How To Get Involved With Your Passions

by Tiara Shafiqhttp://educatedeviate.wordpress.com

Why Get Involved?

Passion = what drives you Life is made so much richer by passion Without passion – no point being

entrepreneurial; feel empty and discontent Makes your life more fulfilling, leads to

happiness Isn't always easy, but there are many options

Follow Every Lead

Look for opportunities and events everywhere you go

Internet – Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, Myspace; follow trail of links

Print – books, magazines, free press Promo material – flyers, postcards, posters Be observant, they're everywhere Allow for serendipity Try not to get “information paralysis”

Put Yourself Out There Make yourself noticed – no shame in blowing your own horn! Get namecards/business cards, attend networking sessions,

bring them everywhere and give them to interesting people FOLLOWUP!!!

Online writing - blogging, columns (ChangeThis Manifestos) Zines – independent self-published magazines, about anything

(though often personal, music, or political) Visible Ink has plenty

Media – Letters to the Editor, respond to interview requests, community media

Awards – participate in whatever you are even slightly eligible for – you never know!!

If It's Real – Go For It (or start it!)

Check opportunities for legitimacy beforehand Check reputation – online, databases, links, word of mouth – be

careful! This gets even more important when money is involved – is

the fee justified? Do you know where your money is going to? Instalments? Refunds?

Once they're legit – apply! Even if you're only vaguely eligible. You'll never know if you don't try People are quite flexible; other opps can be accommodated

If it doesn't exist – start it! That's why you're an entrepreneur ;)

Scanners

Barbara Sher – people who have many interests and can't seem to decide amongst them; work best multi-tasking

There is NO NEED to choose just one! Time management is key – set aside time to

pursue your different interests Some interests may be superficial, others

deep passions Keep a journal of your ideas, interests,

passions Read her books for more info :P

Take Care of Yourself Big danger – neglecting yourself in pursuit of passion Relax – meditation, breaks, time to yourself – recharge and rest If you feel like crashing – seek help

Befrienders: jo@samaritans.org or lifelinksam@intas.net.au Lifeline: 13 11 14 Doctor, psychologist – GET HELP

Basic needs – food, shelter, water, health, protection, sleep, love

Nutritious diet, enough sleep, water, healthy relationships, maintain surroundings

If you can't take care of yourself, you have nothing to offer to others

Appreciate Other People & Passions

Common frustration: people aren't passionate enough

However – people display passions differently Passion in games, hobbies, simple things...

Subtly express passion (e.g. 9-5 working father) Ultimate importance: respect other people's

passions and try to learn from them You may not even get along with people who

share your passion Passion is about CONNECTION

Ask! Use your contacts (everyone you know) for people that sound

interesting and are relevant to your passions Do research on people in your passion Found someone who sounds interesting? Contact them! Be polite, but don't be scared to ask for permission from an

external source Be patient! If opportunities aren't made explicit, ask anyway – you may get

lucky

Informational Interviews Informational interview: Interviewing someone to learn about

something Contact, introduce yourself briefly (soundbite) Request informational interview to learn about person/job/etc Work out suitable time and date – be flexible! Arrive promptly; offer to pay for drinks/meals Keep on time Don't try to get them to give you a job/offer, but if they offer you

something do consider it If it's important (especially if binding) – GET IN WRITING!!! Send thank-you afterwards, keep in contact, refer people

Is It About The Passion – Or Is It About You?

Think about why you're passionate e.g. Being a rockstar – to make music? To be

famous? To be free to express yourself? To buck authority?

No wrong reason for any passion, but helps to find the root – helps determine next step

Try not to get up in “cult of personality” - making things more about you than your passion

Normal for passions to change – you are top priority

Expect The Unexpected No real way of knowing which road will lead you

to greater passions Anything can happen – that's why it's important

to try all sorts of options Do your research Relax; at some point we just have to let go and

hope for the best Keep your options open – blessing in disguise If you feel like giving up, take a breather – then

continue

Resources

Pursue The Passion: http://www.pursuethepassion.com/

Roadtrip Nation: http://www.roadtripnation.com/

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Barbara Sher – Refuse To Choose,

Wishcraft, I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was

Good Luck! :D