Is there something you yearn to do?

Maybe you haven’t told anyone else…

(but still, you keep thinking about it)

Maybe you dream of publishing a graphic novel

or taking the world of knitting by storm

Maybe you are fascinated by origami

or you’ve always wanted to learn Italian

But so far you haven’t pursued it because it doesn’t seem practical

(or responsible)

You’ve got a list of things to do and if it’s not on the list, it’s not important

Who has time to be frivolous?

I invite you to start a passion project

A passion project is a trendy name for doing

something that excites and inspires you

You do it for your own satisfaction,

not for anybody else’s

It piques your curiosity and spurs your energy

It doesn’t need

a purpose

If you’re already thinking

“I don’t have time for that”

then consider this…

Passion projects are about fostering your well-being by doing something that lights you up

Passion projects are about freedom too…

because there are no rules about what a passion project should be

The way to begin finding your passion is simple:

be curious

Pay attention to what interests you Your project is something you are

drawn to not something you think your way to

That’s why it’s a passion project – it elicits a strong emotion

It makes you feel like “Oooh! Yes, THAT!”

If you find yourself describing it with language like…

“implementing synergistically scalable benefits”

you are probably heading in the direction of a resumé-padding project

not a passion project

Are you still resisting your project?

Don’t judge or censor your ideas with criticisms like…

it’s silly

it’s silly

I can’t do that

it’s silly

I can’t do that

what will people think?

It’s not about the results, it’s about creative action on your terms

You get to devote as much

time and energy to it

as you want

Remember, the main benefit of doing a passion project is this:

It feels good It nourishes your spirit

Do not underestimate the power of generating positive feelings – this is what happiness is made of

A passion project may provide other benefits like learning new skills meeting new people contributing to a current career or developing a new one

These bonuses are like

icing on the cake

But even if they don’t happen

the inspiration sense of satisfaction

and meaning

the project provides will carry over into other areas of your life in beneficial ways

University of Pennsylvania professor Adam Grant writes about pursuing creative interests:

Relative to typical scientists, Nobel Prize winners are 22 times more likely to perform as actors, dancers or magicians; 12 times more likely to write poetry, plays or novels; seven times more likely to dabble in arts and crafts; and twice as likely to play an instrument or compose music.

Play with your curiosity and let yourself explore something new

You never know where your “Oooh! Yes, THAT!”

will take you

Pam Bauer is a Certified Life Coach who helps people reinvigorate their lives.

Get your free guide “Four Fast Ways to Feel Good NOW” here.

Learn more about creating a life you love: pambauercoaching.com