How To Do What You Love Without Selling Your Soul

Writer Dad Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 19:42 pm

I find this is true every day. I put everything I can into each of my posts. I don’t write lists, or anything that finds it’s way onto Digg or StumbleUpon, but my writing is fanciful and I have very little traffic. However, I find that I have a high rate of subscribers based on the little traffic I have, and I average forty comments per post, so I must be doing something right. I plan to keep doing what I’m doing and I’m confident that eventually my hard work and ideals will conjoin to give me a wider audience. Thanks for ending on such a generous note.

panchitah Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 19:51 pm

I have a dilemma.

I dove into higher education (education is power and all that) and also dove into some student loan debt. Its been 4 months after I graduated and I am unable to find a job.

Do I look for the job I want (and worked so hard to educate myself for) or do I settle for any job that would hire me? Everyone I ask has a different opinion. Some of my friends and family think that my educational investment makes it justified to wait for the right entry-level job in the career I’m pursuing. On the other hand, I have bills to pay. Soon, they will include student loan payments. So, beggars can’t be choosers right?

I dont want to let go of my dream job, but maybe it was only a dream and I should go submit my application at McDonalds…

Natasha Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 19:55 pm

Being good at something and enjoying it simply is not enough to make it, many people often do not realise the dedication and hard work (not to mention a touch of innovation) that is required to make money in any industry.

BTW - Great blog and writing style, I will definately be bookmarking this site.

Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 20:00 pm

Reality is we sell ourselves all the time. Don’t believe this? Do you spend any time at all getting ready to leave the house? Worry about what you’re wearing, your hair, your looks. Then you sell yourself.

Great ideas Jonathan. Thanks.

Ryan McLean Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 20:14 pm

Lots of people do think “selling yourself” is a no-no. But guess what, almost all the successful do/did it. But I guess its a personal thing.

Sean Kelly Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 20:17 pm

I love your website…definitely subscribing. I like the way you write and I totally agree with everything you had to say in this article.
Thanks Jonathan!

Sid Savara Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 20:19 pm

Jonathan,you are everywhere man! I can’t add much to the discussion that you haven’t already said, but this is my favorite part:

“[B]y focusing on providing value to others, most of the marketing aspect takes care of itself. ”

Totally agree. If you provide value, friends will want to tell other people about you. Old fashioned word of mouth =)

John Hollandsworth Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 21:00 pm

Leo & Jonathan:
What a timely post, considering Steve Pavlina posted today that he is dropping Google AdSense. All of us have struggled with this issue. I appreciate your perspective, and I appreciate the generous ways both of you have helped many other bloggers and creatives.

johnlazy Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 21:15 pm

wow! The most important thing is helping people but you can’t help someone fully if you also needs help.

Brian Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 21:28 pm

If you truly believe you offer value to the world with a product or service that helps people improve some aspect of their lives, then marketing is never sleazy or dirty.

On the contrary. Marketing a product or service you think will help people is a moral imperative.

If you offer something that helps others, then NOT marketing… holding your product or service back from people that need it… is wrongheaded and hurtful.

So if you believe in what you do, don’t be shy. Shout it out, and your target audience will be grateful. You will improve the lives of others.

And let success come to you, or not. Whatever it likes.

Success Professor - Danny Gamache Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 21:54 pm

Great article Jonathan,

I love how you stress finding ways to add value to others. I’ve always loved what Zig Ziglar says, “Help enough other people get what they want”. Adding value will end up providing for you.

Ben Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 21:59 pm

I think really you’re talking about two seperate issues. Working to provide something of value is a different motivation than working to create something that you love. These aren’t necessarily exclusive - you may find your joy in creating something that is taylored to the needs of others, but writing the song that you want to write is different than writing the song that you think others will want to here.

I think that if you want to make money, you have to count on selling yourself. If you want to have pure artistic intentions, then you have to be willing to do it for free. Sure you can mix it up a little, but the initial motivations are different.

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 22:08 pm

what an interesting post! I find it to be fairly accurate too - I started a few blogs with the idea that I would make them become expert resources. But I didn’t feel passionate about them. So I started one that I do feel passionate about. Whether it ever has a monetary value, I don’t know, but I enjoy doing it and getting feedback.

