Passion or Skills: The Key to Your Success

The common recommendation "Follow your passion" is often seen as a guiding principle for one's career path. But what if these pieces of advice do not yield the expected results? In this text, you will learn why it might be more effective to shift your focus from passion to your skills. It's time to gain deeper insight into choosing your niche and the associated positioning.

Key Insights

1. The definition of passion is often unclear and can fluctuate.
2. It makes more sense to consider skills and competencies as the foundation for career choices.
3. The flow state that arises from peak performance at work is an indicator of satisfaction and success.
4. A higher mission can only arise after certain experiences and skills are acquired; it should not be the starting point of your career planning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Effective Career Finding

Step 1: Analyze Your Current Situation and Interests

Before diving into self-employment or starting a business, it's essential to thoroughly examine your interests. Consider: What do you enjoy? Do you have passions that you would like to use as a basis for your career choice? Often, these questions seem simple, but the answer can be complicated.

Step 2: Differentiate Between Passion and Fun

Passions can be diverse and variable. Sometimes it's hard to determine what exactly defines your passion. It's essential to differentiate these terms. For example, someone might be passionate about sports, but whether that provides a foundation for a business model is questionable.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Skills

Instead of focusing solely on your passions, you should also address your skills. Think about what areas you excel in. An area where you have learned and grown significantly can be crucial for your career. Cal Newport's book "So Good They Can't Ignore You" suggests viewing skills as the true foundation of your career.

Step 4: Identify a Meaningful Niche

There are many niches and activities that are already being considered by others. Think about in which area you can create an authentic and direct connection to your skills. It's important to choose a niche that takes both your interests and your strengths into account.

Step 5: Seek the Flow State

The flow state occurs when you are so immersed in your work that you lose track of time and tune out your surroundings. This often happens when you work on projects that not only bring you joy but also allow you to showcase your best performance. Discover in which situations this state occurs and create more of those.

Step 6: Formulate Your Higher Mission

Once you are sustainably active in an area, a higher mission may crystallize. This mission could help you support others and make a real contribution. It's not just about having fun, but also about finding meaning in your work.

Step 7: Plan Consistently for the Future

Based on your experiences, skills, and the niche you have chosen, it is now time to develop a clear plan. Consider what steps are necessary to achieve your career goals. This might include implementing a blog or an online course to share your knowledge and inspire others.

Summary - Passion or Skills: What is Crucial for Your Career?

In many cases, it is more effective to focus on your skills as a central foundation for your professional path rather than following blind recommendations. Use this guide as a foundation to clearly define your goals and strategically and sustainably shape your professional life.