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ands down, the best BBQ place in Lincoln, Nebraska is C. Berry’s. The food is fantastic and I really think it’s one of the hidden secrets of my city. Every meal also comes with a fortune cookie. One of the last times I ate there, I opened my fortune to find this: “You could prosper in the field of medicine.”
I almost threw it away but then it reminded me of something. It took me back to a memory of the time someone in my family told me I should be a doctor so I wouldn’t ever have to worry about money. Those weren’t their exact words and maybe that’s not really what they were saying to me, but that’s what I took away from that conversation.
The nagging feeling that I needed to choose a practical career stuck with me for a long time. Not because of that talk alone, but I think there’s a lot of pressure to choose a safe path through a practical career. I mean, an art program is one of the first things to be cut in schools. If that doesn’t send the message, “There is no future in this,” I don’t know what does.
Could I really support myself doing something I love, something that seemed ‘risky’? I hoped so, but I wasn’t sure. In the end, I decided that if I really love design (and I knew I did), I would make it work. That was a turning point for me and I’ve never looked back on that decision.
What would you be doing today if you didn’t have to worry about money?
Are you already doing that thing? I sure hope so.
If not, what steps can you take today to move toward making your passion your living?
Here are a few things I’d recommend if you’re just starting out:
1. The One Next Step
Write down the next step you would need to take to move in this direction. You don’t have to think about or know the next 20 steps. Just think about the next step in front of you and focus on that.
2. Carve Out Time
Look at your weekly schedule. How many hours could you devote this week to exploring this path? One hour? Ten hours? Use this time to work on that one next step.
3. Coffee Chat
Think of 1 person who’s doing the thing you want to be doing. Reach out to them and ask them if you could chat for just 15 minutes. If this person doesn’t respond or isn’t available, continue asking others until someone is willing to chat with you. Before you connect, think of a few questions you’d like to ask them.
4. Join a Community
Look for and join a local meet-up group or online Facebook group centered around this path you want to take. It will be so encouraging for you to interact with and learn from others who are making this passion work for them.
One of the other great things about the creative world, is that it’s really one big community. I’ve personally gained so much out of joining things like Facebook groups, and the Rising Tide Society’s Tuesdays Together. If you’re a creative that’s local to Lincoln, get in touch – I’d love to welcome you to our group.
Pursuing your passion is always worth it. Regardless of where you’re at on the journey, seek out the resources and relationships you need to keep moving toward your dreams. Even if they feel “unprofitable” at first.
We’re all in this together.
All the best,
Share Your Thoughts
What would you be doing today if you didn’t have to worry about money?