A. Dawn Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 22:25 pm

Not sure how many new blogs are being launched daily, but a majority them vanish after couple of month. These blogs never get noticed (meaning never get traffic) because of lack of marketing skills. Blog is unique in this sense because whether it will survive or not - depends on how well the author can market his/her blog. “If you can focus on providing massive value to other people and figure out an engaging way to communicate that value, everything else will take care of itself.” - that’s why it’s important to let others know(market yourself) what value you are providing.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com

Mary@GoodlifeZen Says:

October 23rd, 2008, 23:14 pm

Great post, Jonathan!

The questions you pose are ones that we all face. For example, in my blog, Goodlife Zen, I write what I really want to write. And sometimes I notice that what I really want to say isn’t exactly what the social media crowd wants to read.

Immediately there is a dilemma: do I bend my writing to suit a larger audience, or not? In other words, do I sell my soul or not?

I decided not to sell my soul. It’s too high a price. I am encouraged to see that other successful bloggers, such as Steve Pavlina, who made a similar decision early on, were able to grow substantial blogs.

Funnily enough, after I made a conscious decision to gather readers who enjoy my content and style - and not to chase after easy success - that’s when my blog really took off. It’s as if my decision to keep integrity turbo-charged my blog’s growth.

hippononymous Says:

October 24th, 2008, 0:58 am

typo: “increasing my knowledge and kills”

Otherwise great, thanks.

Vincent Says:

October 24th, 2008, 1:14 am

Hi Jonathan,

I totally agree with you and Sid. By providing value, you are already taking care of the marketing itself. I believe that if there is no value in something that you provide, and you are spending a tremendous amount of energy into marketing, the product will still fail.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

banji - Lesson In Life Says:

October 24th, 2008, 1:21 am

I actually wrote this comment multiple times trying to share my personal experience on the matter. Then I delete it because some of the experience are too personal to be shared, another may reflect badly on my image.

I guess.. this act of writing and deleting comments to present the best image of self is also an excellent example of the topic

Nicely done Jonathan, looking forward to your next article

Jessica Stalley Says:

October 24th, 2008, 2:43 am

nicely summed up, jon.

It is a constant struggle - the art or the money?

Hopefully one day i will be able to find the balance between both :)

Martin Wildam Says:

October 24th, 2008, 4:18 am

I also find your post great but also agree with Ben that you might be talking about two separate issues - although in my opinion closely related.

What worked for me is that my primary “directive” for my life is to add value. So this automatically leads me to be interested in what really helps or what people are searching for.

And actually if you want to contribute something healthy (in any sense) it is very likely that you find something that did not exist before as you are trying to fill a hole. It may take a long time until many people are jumping onto the train. But when something got really popular often is the time when there is too much of it. So focus on adding value (then people will also be willing to pay for it either). Start in your neighbourhood (physically or virtually). If you add good value they will spread the word.

shad0wfire1 Says:

October 24th, 2008, 5:00 am

Very inspiring, I’ve been wondering about a few of the points for a while.

Have a good day mate.

Marc

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

October 24th, 2008, 7:21 am

“He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” – Raymond Hull

Adrilia Says:

October 24th, 2008, 8:36 am

Thanks, Jonathan. There’s also the added benefit of owning up to your passion and sharing your own art, skills and voice with others … it helps people experience the truth and force of your integrity and encouages them to do the same, or at least question how they are doing things. When we focus on our gifts and contribution, we are operating from a place of gratitude and abundance … and like attracts like.

Michael, Go Success Now Says:

October 24th, 2008, 8:40 am

Good explanations Jonathan…. When i read this article i remembered the best scene from one of the best movies made with Al Pacino “Scent of a Women”…..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH4p9BQ3V9o

Fit Bottomed GIrl Says:

October 24th, 2008, 9:14 am

Great post. On our blog we’re really focused on improving people’s lives and health and helping them to have fun and not take life so seriously. :) That message seems to resonate well with people, but sometimes it is hard to walk that line between being successful and being true to your mission.

On a side note, Leo graciously let us put an ad up on his site, and it was sooo helpful. And so generous. I can’t thank him enough for that.

