Ignite your soul
The provocative power of following your passion
In 10 minutes or less, here's what you'll learn:
Passion drives learning
Passion enhances creativity and expertise
Passion and purpose go hand-in-hand
and much more…
Let’s dive in…
Today, we challenge the conventional notions of learning and present to you a daring proposition: "Passion is the Key to Unlocking True Knowledge." In a world teeming with distractions and a relentless pursuit of success, it's easy to forget the profound impact that passion can have on our learning journeys.
In episode 31 of the Shaping Design podcast, Mitchell chatted with (@logan_liffick) about his current job as Head of Product & Design at Makelog. They discussed some learnings up-and-coming designers should listen to, how he benefits as a designer from understanding code, and even talking about a trip down memory lane, and using a passion.
Should you leverage your passion? How do you learn? What are the best ways to learn?
What if you could embrace your inner fire and unleash your true potential through the power of passion?
How many of you were told that you will never make good money with art? That you will starve as an artist? Or that being a designer or artist leads to a dead-end.
I was told this. I was told to follow a “normal” career…. but instead, I followed my passion.
I never dreamed of making such good money moving pixels around. When things got tough, I kept going. I never gave up. I was passionate.
Let’s dive in.
The fire within
Passion is the secret sauce that transforms learning from a chore into a thrilling adventure. Passion is fuel for career success because it drives key actions and behaviors. When we pursue knowledge with zeal and ardor, we unlock the door to unbounded curiosity. A passionate mind thirsts for understanding, relentlessly seeks answers and constantly yearns to push the boundaries of its craft. Learning becomes an organic process, where each discovery acts as fuel for the next, perpetuating a cycle of growth and fulfillment.
As designers, cultivating a passion for our work is an indispensable asset. It fuels our imagination, infuses our creations with emotion, and guides our intuition toward innovative solutions. By weaving passion into the fabric of our learning journey, we become unstoppable forces capable of breaking through any creative barriers that stand in our way.
The spark of passion for learning
Passion isn't just an emotional infatuation; it's the spark that ignites our creativity and propels us on a journey of profound discovery. When designers infuse their learning process with passion, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Passionate designers don't just create; they breathe life into their designs, infusing them with authenticity and innovation.
Passion and purpose
Passion alone, however, is not enough to unlock its full potential. It is the synergy between passion and purpose that grants us the true power to drive forward. Passion provides motivation, while purpose lends direction and meaning to our pursuits.
As designers, we must introspect and discover our why—the purpose that drives us to create, the impact we wish to make, and the legacy we aspire to leave. When passion aligns with purpose, we find ourselves on a mission, transcending the mundane pursuit of skills and transforming into agents of change, driven by an unwavering vision.
Passion as the guiding light
Passion is the compass that guides us on the journey toward mastery. Mastery is not a destination but a never-ending pursuit—a path laden with challenges and triumphs. When we are passionate about our craft, setbacks are perceived as opportunities to learn and grow rather than roadblocks.
Designers who leverage their passion for learning embrace failure as stepping stones to success. They become lifelong learners, eager to refine their skills, absorb new knowledge, and stay at the forefront of innovation. Passionate designers are trailblazers, lighting the way for others to follow, and constantly evolving the landscape of design.
Passion's ripple effect
Passion is contagious. When we exude enthusiasm for our work, it sparks inspiration in those around us. Passionate designers create an atmosphere of collaboration and encouragement, fostering a community that supports each other's growth.
Moreover, passion elevates empathy—the ability to understand and connect with the end-users of our designs. By imbuing our creations with genuine emotion and understanding the needs of our audience, we craft experiences that resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impact.
How to know if you’ve found your passion
You can determine whether you’ve hit upon your passion by tuning into your thoughts and your feelings.
Your thoughts
Your interest and curiosity in something, coupled with a strong desire to explore, learn, and take action, are clear indicators that you have found a passion. Moreover, when you are genuinely passionate about a subject, you may observe a natural proficiency in it, and you willingly invest time and effort, leading to continuous improvement.
For instance, let's consider the scenario where you come across information about agile work methods. Intrigued by the concept, you enthusiastically share these ideas with your team, eventually becoming the go-to expert and a leader in implementing agile practices within your organization. This exemplifies how passion drives you to excel and take on influential roles.
Your feelings
Recognizing your passion becomes evident when a surge of energy engulfs you in a particular area. Immersed in learning and contributing within your chosen domain, you experience heightened emotions and a sense of vigor. Moreover, passion often connects you to a larger purpose, instilling the belief that your efforts hold significance and forging a strong link with your community.
