Turning your passion into your profession is by no means easy, but it’s a process that is worth exploring. I hosted an interactive workshop at Ministry of New, a coworking space in Mumbai, India as part of their ‘Take Five’ series of talks in February 2020. Read on to find out how you can turn your passion into your profession:

I shared my dilemma of having to choose between being a chef or an architect and how it’s lead me to flourishing as a ‘food designer’. I introduced the spectators to two important concepts: identifying if they’re multipotentialites like I am and exploring cross-disciplinary approaches for innovation in their business practices. Let me explain:

  1. Multipotentialite: A person who has more than one creative pursuit. They do not have the ‘one true calling’ like specialists do. And that’s okay. We’re often made to feel bad for not sticking with something from the get go. Maybe it’s because you need more stimulation! Know that you’re not alone.
  2. Cross-disciplinary: Relating to two or more fields or industries. While this terminology is largely used in research, it’s more important than ever before for business to adopt such methods in order to come up with innovative solutions for an increasingly fickle customer.

How to turn your Passion into your Profession:

  1. Pick a date – it could be 2 weeks, 2 months or even 2 years.
  2. Allow yourself the freedom to be curious and let your imagination run free.
  3. Figure a way to monetize this passion  – focus on building a sustainable career, not just engaging in a hobby.
  4. Be uncomfortable, it’ll make you grow. Experiment, persist – it’s the only way to know.
  5. Keep trying different things until you find what drives you. You’ll pick up valuable skills along the way.
  6. Find the right people. It’s super important – a mentor, your team and someone who believes in you. It goes a long way.
  7. Find what’s valuable. Does your target audience really NEED what you’re offering? What problem are you solving?
  8. Don’t just plan, act. Planning is the easy bit. It’s the execution that’ll make it happen.

Use your career as a vehicle to your self-expression. Design your career the way you’re wired – it’s the only way to resist burnout. If you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll be less likely to give up. You will have the motivation to persevere and all this will lead to longer-term success. Explore your intersections just like I did with food and architecture.

If you would like to get in touch or have a (virtual) cup of coffee, feel free to reach out to me.