Kim the Blogging Bard Says:

October 24th, 2008, 9:14 am

This is very timely for me. Like one of the other people commenting, I recently graduated and am unable to find work. I earned my Ph.D. in English but the job market is such that it is hard to find anything in my field. I’ve been trying other options, but most people seem to think “overqualified” when they see the degree.

I want to do what I love, but figuring out how to do that and pay the bills can be difficult.

I love this site and found this article very interesting and useful, so thanks!

As for the commenter above who mentioned how many blogs are started each day and then fade away, I can see why. I recently started a blog and I think too many people think they will be like Leo and an amazing success right away. They get frustrated with no/low readership and give up. I’m going to stick with it, just because I like writing and the blog is a place to do it, but then I’m not someone who wants to sell my soul.

passerby Says:

October 24th, 2008, 9:50 am

One Size Fits All?
–

Practical Motivations Says:

October 24th, 2008, 9:56 am

There is one very successful entrepreneur here in the Philippines whose major philosophy in doing business (or anything that he loves for that matter) is providing happiness to customers first. Well, at least that’s what he said that made him successful over time.

Stephen - Balanced Existence Says:

October 24th, 2008, 10:33 am

Great article Jonathan. And for the record I like increasing my kills to.

8P

PeaceCat Says:

October 24th, 2008, 10:38 am

Nice, thanks :)

How about in tough economic times (i.e. now!) when one needs to balance the desire to do what one enjoys, to taking whatever job is available due to staff cuts, rising unemployment, companies going under etc. etc.?

At the moment I’m having to consider jobs more junior than what I normally do and for less money (due to increasing competition and a decidedly unboyant job market), but I’m still trying to only go for those which I feel I’ll enjoy and for companies with values that match my own (which does limit my options somewhat).

Oh well, even if I end up working in a coffee shop like I did when I started out on the job ladder 15 years ago I’m sure I can find some joy in it :) (won’t do much to pay the bills, but hey, free coffee!)

Peace :)

Joe D'Plumr Says:

October 24th, 2008, 10:45 am

In the end, it’s all about thinking you are special. Man thinks he is special, and in doing so he thinks because he is special he somehow deserves something. If he is an artist, he thinks he deserves to be appreciated (and compensated) for his art. If he is a drug dealer, he thinks it’s ok to sell death to other people because, for whatever reason, he deserves to be in the position that the drug money puts him in. Man invented religion because he thinks he is so special that his life deserves meaning (compared to, say, a slug) and that he deserves more than to just die (and therefore an afterlife).

The truth is: you are not special. Get over it. You don’t deserve anything you get, whether by luck or hard work. You’re just lucky that you got it. You are not so special that your life deserves meaning. Life has no fundamental meaning. You’re born. You live. You die. It’s really that simple. You make things more complicated because you think you are so special that there should be more. More money. More vacation time. More this. More that. Really, you’re not special.

No go home, look in the mirror and repeat to yourself, “I am not special.”

Maria | Never the Same River Twice Says:

October 24th, 2008, 10:57 am

Your example of the musician is a great one, Jonathan. With all of the distribution channels available to independent artists now, there is no need to “sell out” to get your music played on mainstream radio. The same is true for anyone with a different point of view on any topic. Use technology, build a community, offer massive value. You can’t go wrong.

Angel Cuala Says:

October 24th, 2008, 12:21 pm

Very true. Not all making money on-line bloggers really loves what he is doing, they are just happy because they are earning a lot.

Passion and necessity are two different world. Although of course, there are those who are really getting a lot of money for doing what they really want to do.

Kudos to this post.

Jonathan Mead Says:

October 24th, 2008, 12:40 pm

@ Maria: I agree that technology is opening up many doors that previously were closed to lesser known artists. Especially with social media and social networking. You can bypass that block of becoming successful by “who you know.”

@ Angel: There’s a lot of bloggers that make a lot of money online but don’t enjoy what they do. It’s the same for execs of corporations. Blogging or making money online doesn’t change the need for doing something you’re truly passionate about.

Ruby Says:

October 24th, 2008, 12:52 pm

I’ve recently come to terms with the fact that I made a choice that makes me feel like I’m selling my soul. A year ago I decided I would be teaching dance in an established studio in my town. This, I thought would prove that I was a respected and established dance instructor. Even though the studio is beautiful, the other instructors are very nice and I get to train in other styles of dance, I’ve been presented with a contract that once I sign, will eliminate my autonomy for the entirety of my time there, AND two years after. Not to mention that I must still much of the work myself, handle PR, carry insurance, etc… things I would have to do anyways, without the support of a dance studio.

