Do it because you love it
Do it because it’s your default.
Do it because it’s how you think.
Don’t do it because of the money.
Don’t do it for the followers.
Do it for yourself.
Do it because it’s all you ever want to do.
If you do something for the love and not the reward, you will continue down that path forever. If you do something indefinitely, it’s inevitable that you will become a master at it.
When you master something, others will want to listen, watch, learn from, understand, or wish they could do what you do or be like you.
It’s not the journey they envy, it’s the result.
Most people don’t realise that when the journey itself is the reward, you have already won.
When you forget about the result, and your mind shifts its focus to the present, when you make the journey everything you’ve ever wanted in your life, or it becomes something you couldn’t do without, you’re winning.
Make the reward meaningless in your mind. Make the journey everything.
Recently, I tried to become a YouTuber. I started making videos once a week. I tried different styles of video and topics. I found that making videos wasn’t my default. I wasn’t shy in front of the camera, but it didn’t quite feel right.
On YouTube, videos are about teaching and entertaining synchronously, trying to hold people’s attention using psychological tricks to maintain retention.
Whereas writing, I find, is how I think. I have a conversation with myself and learn something.
We have to try things. We shouldn’t be afraid to put ourselves out there and give it a go. I did that with video, and failed. I learned something in the process, I learned more about myself. Finding out what works for you, what brings you joy, peace, and satisfaction in your craft, is important.
Writing is my default. I never thought I’d call this medium home. I could do this forever.
I’ve decided to not pursue video after giving it a go, and to double down on writing and master this craft. Master structure, sentences, and story. Sure, there are fewer and fewer people who read these days, and blogs are not where the people are.
But again, I’m not doing this because of the numbers or the external reward. I’m doing this for me.
I’m a mediocre writer with a camera, and a Zen mindset, and I'm content with that.
I implore you to always remember this when you are thinking about your life and how you spend your time. And what you chose to do to give back to the world. Tell yourself these things:
Don’t do it because of the money.
Don’t do it for the followers.
Do it for yourself.
Do it because it’s all you want to do.
Do it because it’s your default.
Do it because you love it.
