Is Writing Your Passion? Really?

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I’m going to ask you this one question.

Is writing really your passion?

Understanding what’s a passion

Long back, I was in doubt, that is writing actually my dream? Is it what I really love and relish doing?

Or is it just something else? The fame, the money, the approval. Are these things luring me towards writing or is writing luring me?

What is it? Still a hidden truth.

Till now, I’ve come to the conclusion that I love writing. More than that, I love to express.

I like talking to people, interacting with them and sharing my thoughts. And I’ve found writing as a good medium for me to do that.

But I’ve seen many people writing because of it’s peripheral benefits.

The topmost reason for people to write is appreciation and approval. It is in the background of every writer. But here’s the important question…

Is it what drives us?

Having a simple desire of being read or acknowledged, is according to me safe. But there’s a problem when you start getting dependent on it.

I had started to derive my sense of self-worth and confidence from it.

I realized this a few weeks ago. And again a few days ago. (I’m a constant realizing machine you see!)

Someone who read my posts on WordPress sent me an email about how my posts were proving to be useful.

“A personal mail.” It was a big deal for my ego. It liked the appreciation and felt worthy! I still remember that feeling of pride.

There’s no problem in acknowledging the appreciation. But when your sense of self worth gets dependent on it, the problem starts.

A few days after that, I listened to Eckhart Tolle’s talk. A lady asked him, “Can you elaborate on healthy self-esteem vs. ego?”

He said, “Your ego wants external things to cling on and identify with. A house, or a car and it derives its worth from them. Then, it also compares itself with others. ‘He’s got a graduate degree. Oh, I have 3 PhDs.’”

“On the other hand, self-esteem is something that derives its sense of worth and identity from the formless being within. When it knows what it truly is. It is not something outside. But the indestructible life force inside!”

Here lied my core error. I was identifying with my writing and the comments I was getting.

Was I truly writing to write?

I again and again questioned myself the same thing.

What am I doing this for? For money and followers or for my satisfaction? Am I deriving my worth from it or am I treating it like my dream work and passion?

Have I made myself over-dependent on it? Because a passion frees you. It doesn’t bind you.

There’s no need to burden yourself with something you can’t do. There aren’t many real writers out there.

Don’t make art to make money. Make money to make more art. - Jeff Goins

Why do many people face setbacks so quickly after a viral article or why do they play safe?

‘Cause they are satisfied. Their aim was never to write. But to earn fame and money. They give it too much importance, more than needed.

So they’ve stopped. They’ve turned stagnant.

For real artists or writers, there’s no need to fear. Because there’s no actual competition.

In the end, the one with the long-term aim of “writing” is going to cross the finish line. And he/she will keep writing even after that.

Because ultimately, writing was his/her aim and still is.

Conclusion

It is very necessary to time and again examine yourself.

That are you a writer? Is it really your passion? Or has a third party goal has set in?

And for the ones who really want to be writers, this question is more important.

Am I still a writer? Have I deviated from my goal?

Money is important, but not more than the art.

Art is important, but not more than your interest.

Interests are important, but not more than you.

You've read Is Writing Your Passion? Really?, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

by @aspiring via Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement