The Passion Paradox
What if passion isn’t something you find, but something you create?
It’s time to reframe how we think about passion. True passion isn’t passive—it’s a force that propels you into action.
As Seth Godin wisely notes, “Do what you love is for amateurs. Love what you do is the mantra for professionals.” Passion isn’t about finding the perfect pursuit; it’s about pouring yourself fully into your chosen path.
This shift in perspective is liberating. Instead of waiting for passion to strike, we can cultivate it through dedicated practice and engagement.
As we develop mastery, our enthusiasm naturally grows.

Instead of searching for passion, let’s build it!
Through daily choices.
Through meaningful work.
Through relentless curiosity.
The secret?
Start before you’re ready.
Learn as you go.
Embrace the discomfort of growth.
Your greatness isn’t hiding.
It’s waiting to be built.
Brick by brick.
Choice by choice.
Day by day.
Ready to start?
Intuition: Your Creative Compass
Your gut instincts are more than just feelings—they’re distilled wisdom from your experiences. When an idea won’t leave you alone, pay attention. That persistent thought is your intuition signaling something important.
Trusting these instincts fuels your drive and work ethic. It’s not about blind faith, but about recognizing the value of your accumulated knowledge and insights.

Initiative: Turning Sparks into Flames
Passion without action is just daydreaming. To truly harness your creative fire, you must take initiative.
As Sylvia Earle put it, “Hold up a mirror and ask yourself what you are capable of doing, and what you really care about. Then take the initiative – don’t wait for someone else to ask you to act”.
This means:
- Setting clear goals
- Taking small, consistent steps
- Embracing challenges outside your comfort zone
- Reflecting on your experiences to refine your approach
The Synergy of Passion, Intuition, and Initiative
When you combine passionate engagement, intuitive insights, and bold initiative, you create a powerful engine for creative growth. This trifecta allows you to:
- Identify promising ideas that resonate deeply
- Trust your instincts to guide decision-making
- Take courageous action to bring your visions to life
Cultivating Your Creative Fire
Here are practical ways to stoke your creative passion:
- Immerse yourself fully. Dive deep into your craft, absorbing knowledge from every angle.
- Embrace new challenges. Try different techniques or mediums to spark fresh enthusiasm.
- Connect with other creatives. Passion is contagious – surround yourself with inspired individuals.
- Set ambitious goals. Raise your standards and watch the universe rise to meet you.
- Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge your progress to fuel continued motivation.
Remember, as Steve Jobs said, “You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right. If you’re not passionate enough from the start, you’ll never stick it out”.
A Special Invitation
Exciting news for our creative community! The 50th edition of BEJournal features an exclusive excerpt from The Greatness Mindset by Lewis Howes. This powerful piece explores how to align your passion with purposeful action.
Click here to view a special sneak peek of the excerpt.
Recommended Reading
While these titles are not recent releases, they represent timeless wisdom that continues to resonate with readers seeking personal and professional growth. Their enduring insights and transformative strategies remain as relevant today as when they were first published. You should have no difficulty sourcing copies through standard book retailers, both online and in physical bookstores.
As we step into a fresh year brimming with creative potential, I highly recommend Lewis Howes’ The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today. This book serves as a powerful guide for anyone seeking to redefine their purpose and overcome self-doubt.
Howes emphasizes the importance of identifying a Meaningful Mission, which he argues is foundational for achieving true greatness. He combines personal anecdotes with actionable strategies, making the book not just inspirational but also practical. Each chapter includes exercises designed to help readers reflect deeply on their goals and the mindset shifts necessary for success. This interactive approach transforms the reading experience into a journey of self-discovery and growth.
The book is well-researched and draws on insights from various experts, ensuring that readers receive not just Howes’ opinions but also evidence-based guidance. This blend of personal narrative and scientific backing creates a rich tapestry of knowledge that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned self-improvement enthusiasts.
Ultimately, The Greatness Mindset serves as a powerful catalyst for change, encouraging readers to engage in meaningful self-reflection and take actionable steps toward their aspirations. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or looking to reignite your passion, Howes’ timeless wisdom offers tools that can lead to profound personal transformation.
“So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport. This thought-provoking book challenges the conventional “follow your passion” advice, offering a more nuanced and practical approach to building a fulfilling career. Newport argues that developing rare and valuable skills is the key to creating work you love, rather than starting with a pre-existing passion. It’s a perspective-shifting read that will empower you to take control of your creative journey.
Creatives, it’s time to stop waiting for passion to find you. Instead, cultivate it through deliberate practice, trust your intuition, and take bold initiative. Your creative fire is waiting to be unleashed—go forth and set the world ablaze with your unique vision.