šŸ‹ Should We Monetise Our Passion?

November 24, 2021

Do we lose something when we turn a passion into a source of income?

I think we do.

The past few weeks, Iā€™ve caught myself thinking in multiple instances: I wish I could skip to the part where I just earn money for all this creative work. Wouldnā€™t it be nice if I could buy a new hard drive, laptop, or camera gear from the work they generate, rather than a side-job that funds the craft?

So I have to remind myself: ā€œyou wonā€™t get this time again.ā€

A time where money plays no part in the creative process.

A time where self-improvement is solely guided by a wish to get better.

A time where I was paid only through fulfilment.

A time which, once crossed, may not return to me.

You see, money changes everything, and not everything is for the better.

Sure, it would be great to earn a living or a bit of extra income from doing what we love.

But for those who see income as a primary source of motivation, ā€˜passionā€™ dwindles when it fails to show up.

So for those who have learned to love the process, the never-ending iterations, the ebbs and flows of inspiration, the cultivation of self-discipline and equipment of new skills, income may quickly cloud the judgement of why we pursue a craft that was meant to free us from the shackles of a ā€˜job.ā€™

No matter how strong the pull is, I donā€™t want to be governed by income.

The work was always supposed to be the reward in and of itself.

I remind myself: this time wonā€™t return to me. Let me enjoy the moments that lead up to my first paycheck. Let me feel present in the moments where my work is at its purest, a time where I can get lost in rumination and flow, a time where hours are spent doing what I love, for no other reason than that it has to be done, because it matters.

So I sit here, reflecting on these thoughts, as I approach a new pivotal moment in my course of ā€˜creationā€™ā€Šā€”ā€Šmy first Youtube ā€˜sponsorā€™. I didnā€™t know if and when this time would come, but Iā€™m glad to say that even if it never came, I would still show up and do the work.

-Faisal.

Iā€™m creating a series of meaningful video projects on Youtube (self-improvement, intentional living etc.)

Theyā€™re short, packed with value and always getting better.

šŸ‘‰ Join 2100+ Subscribers on Youtube by subscribing here.

šŸ“Œ Quote of the Week

"It is a fault to wish to be understood before we have made ourselves clear to ourselves." ā€” Simone Weil.

šŸ‹ Are you enjoying this newsletter?

Hit and let me know your thoughts, I read every one and love hearing from you guys.

Alternatively, tell me how to improve or what you'd like to see done differently. I'd appreciate it just as much!

šŸ¤“ About Me

I'm Faisal, a Doctor working in the NHS who writes online and makes Youtube videos on self-development, intentional living and doing the things that matter.

I love writing, storytelling, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and innovating in medical education spaces. If you'd like to go down the rabbit hole and find out more about me, the links below are a good place to start:

Disclaimer: I use affiliate links in this newsletter (always honest recommendations). They give me a small kickback with no extra cost to you.