I’m realizing that I was much better off when I was out there on my own, rather than trying to be validated by a corporate entity.

Jonathan Mead Says:

October 24th, 2008, 13:02 pm

@ Corey: I never thought of looking nice as selling myself, but in a way, that’s completely true.

@ Mary: I’m glad you chose to stick with your integrity. In the end, people will end up admiring you more for that, and resonating with you on a deeper level.

MLRebecca Says:

October 24th, 2008, 13:15 pm

Great post! Doing something you love for a living is often a lot of trial and error. At times it becomes too difficult, and we give up. I hear this kind of story all the time. When you do decide to pursue your creative dreams, it’s difficult to figure out a great way to market yourself while remaining yourself. I completely agree that figuring out ways by which to add value to others will help in your marketing efforts. Sometimes word of mouth recommendations are the strongest form of marketing.

Jen VanSuydam Says:

October 24th, 2008, 13:23 pm

I think this is great. Rght on.

My husband and I are photographers, and we provide an honest, candid style of “lifestyle” photography that really sells itself. It comes naturally to us. People see our images, and they know that THAT is the type of photo they’ve wanted of themselves or their family all along.

Check our blog to see what I’m talking about. :)

dave Says:

October 24th, 2008, 16:15 pm

I do computer support and work full time. It’s hard to sell without feeling like a sales person. I also give extra for free. It feels like it is not worth it. I continue onwards because of the dream of one day controlling my time and paying the bills.

Nathan Hangen Says:

October 24th, 2008, 16:18 pm

Cool post. I’ve found that often times doing what you love can be a crushing blow financial, but I’d rather live broke than die with the music still inside of me. Its true, you have to make a choice and it isn’t easy. Stay true to your art and you will find happiness.

Rahul Says:

October 24th, 2008, 16:32 pm

Certainly, I too feel that marketing is also. Also, required are skill like marketing as well. Because i this competitive market you’ve gotta get a good marketing stills or hire someone who is good at that.

Also, one has to have the passion to do his work, then he will sure reach a good point. If one likes one’s job and feels like he best then probable the does quite carreer.

Robyn Says:

October 24th, 2008, 17:16 pm

I’m passionate about a lot of things - it’s made me a generalist and in this economic climate there’s a demand for people who can write a press release, maintain a website, and manage multiple projects among other things. But they don’t pay more than $15/hr. I’ve lost out on 3 jobs in the last 2 months that paid that or less and I’m currently facing bankruptcy and foreclosure. Being true to who you are can be fulfilling in a lot of ways, but sometimes what you are ends up being hard to employ.

Jonathan Mead Says:

October 24th, 2008, 17:19 pm

@Nathaniel: Isn’t the point of life to enjoy it? If we’re all doing things solely to make more money (and aquire more stuff) to make us happy in the future, that seems a little backwards. Maybe something is wrong with our value system.

@Rahul: Marketing is essential. It’s just that a lot of people feel pressured to do it in a way that isn’t exactly authentic. I think when marketing you always have to stay centered on the motivation for your work in the first place.

Maura Says:

October 24th, 2008, 18:54 pm

Nice post, Jonathan… great thoughts and message.

“What I’ve come to realize, is by focusing on providing value to others, most of the marketing aspect takes care of itself.”…

Very true.

I think that in artistic endeavors, you have to find and connect on some emotional level with your audience, otherwise, staying “true to yourself” is just a way of saying you’re not connecting with others and therefore not able to share what you have to say to the world.

However, artists are by definition “ahead” of others in seeing the world the way they do. (Or they’re already obsolete, populist sell-outs — Is there really anything wrong with that?) For die-hard artists, sometimes the passage of time makes their artistic message more generally apparent or seen in a more valuable light (as experienced by many masters we recognize today who died in obscure poverty in their own time). Sometimes, part of the artist’s talent is their ability to draw contemporaries into their world of understanding. Both bring value to others; whether in their lifetime or future generations.

For people who just want to do what they love, they should expect to find their greatest reward in that endeavor, and not the money it brings to them.