Passion is a versatile force that manifests in various ways, but it is characterized by the profound thoughts and feelings it evokes. It instills dedication, immerses you completely, fuels your energy, and imbues your actions with purpose. Embracing your passion enriches your life, leading you on a fulfilling journey of personal and communal growth.
Tapping into your passion
When we are truly passionate about something, whether it's a goal, a dream, a project, or a cause, we become infused with an unyielding spirit.
We rise above self-doubt, overcome fear, and confront the doubts of others, all in pursuit of what sets our souls ablaze.
Consider the artist who relentlessly hones their craft, the scientist who tirelessly seeks answers to the world's mysteries or the athlete who refuses to quit despite facing numerous setbacks. In each of these stories, passion is the common thread that stitches perseverance into the fabric of their journey.
In the face of naysayers and skeptics, passion becomes the shield that deflects negativity, allowing us to stay focused on our goals and continue forging ahead with unwavering determination. It is the inner voice that whispers, "You can do it," when the world tells us otherwise.
The secret sauce
Passion is not a fleeting infatuation but an enduring flame that ignites the fires of perseverance within us. Passion is fuel for career success because it drives key actions and behaviors.
Passion fuels perseverance
Passion breeds creativity
Passion ignites curiosity
Passion enhances memory
Passion cultivates expertise
Passion empowers meaningful impact
But how can designers truly leverage their passion to drive forward? Let's unveil the concrete steps:
Step 1: Embrace Your Unique Design Passion - To set yourself on this exhilarating path, embrace your unique design passion. Is it user experience (UX), branding, typography, or perhaps digital illustration? Discover what makes your heart race and your imagination soar, for it is within this sphere that your greatest potential lies.
Step 2: Dive Deep Into Your Passion - Once you've identified your passion, dive deep into the ocean of knowledge surrounding it. Immerse yourself in books, articles, tutorials, and online courses tailored to your area of interest. The more you delve, the more your passion will blossom, and the thirst for knowledge will become insatiable.
Step 3: Practice, Experiment, and Play - Designers, unleash your creativity through hands-on practice! Set aside time to experiment, play with different styles, and push the boundaries of your passion. Create personal projects, take on design challenges, and allow your passion to shape your artistic expression.
Step 4: Connect with Like-Minded Souls - Design is a collaborative art, and connecting with like-minded individuals can be invigorating. Join design communities, attend conferences, and engage in discussions that revolve around your passion. Exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and draw inspiration from others on the same journey.
Step 5: Seek Mentorship and Feedback - Guidance from experienced designers can be transformative. Seek mentorship from industry experts, or collaborate with seasoned designers who can provide constructive feedback on your work. Embrace criticism as a stepping stone to growth and refinement.
Step 6: Set Purposeful Goals - Passion-driven learning requires direction. Set purposeful goals for your design journey. Whether it's mastering specific software, learning a new technique, or building a captivating portfolio, setting targets will keep your passion focused and your progress tangible.
Step 7: Take Risks and Embrace Failure - Designers who embrace passion are unafraid to take risks and embrace failure. View mistakes as valuable learning experiences and stepping stones to success. It is in these moments that your passion will fortify your resilience and spur you to keep moving forward.
Step 8: Embody Your Passion in Your Design Process - Designers, let your passion breathe life into your creative process. Allow it to shape your concepts, influence your choices of color and form, and infuse your designs with an authentic and distinctive touch.
Step 9: Never Stop Learning - A passion-driven designer is always a lifelong learner. Keep your passion alive by continuously seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth. The journey of learning is endless, and your passion will be the compass that keeps you exploring uncharted territories.
Step 10: Pay It Forward - Lastly, don't hoard your passion; share it with the world. Inspire others, mentor aspiring designers, and contribute to the design community. Your passion has the power to ignite sparks in others and create a ripple effect of inspiration.
Final words
Passion is not a constant state; it requires nurturing and dedication. By integrating these action items into your daily routine, you can harness the power of passion and channel it into your design process, resulting in greater fulfillment and creative excellence.
Discovering your passion shouldn't be a daunting task. Simply pay attention to what captures your interest and ignites your energy. There's no need for an elaborate master plan or a roadmap for your entire life. Instead, focus on making day-to-day and month-to-month choices that align with your joys and strengths.
Remember, the way you spend your moments determines how you spend your life. So, invest time in activities you genuinely enjoy and excel at, as well as in endeavors that contribute to your community. These seemingly small choices will accumulate, leading to a life filled with fulfillment and making a positive impact on others' lives too.
Hey, Mitchell & Pascal here! Thanks for checking out this week’s free edition of the Shaping Design newsletter. We strive to send you the best tips and our very own unique perspective each week. Subscribe to get each article!
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