships, or simply finding contentment in the little things.
Discovering New Interests: By stepping away from your original passion, you create space to explore other interests you might never have considered. Who knows, you might find a hidden talent or fall in love with something completely unexpected!
Less Stress, More Fun: Following your passion can sometimes feel like an overwhelming responsibility. Unfollowing it can take off the pressure and make room for more fun and spontaneity in your life.
Resilience and Adaptability: Life can throw curveballs, and sometimes our passions may not be as feasible or sustainable as we thought. Unfollowing your passion can teach you resilience and adaptability, making you better equipped to handle challenges.
Balance and Well-being: Following your passion can consume a lot of time and energy, leaving little room for a life that’s balanced. Unfollowing your passion allows you to find harmony in other areas of life and maintain your well-being.
I'm not saying you should abandon your passions without any thought. Instead, it's about acknowledging that it's okay to take a step back and reassess what truly brings joy and fulfillment into your life. It's about giving yourself permission to grow and change. Remember, we all don’t just have “one” passion, we can create passions throughout our lives that change as we grow.
So, how do you start unfollowing your passion? It's a gradual process. Begin by exploring new hobbies, meeting new people, and exposing yourself to different experiences. Remember, life is an adventure, embrace the uncertainty, and don't be afraid to take detours and try new paths. Who knows where they might lead you?
I hope this inspires you to view the idea of "unfollowing your passion" in a positive light. Let go of any guilt or fear, and let life surprise you with its beautiful twists and turns.
To check out Terri’s writing prompts click here Unfollow your passion prompts .