Passion on the Side
For those not choosing to make a living as a rock star, poet or baker, following your heart in your free time will still make life better, healthier
Pursuing your passions is often deemed a luxury reserved for people who don’t have to worry about the bread-and-butter issues of life. However, not following your dreams can lead to years of self-doubt, wishful thinking and even poor health, says Cooper Lawrence, a New York-based psychologist and syndicated radio host. Cooper says research shows people who pursue their passions, whether it’s on the side or in a full-time role are, unsurprisingly, happier, healthier people.
The reality for most people is that between work, family and shuttling the kids to and from various activities, there is very little time for extracurricular passion.
Even when overbooked, Lawrence says finding the time to do something you love, even if it takes away from relaxation, will recharge your batteries. “I know a guy who is a really talented actor, but it was hard for him to make a living that way. Instead, he works for a publishing company and does his playwright stuff over the weekend. Life is not worth living if you are always just a cog in the wheel.”
Schedule Passion Time
Whether it’s on the weekends or carving out time one night a week for a drawing class, Lawrence says the only way to be successful in your undertaking is to make it a priority and schedule a recurring time to which you adhere. That will carve out a time that friends and family know is devoted to your personal betterment.
“It’s something you have to do for your mental health. I know people who teach art on Saturdays because they know it’s what keeps them grounded and sane,” she says.
If your schedule doesn’t allow weekly time, Lawrence says a colleague of hers with a culinary passion takes vacations that feed her flame. “She’ll go away on these cooking excursions and come back knowing how to make all these elaborate sauces.”
Love and Success
Lawrence cautions passion-seekers to not measure the success of their endeavor in the same way they would a career: Personal growth doesn’t often produce solid results. For aspiring authors who’ve been aching to get that novel published, kick-start things with a blog or secure work for your local newspaper. Be realistic about the minute possibilities of landing a six-figure book deal, Lawrence says. “The key is just to be pursuing a passion in some capacity.” Also, find an activity that while not completely unique to you is something that defines you as a person. “It’s that thing that gets you up in the morning,” Lawrence says. “For me, it’s my work and going to the gym.”
Extracurricular Technology
“Today it’s easier than ever to pursue your passions,” says Lawrence. “The whole world is accessible by our fingertips. So even if you live in a small town that doesn’t have a Pilates studio, use the Internet to find a town close by that does have one, or start e-mailing people to find a teacher and start your own class.”
Lawrence also says not to think about passion in limited terms, such as creative outlets, sewing or sports. “Some people’s passion is socializing and having a lot of friends. It’s just that thing that makes you feel good about yourself.”
Hannah Seligson is a writer based in New York and the author of “New Girl on the Job: Advice from the Trenches” (Citadel Press, 2007).
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