At the end of last year, I published an ebook called Passion to Profit: Turning Your Passion into a Profitable Side Hustle.

You can name your price and get it here: https://briandoleary.gumroad.com/l/sidehustle

We take you step-by-step in creating a side hustle out of something you are passionate about. Well, passion is different for everyone. And “side hustles” often end up being just that: remaining on the side.

Keep in mind that other folks—your competition perhaps—may be out there doing a “full hustle” with a similar idea. So, how do we get ahead? Is passion the best path forward?

Yes and no.

Passion is motivating, but it is your purpose that will provide fulfillment.

I had it in mind to write another ebook on this subject, and I may still do that. However, in a couple of small groups that I facilitate, several folks are more concerned than ever to bust out of their “corporate job” and strike out on their own.

I fully support this, by the way.

Though, I don’t know if it is because spring has sprung, if the economy is truly going off the rails, or any other motivation.

It really doesn’t matter why, but we need a strategy or a system in place so we can take the entrepreneurial plunge and make it successful.

I think what is holding folks back often comes down to confusion about passion and purpose. A clear vision is also not always present. But we work on these things within our groups so that our folks have a better understanding of where they are at and where they need to be.

Since I’ve been thinking about these things quite a bit lately, what follows is a short brainstorm about finding and utilizing your purpose. The Venn diagram of passion and purpose often covers a lot of the same territory, but there are some important differences.

Pursue your purpose, not your passion.

Passions often come and go with the wind. Purpose is something that’s usually inherent and ingrained in you as a person.

If you are having trouble finding what your “purpose” is—with regards to your job or career—ask yourself the question, “What is my pain?”

Ask again, “Should I still be doing this thing?”

Does your current vocation energize you or deplete you? Does it give you energy or is it a vampire that sucks energy away?

Are your needs being met? Specifically, when it comes to certainty and stability, significance, ability to grow, or connection to others or the “mission.”

Is your current career something that can expand? Does the work expand you in any way?

If you don’t take the leap and get out of your current situation, will you always wonder? Will there be regrets if you don’t just try?

Does your current job take advantage of your talents, gifts, skills, or experiences? Will your new effort do any of this better?

Consider. Does your passion or purpose need to be folded neatly into your career? Maybe your life’s purpose or a significant passion should remain a hobby or a little side-hustle in the first place.

Focus on how your purpose fits within your life.

Start looking at people you admire. They leave clues. Are they changing lives? Can you change the lives of others in a similar way?

Bottom line: No matter how much time you think you have, well … time is running out on you.

Stop delaying. Stop waiting.

Figure out what you don’t want to do.

Do the other things. NOW.

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As always,

Brian