How far does passion stretch?

What are you passionate about? Personally I am very passionate about simple, smart web apps that make peoples lives easier, well written web copy, building companies, UX, Getting Things Done, writing screenplays, urban gardening, and a bunch of other things.

Because of work commitments and the fact that the day only has 24 hours I am not able to dive in and immerse myself in all of them.

That’s a good thing.

The more things I get in to the higher the risk that I might not be able to deliver to a standard that people around me, and I myself, expect.

The question then becomes what to focus on.

I am lucky enough to work full time with the things I am most passionate about (the trifecta of web apps, building online companies and writing for the web). This means urban gardening takes a back seat.

But what if you work with something that you merely like doing and your passion is elsewhere? Or indeed you work with several things you are passionate about, but still want to, or need to, engage in more activities?
Try this simple formula:

First, stick with the main thing you do to make money (for example write code). If the cash is in place then everything else is possible (including switching jobs if it comes to that).

Secondly, look at what activity, any activity, is most likely to help you do the first thing (coding) better. If urban gardening is your thing, go for it! The pleasure you get from planting, potting, trimming and designing outdoor spaces will make you a better developer.

You now have the money to feed and house yourself, and even to enjoy a hobby.

Thirdly, pick a subject matter that is somewhere between what you are passionate about and that which you simply like to, or have to, do.

In my case it is helping others get in to GTD. I don’t love it, but I like doing it. I could have chosen something else, but GTD fits the overall picture. It is related to my work, and I can help people around me work more effectively.

I have chosen my areas of work: web apps, building companies, writing for the web, and I have my passion activity – urban gardening – and I also have my in-between activity; the GTD tutoring. That is a good balance for me.

If at this point I wanted to add something to the mix, I would choose another non-work related area. That way I keep the balance between work and everything else intact, and my passion evenly spread.

This is important even if you are fortunate enough to work with something you love. The better balance you are able to create, the better you will be at your chosen profession. And the less thinly you need to stretch your passion.