Chapter 1: Recognizing Your Passion

Deep within, you are already aware of your true passion; you just need to pay attention to it. Much like fish that swim in water without realizing it, your passion has been part of your life for so long that it feels ordinary.

The aspects of yourself that you take for granted are often perceived by others as extraordinary talents. Are you naturally sociable? Do you find joy in making others laugh? Perhaps you excel in organization, mathematics, or logic? Those traits that you view as just “being yourself” are actually unique strengths.

As Steve Harvey wisely stated, "Your gift is the thing you do best with the least amount of effort." The ease with which you perform these activities can lead you to underestimate their value, often dismissing them as mere quirks or flaws.

Consider what activities you gravitate towards instinctively. Do you doodle logos for imagined brands? Write blog entries on your phone? Get lost in sports statistics? Paint in your free time? Reupholster furniture? Or binge-watch motorsport videos late at night?

You might argue, “What I love isn’t a viable career; I need to make a living.” While that concern is valid, many people turn their unique interests into profitable careers. Why can’t that be you?

Take PewDiePie, the YouTube gamer, who has amassed a fortune of $30-$50 million, or Scottish comedian Limmy, who earns a six-figure income from his Twitch channel. Numerous e-sports players have won millions. Your passion can also yield rewards.

Your mind will likely push back against the idea of pursuing your passion, favoring safety over risk. It will generate “reality checks” like, “I’m too old for acting,” or “The market is flooded with cooking shows.”

Will Smith once said, "Being realistic is the most commonly travelled road to mediocrity. Why would you be realistic? What’s the point of being realistic?" Despite any controversy, he has never allowed himself to be mediocre or to shy away from his passion.

Don’t allow your God-given passion to be rationalized away. You’ve probably convince