Duncan Says:

October 24th, 2008, 20:14 pm

I really enjoyed this post. As a photographer growing up in punk rock music (heavily influenced by a “do it yourself” ethic), it is refreshing to see someone with a similar view. If anyone needs a real life example of this post, check out the band Fugazi. You may not like their music, but they were able to become successful without any marketing, lawyers, or major label support. They did everything on their own terms and worked extremely hard for their love.

Eric Hamm Says:

October 24th, 2008, 23:18 pm

I think it’s easy for bloggers to start out focusing on value and then get caught up in the promoting aspect. So much so that their content really takes a nose dive. But whether this happens in blogging or music or whatever you’re pursuit entails, you can always get back to your core values and create your best work once again. Sometimes it’s after you’ve gotten away from the ‘value’ for a while that you can truly appreciate the importance of staying true to yourself.

Thanks for a well written, thought provoking article, Jonathan! It really gave me something to chew on. Eric.

Joey Says:

October 25th, 2008, 0:51 am

This is a subject I’ve been struggling with for a while. I am just starting up my business, and so far it’s been marketing itself through word of mouth, but I will have to start to do some marketing on my own. For me, that entails going back onto the social networking sites that I eliminated from my life a while ago.

It felt as if I was starting to ’sell my soul,’ but I started to become more comfortable about the idea once I realized that I am providing something of value to others. This was tough because it opened up some self esteem issues that I have been dealing with. Dealing with these emotions made me comfortable with marketing myself without feeling like I’m ’selling my soul’ or doing something wrong.

If you don’t market your product, your idea, or your dream, somebody else will, but you won’t be a part of it. Thanks for the validation Jonathan!

Always Love
Joey Buddha

FrugalNYC Says:

October 25th, 2008, 1:10 am

Jonathan, as I’ve said before, your posts are extraordinary.

The beginning of your post really hit home because it’s our reality. We can do what we love, but it does not guarantee success. More importantly, we need to define our own success, which can change throughout our lives.
Doing something you are passionate about will not guarantee “financial” success. This does not mean you are not a success, as I said, you define your own success.

Success can only be defined by each individual. Selling your “soul” or selling yourself out to survive is the reality for many of us. We sacrifice our passions so we can provide for our livelihood. We all make sacrifices in life.

And about marketing, both Microsoft and Apple are marketing pros, look where both companies are. I actually did a short post yesterday about the current Mac vs PC marketing wars, which fortunately means more laughs for us ;) Their products are not the best of breed, but its good enough to keep people with their products. People buy their products because of Marketing.

RICHARD Says:

October 25th, 2008, 9:52 am

Well, we open our mouths (or virtual mouths) for a reason, and that is to be heard! So, call it marketing yourself or whatever you wish, but at the end of the day there is nothing wrong with it as long as the intention is good.

I decided to write about whatever comes to mind, which is tenuously connected to life in general and our thinking in particular (ghosts, karma, and Vietnam vets have been my last 3 topics this week), hence the sub-title ‘Notes On Life”. In my opinion, there are far too many blogs that are so transparent in their attempt to make money, although they try and veil their efforts with sincere-looking articles which are absolutely 2-dimensional.

At the end of the day, you do need to be passionate about what you do, and if you want to do it for money then you need to make sure that it is viable, and that your content and approach are congruent and have integrity.

http://www.cheewit.net
better thinking. better living.

dr aletta Says:

October 25th, 2008, 13:49 pm

If you love what you do, you believe in what you do. If you have passion for what you do, you are driven to share it. Marketing is sharing it.

Naima Hassan Says:

October 26th, 2008, 4:59 am

First I want to thank you for this article which motives me to think about living better life. What I want to say is we should do things we don’t want to do it in the beginning and be more patient, exactly like the student when he graduated from university, he wants good job opportunity in the field that he study, with good salary, but he shocks with life where he cant find what he wants.

About my own experience in this field, I was dreaming of working with organization save the children and help the refugee, I travel to other city to look for my dream work, but unfortunate I couldn’t find the job that I want, and because of the hard life I should work to pay my life costs, I start to work with company as secretary with very very low salary, I was very sad with that, and completely hapless but I was try to find my own dream, read in magazine and look for the chance that I want, and finally I found it, and now I worked with save children organization and I am very happy with my work.

