These were possibly just childhood dreams-- to become the president, a fashion designer, a brain surgeon, a writer. But maybe those dreams still stick with us and on occasion spring up once again and incite a romantic hope within us.
Or maybe it's just me :)
I've recently been hearing of several friends trying to start bands, which is awesome!
It seems to be a trademark of musical (well..sometimes not) teens and twenty-somethings alike. After a month or so, the passion eventually fizzles out. Why?
I've been thinking a lot about vision and passion and what causes some businesses, people, or bands to be successful.
I think before a name is in place, before that decided style is set, a passion--a love--must be there.
1. Real Passion: Love WHAT you are doing and WHY you are doing it.
Is it to make money? That won't work.
Is it to gain popularity? You'll lose that at the drop of a hat.
Is it to simply showcase your talent? That "love" will stop when someone else supersedes you.
What are you really passionate about? Are you absolutely delighted in baking and decorating cakes? Does each song you write echo the parts of your heart that can't be spoken? It's not something that can be forced. We all have passions, sometimes they just need to be discovered and cultivated. We may not (read: will not) be professionals off the bat. There will be tedious moments of sweat and maybe tears. But, a passion will endure those trials.
I love musicians that genuinely feel and love their music and others' music. They don't bash other artists or styles of music. Also, don't we love to visit those places that are absolutely in love with what they do? They make you feel like you can join their passion. Those who truly love what they do will love newbies--because the pros want to incite that same passion into their lives.
2. A Greater Drive: There must be something greater driving you. You must have something to offer that "cannot" be found somewhere else, or approach that passion from a more unique and personalized way.
What is it about American Idol that we love? We enjoy seeing people who come from places like. People who are real but in love with what they do. Why do we go to coffee shops, particularly, Starbucks? Is it REALLY for the coffee? Often times the coffee comes with it..but it's more the experience. We enjoy the community and atmosphere and the special things that make Starbucks, Starbucks. Consider Apple. Apple's stores are much different that Best Buy or other such stores. Again, you walk in feeling a part of a community. You love a product, but not just the product. You love the service and atmosphere offered there.
I absolutely cannot stand walking into a store where the customer service is cold and barely notices my presence. There can be overkill in this area, but a warm and sincere welcome makes me think much higher of an establishment and the product.
Often, the more welcoming people have something greater driving them. There's a vision beyond the product and/or fame.
3. Name Yourself :)
Now you can name yourself and figure out who will be the cool lead singer and who will be the spokesperson and what you want your emblem to be.
That is, if you still want to start a band. Or perhaps you've recognized another passion in your life or you are still trying to figure out what that is.
Right now I'm texting one of my friends. I'm personally trying to figure out what direction I ought to set sail. He told me a personal story that reflected that we often learn the most on the ride, the destination may not be as important as we think. The most important part of life or "finding your passion" is to simply take steps. Don't live in fear of ending up at a dreadful job. Trust God and take steps!
