The first step is to find out what you love - and don't be practical about it. The second step is to start doing what you love immediately, in any small way possible.
Doing your own thing is a generous act. Being gifted creates obligations, which means you owe the world your best effort at the work you love. You too are a natural resource.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Pursuing your passions is both an act of generosity and a responsibility to contribute your best to the world.
In this quote, Barbara Sher highlights the importance of individuality and passion in one's work. She suggests that when you engage in pursuits that truly resonate with you, it not only serves your personal fulfillment but also benefits others, as your unique contributions are a valuable resource. The idea is that with the gifts you have, there comes an expectation to share them diligently, making your efforts not just a personal endeavor but a form of service to the world.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire students during a graduation speech about following their passions.
More from Barbara Sher
All quotes βFind out what you love._x000D_ Do it because you love it._x000D_ Stick with it._x000D_ Start now.
Down deep we really know our worth, but we don't have easy access to that knowledge. We need to hear praise coming from outside ourselves or we won't remember that we deserve it.
Imaginary obstacles are insurmountable. Real ones aren't. But you can't tell the difference when you have no real information. Fear can create even more imaginary obstacles than ignorance can. That's why the smallest step away from speculation and into reality can be an amazing relief...The Reality Solution means: Do it before you're ready.
You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.
Similar quotes
I have a big-picture outlook, I am willing to fall, and I understand it's ok to fall, but I am going to get back up, I may take a step back, but in the end, I am going to take a giant leap forward.
When you raise your opinion of yourself and what you are capable of it has a decided influence on what you do.
Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are the weeds that strange confidence.
What I enjoy most is doing something I've never done before.
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.
As a species, we're not only wired to choose today over tomorrow, but we hate to feel like we're losing out on something. The bottom line is, if we feel like we're losing something we avoid it, we won't do it. That's why so many people don't save and invest. Saving sounds like you're giving something up, you're losing something today. But you're not.