That means we have to be patient and try in other jobs till we find our own chance,
Do what you don’t want till you find what you want, and you don’t need to kill your dream.

Ross Says:

October 26th, 2008, 11:06 am

At times I’ve felt that I’d rather put time and effort into my writing, my job, my life rather than spending time marketing, and building popularity, but have felt compelled to push things for instance to improve traffic. I love your thoughts on this whole idea, it’s definitely an area that many of us have to wrestle with quite frequently.

B. Wilde Says:

October 27th, 2008, 0:24 am

You reminded me of how I one day realized that my passions didn’t have to be full-time. I could still engage in things that provided me what’s needed to support my family and once I gave myself permission to follow my passions on the side, and include my family it was very liberating. I’m impressed by your abundance to offer yourself at the end. I’ve left a comment. Thanks

DanGTD Says:

October 27th, 2008, 2:59 am

Great article.
First, you need to look for customers that are looking for you (instead of inventing something and then trying to create a market for it).
Then, provide the best value you can to these customers, or solve their problem.

my year without Says:

October 27th, 2008, 13:32 pm

For those who may not be able to distinguish between what they truly love/aspire to and where they may be selling their soul (on a daily, weekly, monthly basis, etc.) consider this simple exercise. It was truly shocking and revealing to me when I did it, but jump-started me into action to pursue what I truly desire.

First, make a list of things you LOVE and want to be doing. Don’t hold back-let this be a personal brainstorm and flow from your heart.

Next, gather your receipts or scroll your on-line bank account for the past 2 or 3 months. Notice where you have spent money and consider WHY you spent money there. No matter what you really want in life, when you look at what you have spent your money on, you can see what your day to day priorities have been, even if they are not what you want your priorities to BE.

When looking at what you have spent your money on, consider why you did. Are you a victim of consumerism? Are you following trends of your peers so that you can be just like them? Go through and make mental check marks of things you spent money on that you could have chosen to save that money instead and put towards what you truly want for yourself.

Interestingly, how we spend our money tells us where our priorities are, whether we are proud of it or not, whether we want to CHANGE it or not.

frugalidad blogg Says:

October 27th, 2008, 18:15 pm

as always very good article. I can confirm that i love what i do, and i dont go to the ofifce until I feel like going to work :) sometimes end up having nice free mornings, but i like to work in evening also :)

Lys Fulda Says:

October 27th, 2008, 21:17 pm

God bless you! OMG one of my biggest obstacles doing pr and marketing has been dealing with the psychology of the client on why they don’t feel comfortable tooting their own horn. Due to the fact that I am not a “creative” person, it becomes “you don’t understand where I am coming from.
My company is very MUCH about authentic marketing, but proving it to someone who is simply into green martyrdom gets real old real quick.

I am so sending this post to clients!

Hot Alpha Female Says:

October 27th, 2008, 21:17 pm

This is a great article Jonathan!

I think a lot of people think that money is the root of all evil and so is selling.

But just like you said, we are selling all the time. And people can only attain true wealth if they are providing massive value in return.

When it comes to relationships on dating and attraction aren’t we essentially selling ourselves?

When we see a great movie and tell our friends about how great it is, aren’t we selling aswell? Trying to convince them to see the movie aswell?

Its all the same, so I don’t know why people get caught up on it.

Anyways thanks for the thought instigation

Hot Alpha Female

Caroline Says:

October 27th, 2008, 21:22 pm

“Do what you love and the money will follow.” I am still waiting for the money to follow… Hello…money…Hi….I’m over here!!

This is a great article. I agree with you about marketing value. Also promoting why you are better and different than your competition is important. Most people I know who try to make money doing what they love are artists…unfortunately many artists (and sorry for the mass generalization here) are not the best business/marketing folks.

Marketing yourself takes a lot of work (and even some luck).

Descartes Says:

October 27th, 2008, 22:49 pm

Doing what I love has not made me rich, but from time to time it has made me happy. Finding a way to make something that other people are willing to pay for is never as easy as it sounds-let alone finding some authentic about it.

Thanks for giving me something to think about.

