“You don’t choose your passions. Your passions choose you.” These are famous words by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the most successful entrepreneurs that the world has ever seen. Using this single phrase, Bezos reveals what he believes is the key to a successful and meaningful life.
While many believe that success is thanks to several factors, Bezos believes that the key is in a straightforward thing that overflows into other aspects.
Jeff Bezos
Jefferey Preston Bezos, popularly known as Jeff Bezos, is a billionaire and one of the world’s wealthiest people. He is also a famous American businessman, investor, and media proprietor.
He is also the CEO of Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce company. The 60-year-old billionaire is known worldwide and has made a name for himself in history. He has also given tips on success several times, and people are always eager to learn from him.
Jeff Bezos’ Simple Tip
The Amazon founder has given a simple tip for success using his famous quote, “You don’t choose your passions. Your passions choose you.” However, many people have gotten upset after reading this quote due to misinterpretation.
They believe the phrase asks people to wait for a perfect moment for their passions to find them while allowing life to pass them by. However, this is far from what Bezos meant, and it is easy to understand once broken down.
The Real Meaning
The real meaning behind the famous quote is more straightforward than most people understand. Bezos believes that achieving success requires a certain drive, motivation, and hard work that can only be found in things we are passionate about.
Highly successful people have often followed their passions and turned them into profitable businesses. Bezos did the same with Amazon and is now one of the wealthiest people in history.
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What Does the Phrase Tell Us?
The famous quote tells us that following your passion is vital to success. While finding their passions may take people a while, this is not an excuse to be lazy and do nothing.
Instead, successful people choose their path with unrelenting passion, move forward, stay focused, and get up daily to follow that part. Their love for this passion gives them the zeal to work hard to achieve their goal, leading to success.
Does Bezos’ Formula Work?
If his immense wealth is anything to go by, it is safe to say that Bezos’ formula does work. He has always told young people to find what they are passionate about and follow this till the end. He reiterated this point at the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Forum on Leadership in 2018.
He said, “You can have a job, or you can have a career, or you can have a calling.” According to Amazon’s founder, people who have found their calling or passion have “hit the jackpot” in life.
Finding Your Passion Is the “Big Deal”
Bezos believes that finding what you are most passionate about is a very “big deal” in life. While some people usually know their passion very early in life, it can take a little while for others to figure it out. Some are gifted with leadership abilities rather than artistic skills.
However, some people could be gifted with specific talents or skills to help them. Regardless of your passion, you must follow it and make the best of it.
How Do You Know Your Passion?
Most people find this question difficult to answer. However, it’s not hard to find out your passion. Passions are intrinsic and can only be found within oneself. They are integral parts of a person and not something people can consciously decide to have.
This is why they usually emerge at a young age and follow us well into adulthood. Passions shape our desires and actions and are gifts people usually possess.
Developing Your Passion
It is important to note that following one’s passion does not automatically make one an expert in the field. People with a passion for art still have to undergo training to achieve the level of skill they want.
People with leadership skills still usually attend school and take leadership courses. Therefore, passions do not automatically lead to expertise. Passions need to be nurtured and developed before becoming sources of success.
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Embracing Your Passion
Sometimes, people suppress their passion to follow more accessible routes that bring better income. Some are scared to follow their passion out of fear of failure. Others simply believe they cannot be successful with such passions. However, Bezos thinks the opposite.
The 60-year-old billionaire suggests that passions are unique gifts people possess and should not be suppressed. Instead, embrace your passion and build a successful career from it.
Inflexible Restraints
Sadly, some factors beyond our control may stop us from following our passions. For example, huge financial constraints could limit one’s ability to pursue one’s passion. Societal pressures and other commitments could also prevent one from simply taking off and following one’s passions.
In these cases, it is best to manage one’s time and life while trying to find a way to continue following your passion.
Flexible Restraints
If what restrains you from your passion can be fixed, it is better to do so and try to follow your passion. This includes instances of personal fear of failure, a fear of letting people down, and a lack of mental preparedness to take a new route.
These can be worked on to help you follow your passion. Talk to a friend or a professional, share your concerns and fears, and find the best solution to your problem.
Invest in Your Passion
According to the billionaire, investing in your passion is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do. While there might be ups and downs in the future, it gives a better sense of satisfaction and happiness than working a job that is not your passion.
It may take a while, but hard work and dedication will eventually pay off. So, what are you waiting for? Take Bezos’ advice and follow your passion today!
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