Follow Your Passions, and Success Will Follow

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Updated December 31, 2023
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Whether you are considering starting a small business or changing career paths, factoring passion into your decisions can lead to more success. Characteristics such as strong values, talent, ambition, intellect, discipline, persistence, and luck all contribute to business and career success. However, you may find that following your passion may make the most significant difference of all. Let's look at some examples of successful entrepreneurs who have followed a career path doing what they love.

Key Takeaways

  • Whether you are starting a small business or changing career paths, factor passion for your work into the equation.
  • Success can also come from strong values, talent, intellect, persistence, and luck.
  • Steve Jobs believed in the power of passion and claimed that his passion for his work made all the difference.
  • Warren Buffett, known as "the Oracle of Omaha" and one of the most widely known investors, has said that there is more to success than money.

Meaning of Success

Before discussing passion and explaining its significance, you may want to reflect on what success means. Success is usually thought of as making large sums of wealth or achieving a certain level of fame, but many people define success in life in a way that is not all about money.

Success can be defined as an achievement of a desired aim or purpose. More than money or fame, most people desire to align their passions with their work while making a sustainable income.

For many people, success means being proud of achievements and being part of something that makes a difference. This is particularly true when it comes to meaningful work.

If you follow your passion, you are more likely to put more time and effort into your work, which can lead to more success.

Why Passion Is So Important

If enthusiasm and passion are present, people tend to be more resilient when encountering obstacles. People who are passionate about what they do, rather than just working for the money alone tend to have more positive outlooks that can help them overcome difficulty through problem-solving.

Also, if you are more passionate about your job, you may be more inclined to work hard on self-improvement and broadening your skills set, which will increase your chances of success. 

4 Cases of Success from Passion for Work

1. Steve Jobs

One of the most successful companies in the world is Apple. Apple's founder and most notable leader was the late Steve Jobs. In a Forbes article titled "The Seven Success Principles of Steve Jobs," writer Carmine Gallo outlines seven factors responsible for Jobs' success. The article is based on interviews with Apple employees and Steve Jobs himself. The first principle? "Do what you love."

Steve Jobs believed in the power of passion and once said, "People with passion can change the world for the better." Jobs claimed that his passion for his work made all the difference.

2. Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner was once homeless but became a multi-millionaire stockbroker. He was featured in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, and he expressed what he believes is the secret to success. According to Gardner, the secret is to "find something you love to do so much you can't wait for the sun to rise to do it all over again." He explains that the most inspiring leaders do not simply work but pursue a calling.

3. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (formerly Facebook), has changed the world in which we live with his social media platform. In David Kirkpatrick's book The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That is Connecting The World, Kirkpatrick lists what he believes are Zuckerberg's characteristics that led to his success.

One of these characteristics is following his passion, not money. Zuckerberg suggests "following your happiness" when at a crossroads, using the logic that even if you do not end up making a fortune, you will at least be doing what you love.

4. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, known as "the Oracle of Omaha," is probably one of the greatest investors of all time. But even Buffett said there is more to success than money. In an interview with Parade Magazine, Buffett outlined 10 ways to get rich. He concluded his list of advice with, "Know what success really means." He explains the importance of finding what brings true meaning and what makes each day meaningful, which should be the focus of an individual's efforts.

Changing Jobs

Many people are dissatisfied with their jobs. But the need for healthcare and a steady income are reasons that you may feel compelled to stay in your position.

However, if there is a way for you to navigate the financial hurdles and pursue your passion in a niche area, hard work and success might come easier. Enjoying the work you do can be more important to fostering happiness than having a large bank account.

How Do I Know It's Time to Change Jobs?

There are several signs it may be time for your to change jobs. If you are dreading work and feel like you no longer care about the quality of your work, it may be time to change jobs. If you feel unsafe or bullied at work, you may also want to look for another job. Finally, if you cannot advance in your career with new challenges and higher pay, you may want to find opportunity in another job.

What Are the Disadvantages of Switching Jobs?

When you change jobs for a better opportunity, you may face a few downsides as well. For example, you may have to change health insurance policies and shift the funds in your 401(k) plan to a new employer. You'll also have to start fresh with making workplace connections with your colleagues.

What Should You Never Reveal in a Job Interview?

If you are changing jobs, you will likely undergo an interview before you are hired into a new position. Some things you should never reveal in a job interview include too much personal information, negative feelings about past employers, and your unresolved weaknesses.

The Bottom Line

Your decision about your work and your career will be based on a number of factors that are unique to your personal situation, including your financial needs and your goals. However, including your passion for your work in your decision-making can lead you on a career path you enjoy that will encourage you to dedicate your time and effort, which can lead to success.

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. Forbes. "The 7 Success Principles of Steve Jobs."

  2. Forbes. "Steve Jobs: 'People With Passion Can Change The World'."

  3. Carmine Gallo. "The Storyteller's Secret: From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On and Others Don't," Page 15. Macmillan, 2016.

  4. David Kirkpatrick. "The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That Is Connecting the World." Simon and Schuster, 2011.

  5. CNBC. "Warren Buffet's Secret "10 Ways to Get Rich" Hits Hundreds of Sunday Newspapers."

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