Don't Follow Your Passion. Do This Instead

By Dr. Khaldoun A. Sweis · Originally published June 6, 2016

When I was in elementary school I wanted to be an astronaut.  I also wanted to be a lawyer, a musician and even a movie star, yep even me.  Where would I be if I followed my passion?  I am not saying that you should ignore your passion but something even deeper and more profound. That is what this post is about.  Many motivational speakers will tell you to follow your heart or something similar to that.  It nonsense of the highest order if it is followed in isolation of other important facts and considerations.

Mike Rowe has some wisdom you don't want to miss out on!

Now, talk to anyone who did follow their passion and MOST of them did more than that, they did something called "work" they studied or practiced their butts off, and the opportunities presented themselves and they, after years of dedication were able to do what they loved. So the story is not as easy to reduce to mere passion.

Mike Rowe's Point in One Line

Mike Rowe gave a short talk for PragerU on this exact question. His conclusion: “Never follow your passion, but always bring it with you.”

Watch the five minute video here (note, I don't endorse all he believes or says!).