@Stephen Says:

October 28th, 2008, 8:25 am

Recent events in my own family have conspired to create the perfect opportunity for me do do what I love, and break out of the everyday. I know that with hard work I will not have to sell my soul!
My wife and I are really looking forward to a new kind of lifestyle for a while - as we explore doing what we love and making a living at it.

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Says:

October 28th, 2008, 8:34 am

I’ve decided to follow the “work to your strengths” idea and selling is not one of my strengths. I’m therefore hiring someone to sell for me. Makes them happy doing what they love and makes me happy producing the stuff to sell without having to ruin my love of it by having to do something I hate doing.

Anna Says:

October 28th, 2008, 16:14 pm

Love the “work to your strengths” idea! All I know is that I’m not good at doing things I don’t like. Truly, everyone around me is also ten times happier when I’m engaged in something in line with my talents.

Maybe I was just a naive kid but when I didn’t have money to travel, I started looking into jobs that would pay me to travel. I found one and it turned into one of the best experiences of my life. I didn’t have money to ski, but then I started looking into opportunities to teach skiing. Yup, found one. And it was super fun. A great workout and a great way to be outside. Neither turned into a career, but, that wasn’t my intention.

I go back and forth. Sometimes I want my job to be wrapped around my passion. Sometimes I want my job to be neutral and just “there,” so that I can focus on my passions outside of work. There have been times when I’ve lived to work. But now I mostly work to live.

Shang Lee Says:

October 29th, 2008, 10:41 am

I guess you can help by continuing to write great articles!

Alice Says:

October 29th, 2008, 18:10 pm

Thanks for this post! It’s very well articulated and right on the (forgive me) money.

I find that a lot of creative types (myself occasionally included) are, if not lazy, stymied by a sort of perfectionist terror. Writing ‘my’ music or creating art in ‘my’style is easy - it comes naturally - it gives great pleasure because it’s often a spontaneous urge. Not deeply pre-planned, it feels like an expression of character. The illusion is that ‘my’ personality is inherent in the act of this creation.

Therefore to create in a calculated way would be to compromise ‘my’ personality, disrupt the spontaneous creative act, and you are not only forced to work at what (we are told be fiction and society) ’should’ be natural. This work is then an artificial manipulation of your individual personality - selling out - a bad thing.

Or is it? I don’t believe so. Considering our own personalities, and acting in calculated ways is sound human as well as sound business practice.

Sorry this is a bit of a ramble - I’m sort of sorting out my thoughts as I go.

In answer to your question, how can you help? Keep writing stuff like this. Maybe throw some challenges into the mix. People can rise to challenges that they never thought they would…

Most creative production is (or in my books, should be) a process of communication. Just as you might alter your tone and mannerisms to speak with a child, or to ‘reach’ someone who is upset, or to help a foreign tourist, or when we meet a religious figure, so too should we be willing to alter our mode of production, or our product in order to ‘reach’ the widest possible group of people.

Jason Olshefsky Says:

October 30th, 2008, 8:16 am

I always thought your initial aphorism had it altogether wrong. It should be, “do what you love and the money won’t matter”. If you do things you love, the things you do for money begin to have very little relevance in your life — your job doesn’t define you. Plus (and I’m speaking as an American whose culture insists that you need money to buy things to make you feel better) you find you need much less money to survive as you attain your life satisfaction from elsewhere.

kamlesh patel Says:

November 10th, 2008, 0:25 am

Dear Jonathan,

While searching for good valuable blog I have found your site. I am amazed by its content. Congratulations.

From last month or so I am writing my blog ( language: Gujarati ). although my main interest is short story writing But I am also posting one suspense story in serial form .I have 50 visitors a day.

This Diwali I had put one post regarding Chain of Love !. message of this post is to motivate readers for helping each other as and when they are in trouble. this is started through one Email which i got through one of my friend. I tag this post as “Bray Anderson” (Gujarati language)

i am not earning any money from my blog. what I want is to translate some of your best article in my language
if you permit me. The motto behind this is to just help the people who are only know Gujarati. as and when I translate yr article I let you inform accordingly through email..that is my promise.

hoping for your positive reply.

with regards.

Kamlesh Patel

http://kcpatel.wordpress.com/
(shabdasparsh is the name of my blog in Gujarati)