I have always believed you can make money doing what you love. It’s an idea I’ve preached to nay-sayers, and to people with talent and passion oozing from every part of them who feel stuck in jobs that don’t tap into their heart desires. There was a time I was saying it so much I even joked about getting a T-shirt made to save my voice.
Of course, every time I made that bold statement I was met with the question, HOW?
Today, I’m sharing 5 things you need if you want to earn an income doing what you love.
1. Hustle. That word is everywhere in business development networks. What does it mean? Hustle, put simply, is doing what you need to do. And you do it hard, you do it relentlessly, and you don’t whine and complain about it. Hustle is waking up at 4 am before your day job starts so you can work on the business idea you are developing on the side. Hustle is reading up on a subject you need to master to be an equal in the industry you want to break into. It’s active.
2. Heart. Now we’re bringing in a word from the new-agey, hippie types. It most definitely has its place in this matrix – after all, without heart, you aren’t living a passionate life! What’s the thing you would want to wake up at 4 am for? What’s the thing that’s fueling your hustle? If you don’t want something with your heart, there’s no point trying to hustle toward it. Because you might get there, but it’s not really where you want to be. Get your ‘heart’ sorted out. Know what drives you and how you want to make your mark on this world.
3. Health. Mentally and physically, you need to be performing at your optimum. I think of this part as clearing out cobwebs so you can move forward without getting stuck in crap you don’t want to get stuck in. Unfortunately, because this part doesn’t seem directly related to your fabulous idea to start your own fashion line, it can fall by the wayside. But we all know it makes sense; we have to get this body and mind on board. So, choose fruits over chips for your snack, or bike instead of drive, or move past that 20-year-old grudge – whatever it takes to ensure you will have the quality of life you need to achieve your goals…and of course, to enjoy the lifestyle you are working hard to create.
4. Hope. Never lose hope. There is an old proverb that goes, “He who has hope has everything.” I totally believe that. Even if your current venture seems to be pooping out despite the efforts you make in the areas above, never lose hope that you are destined for an amazing existence. If you’re putting in the work, and you’ve got your passion and health on board, there are opportunities all around you. Believe that the light will never go out for you; there is always a need and place for who you truly are.
5. Honour. Honour yourself by believing that you are capable, talented, and deserving. This was a step I had to take in order to move forward in my career as a writer. I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t busting through a plateau I was stuck on until I realized, it was because I was telling myself I wasn’t as good as others in the industry. Or I hadn’t been doing it long enough. Or I didn’t have enough knowledge. There were probably several months of this kind of self-talk but it took one conversation with a fellow writer at just the right time in my life to really understand my worth (thanks, Salma!). Since that conversation I have honoured myself by setting boundaries and terms that tell myself I am worthy – and it has added a whole new dimension to my career and personal outlook.
Whether you are starting a new business venture or trying to land an existing position in a field you love – I hope these 5 factors make their way into your plan. May that plan lead you to a happy, healthy, abundant life!
You are so inspiring! I need to focus this year for sure.
Thank you, Lindsay! Working with you on #write2heal was inspiring for ME so I thank you so much for that!
Hello Taslim,
Its around 4:30 am and I am having tea and a cheese sandwich! I told myself that I need to reflect on the year that was and the year that will be and of course my smart phone goes with me wherever I go.
I check my email and whoa! What a timely read! This piece will go on my desk, fridge and places I frequent everyday. They say ‘ love what you do and the money will follow’. Its not quite that simple. One needs to add all the 5 ingredients you have mentioned.
Thanks Taslim! I will spend my day today thinking about these essential elements for a very successful 2015.
Happy New Year to you and all your readers.
Love,
Dad
Thanks for this lovely comment, Dad. I can just picture you enjoying your chai and cheese. Wishing you all the best in health, happiness and prosperity in 2015 <3
Such a perfect post to reflect on during the New Year. I just love “Honour yourself by believing that you are capable, talented, and deserving.” It’s so easy to get caught up in life and forget that the Universe wants us to succeed and we are deserving 🙂
Hi Kamana – you picked the most key element for me. Such a huge thing to really believe and yet, we see it so clearly for others. Here’s to a 2015 of honouring ourselves and each other!
LOVE this post! I never would have thought of hustle but I think that’s my favorite one. It’s also something I want to do more of in 2015, especially when it comes to my passions.
Thanks, Parita! Good luck with the Hustle – I’m looking forward to seeing it all take shape for you in 2015!
First of all, hats off for coming up with 5 H things. So creative!
Second, I need to add some Health to my Heart and Hustle!
Thanks, Yashy! To be honest, the first 4 kind of just presented themselves to me and I was like, oh cool – they all start with H. Then I had “Believe” in yourself…well, yeah, then I had to stretch a bit and call it Honour 🙂 Glad you appreciated it, though. It was actually one of my favourite parts of the post! And good luck with adding Health – it’s an important endeavour!
Very beautiful article. I loved and try to apply daily all 5 H habits that you shared. My biggest struggle is the Health issue as I have Fibromyalgia and when I have a flare up it is time for me to put everything to rest until I am better. For the most part, I love everything about making money online. Thanks for inspiring all of us.
Irish
Hi Irish – I’m glad you stopped by and really appreciate your comment. It’s so important to listen to our bodies when they speak up, and they do speak to us in so many different ways. I’m glad your 5 H’s are at the centre of making money through your passion. Take care, and thanks again for your thoughts!