What is a passion project and how do you start one?
Basically, a passion project is a project focused on you doing what you love doing. Not sure where to start? Well, let me tell you this—the fact that you're here means that you've already taken the first mini step. Keep scrolling and continue reading below to fully kickstart your own project.
Here's one rule that I want you to commit to before we start: Be honest and don't hold back.
Ready?
Let's do this! Grab your journal, an old notebook, or a piece of paper and answer the following questions truthfully.
1. What are you passionate about?
Sometimes, what you're passionate about is something you already know, but please don't get discouraged when you have no idea what it is. All you have to do is dig deeper. Ask yourself what it is that you really enjoy doing or look back over the past few months and identify which activities and moments made you really happy. Chances are, there lies your passion.
Always look inward and not outward. What is it that YOU really want? Focus on being honest with yourself with what makes your heart sparkle in happiness.
2. Why start this project?
Now that you know what you're passionate about, it's time to solidify why you wanted to make a project out of it. Why do you want to pursue this project? The reason doesn't necessarily have to be all about saving the world. It can be as simple as improving yourself, helping your family and friends, or caring for a specific thing. Remember that when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.
When the going gets tough, having a solid "why" will help you overcome just about any "how".
3. How do you start?
Divide the page of your paper into two columns. On the left side, list down all the things that are hindering you from pursuing this project. When you're done, turn these hindrances into goals and write them on the right side. For example, you wrote "I don't know how to dance." on the left side, write "Practice dancing" on the right side.
Aside from developing an action plan, this activity will also help you divert your mindset to focusing on what you can do rather than what you can't do.
4. What can you do today?
Having an action plan is important because it guides you as you journey through fully launching your passion project. However, breaking it down into smaller and more specific goals will make things a lot easier for you. It will also help you avoid "paralysis by overwhelm". The key is figuring out what exactly you can do today and doing that.
Aside from making goal follow-through more manageable, consistently practicing your passion also makes you better at it. If you want to be a runner, run every day.
5. Who else would be interested in this?
Now that you're already working on your passion project, it would be nice to connect with other people who are also interested in that field or activity. Collaboration and exposing yourself in a supportive and encouraging community will help you improve and fine-tune.
Who knows? You might just be able to turn that passion project into a side hustle and ultimately, your own business. But for now, let's keep our eyes and mind focused on starting and consistently working on it!
I'd love to know more about your passion projects. If you feel like you wanna share or something, send me a message on Facebook/Instagram.
Stay sunny,
Yza