Passion

I believe deep down we all have a passion for something. Whether that is Sports / Drawing / Music etc. We are not put here on earth to just work 40+ hours a week and then die without using the gifts we’re given. Each and every soul that has ever walked this earth has a unique talent in something. I think you should try everything that you might like – You could be an amazing chef but if you never try, you will never know what you’re capable of.

There is a lot of pressure at a young age especially in your early 20’s. There are so many options and roads to go down that you start to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities (I know I have; I am still going through this). People try and tell you what to do with your life and it feels like they’re always constantly watching your life instead of living their own.

A lot of people go through school and decide on a career like becoming a doctor for example. They go to college; get their A levels then it’s off to University – They get half way through the course and decide it’s not for them. Then they’re back to square one with not a clue what to do or where life is going to take them.

Ultimately, I think you shouldn’t have to worry about having everything figured out. In my opinion, just focusing on the present moment is the best option one can do (as the present moment is all we have). Yes, have goals and aspirations but try not to dwell on your shortcomings. We all feel lost at times but by being lost you can find your purpose.

When nothing is certain, everything is possible.

Everyone you know that is successful (I’m not talking financially; I’m talking about being happy) loves what they do and has a passion for their craft. They worked numerous amount of hours every single day to become a master in their field of expertise. You might see a successful person online that you think was an ‘overnight success‘ but you didn’t see behind the scenes. The late nights. Failures. Self Doubt. Years of learning.

My passion is photography and editing and overall being creative. I love new challenges. Recently, I have been learning After Effects and watching hours of YouTube videos on how to use the software. A 5 second intro took me 4 hours to create – this is the reality of trying and learning new things.

To me, I don’t see it as work because I love testing myself and the feeling when you finish an idea you had in your head is amazing. I would describe myself as a very ambitious person who doesn’t give up when things take longer than usual. If you’re learning and putting in the time and effort then you can honestly become anything in this world.

I have been doing photography for around 3 years now. I started with my iPhone 6 and I fell in love with capturing time and moments. At this point I didn’t know much about editing as I was using free apps on my phone just to enhance the images. I got extremely lucky in my life and had the chance to do a programme called ‘Erasmus For Young Entrepreneurs‘ where I worked in Tenerife for three months learning everything there is about starting a business and advancing my photography skills (this is when I got my first Canon DSLR)

Now 2 years later; my knowledge of photography has progressed a great deal. I have had my own photography jobs in Manchester and had the chance to travel. If I had never looked deep into what I am passionate about then I wouldn’t have had any of the chances I’ve had to this day. It hasn’t been easy and I still have a long way to go but I am forever grateful for everything and everyone I have met along the way.

I’m not saying all this to gloat about my progression; I am saying this to inspire you. For you to go after that idea you have in your mind. Once you make the shift in your life and put all your energy into something, the universe has no choice but to make it happen. You will manifest your dreams. It might take 10 years to get that 1 year that will change your life but it will totally be worth it. Do you want to look back at 60 / 70 and be full of regrets that you didn’t chase what made you happy?

Life is about taking chances – It’s not about what you did; It’s what you do. Let your mouth match your ambitions. So many people live beyond their means and live a lifestyle they can’t afford. Don’t be one of these people. You will be in a constant state of financial worry. Instead, work hard and save money to invest in your passion. Whatever you want to do, you can do it with persistence and patience.

Do not listen to outside voices. The people who drain your energy, who are always negative. No matter what you say to them, they will have a negative answer. This is unfortunately the society we’re living in. Whether it’s your friends who are being negative or even your family. You will be surprised how much your circle of people will dictate the outcome of your future. If you have 3 friends with no ambitions who smoke all day and lay about with no direction – you will probably be the 4th. Instead, surround yourself with as much positivity as possible; even on the bad days.

I use headphones and listen to podcasts and shut out the world and focus on my goals and ambitions.

Family is a hard one to shut out. They are the people you spend most time with. But if they don’t believe in your dreams and always criticise every decision you make then its time to spend less time with them. Put in your headphones or watch motivational videos to keep your momentum going. Write down your goals. Keep going and don’t waiver for anyone. Instead of hating them, respect them because they never got theirs and they are trying to talk you out of yours.

Trust me, I’ve lived this.

Life has a funny way of working out. You may be reading this and feel lost but keep believing in your passion and dreams. Remember that negativity won’t get you anywhere it will only stop you achieving what you’re meant to achieve on this planet.

The fact I have people messaging me telling me I have inspired them and helped them with photography means so much to me. I never thought I would ever inspire people. I did photography to help with my depression and anxiety – to get out and clear my thoughts. The fact I have people all over the world engaging with my posts is amazing.

Whatever you want to do – make music / cook / design – it’s possible. Start believing in your truth and follow your heart. If you’re working in a job and you’re just ‘getting by’, living pay check to pay check and you know you have this calling to follow your passion then change your lifestyle including bills – Get rid of that car / live in a cheaper apartment. Like Gary Vaynerchuk says “Don’t keep up with the Joneses’ If you really want it, then you will get it – it depends if you want to give up certain things for a few years to get the lifestyle you deserve.

Remember this – Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it will one day become your profession.

My Social links :

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/markarronsmith/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MarkArronSmith/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/markarronsmith

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/markarronsmith/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2VQ9WqEmsAAXW5oFTePXJw