You’ve established a successful career, purchased a house and started a family. You’ve achieved many life goals and keep yourself busy with day-to-day responsibilities. Although your mind tells you that you should be content, your heart knows there’s something’s missing. Passion. While you’re undeniably passionate about the career you enjoy and the family you adore, you still dream of diving into a project that is all your own. Whether you miss studying the foreign language you learned in college or daydream about the clothing line you always wanted to start, it’s never too late to begin. Here are three reasons to pursue a passion project.
- Improved Mental Health
As gratifying as work and family is, both come with added duties and stress. Without an outlet, many people find themselves worn-out and unhappy. A passion project can provide a much needed mental health break to help you focus on yourself. Dedicating time to your interests reduces stress levels while improving overall life satisfaction. Research has also shown that creative hobbies can encourage the growth of new neural connections and trigger the release of dopamine, the brain’s favorite feel-good chemical.
- Possible Monetary Gain
Many people leave behind risky career dreams in exchange for lucrative professions and job security. But once you’ve established yourself financially, there’s no reason not to circle back and give your aspirations another chance. With a reliable job in tow, you have the space to try to monetize your passion without the pressure and urgency to be profitable. Likewise, you can take extra time to hone your skills and research the possibilities of making a side hustle (or even full-time job) of your hobby. If it works out, great! If not, you still have a passion project to use as a stress reliever.
- Carpe Diem
The latin phrase “carpe diem” urges people to seize the day and live for the moment. Too often we say that we’ll pursue our passions one day. But we forget that tomorrow is not guaranteed and there is no better time than the present. Although our lives are busy, we have time for the things that we make time for. So cherish today and live in a way that leaves no room to regret the stones left unturned.
In addition to bringing joy to your life, fun hobbies can serve as a healthy way to recharge and relax. So, let these three reasons motivate you to start a passion project today.
