Can passion and paisa tango?

All those who pursued their passion, irrespective of the outcome, probably have no regrets in life as it was the path they alone chose, driven by their inner calling.

Will walking the path of passion help us make a guzara (living)? Will that make us enjoy a glass of bubbly and sleep under our own roof? The answers to the questions are—a ‘definite yes’, ‘maybe’ and ‘no’. The best example for a ‘definite yes’ is the cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar who studied only up to Class XII, but went on to earn fame and riches. There are many individuals who have pursued their passion and have done fairly well for themselves and then there are those who fall in the ‘no’ category even after endless struggle. However, all those who pursued their passion, irrespective of the outcome, probably have no regrets in life as it was the path they alone chose, driven by their inner calling.

And all of them have been through the inevitable dilemma—whether to follow the heart or listen to the mind?

Basic necessities of life make all of us ask that quintessential question. This dilemma has been extensively studied and Abraham Maslow’s theory deconstructs how as human beings we are motivated. Maslow’s checklist of primary needs which determines how we make our next move, holds good for ages:

• Physiological needs are the physical requirements essential for human survival.
• Safety and security needs include personal security, financial security, health, and well-being.
• Love and belonging include friendships, intimacy, and family.
• Esteem is described as the need for respect from others as well as the need for self-respect.
• Self-actualisation relates to what a person's full potential is and the realisation of that potential.

Understanding the above key points helps trigger the processes towards following one’s passion with confidence and preparedness. Once the primary needs are established, the next steps gain importance. Realisation of one’s potential is one aspect and leveraging that potential is totally another which requires sequential approach.

Planning and preparedness.

Passion alone does not help. It has to be welded with extensive planning and preparedness to be on the path of success. For the former is the road plan while the latter relates to our state of mind towards the work and the result. The drive that comes from passion fuels not just our effort but also helps us in not getting daunted by failures and slow starts. As Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has said many a time—Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”

Some may plan and prepare extensively and find pinnacles of glory. But one can spend as little as 15 minutes a day to pursue one’s passion and certainly find utmost satisfaction and possibly even ‘paisa’. ‘The Power of Small Wins’ that ran in Harvard Business Review May, 2011 shows that people who make progress every day toward something they care about report being satisfied and fulfilled.

While earning money for taking care of basic needs is one aspect, desire is the key to tread on unknown territories. That desire makes us innovative and motivates us to do better. On that path there will be adversities, but dealing with them without getting weighed down is what champions are made of. Adversities, in fact, bring out the real character of the individual and his or her moment of not letting go off the goal. ‘Keep passion alive to fulfil your dreams’—this is what the great cricketer Sachin Tendulkar advised kids recently at an event.

Even if dreams do not come to a fruition, one will still be spending time doing the activity which gives utmost satisfaction. But in this era, there are opportunities galore and avenues aplenty to pursue one’s passion and also to fulfil more than your basic needs. There are platforms which help guide individuals to stay on track.

Patience and persistence can move mountains.

Networking is a tool of success. Sharing ideas and progress with the right persons can give the right energy to your passion. Even if you’re working on a full-time job, you will be able to follow your passion for a considerable amount of time each day or for a few hours every week. With time, as the passion gets a life of its own and is able to give you the returns, one can plan for the future in a more balanced manner.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)