You can look at any of my participation in organized sports from middle school to high school and I guarantee you that I was far from an “impact player.” Without going into too much embarrassing detail – I really can’t think of any major contribution during my stint of high school football.
However I can assure you that none of this ever bothered me. Why? Honestly; I loved the game (football) and that was the only reason I played. I could watch the game for hours, not matter who would be playing. I didn’t play for attention, girls, or to be “accepted” or “known” for something. Of course I wanted to succeed, be in the game, crack the starting line-up, and make big plays but I loved the game so much – participating and knowing I was doing my best held a certain degree of satisfaction for me.
I didn’t know it then but I was learning a lot about myself.
My first year at Oakland University, one of my Communication teachers; Gene Foggle told me; “Do what you love and the money will come.” I’ll never forgot those words. At that time, it seemed that I was slowly becoming a “career” college student because I simply didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself. I had changed majors several times, and really I just wanted a “good job” when I graduated and make a lot of money-lol.
But Mr. Foogle’s words really stuck with me. It took me back to playing high school football. Again, I played because I loved the game. So I decided at that it was time to start doing what made me happy and that was writing and taking pictures. I also decided that even if I couldn’t support myself doing those things- I would define myself by those 2 things and never stop doing them.
I was off and running and the rest is history. There have been other interest, hobbies, money making opportunities that have came about – but none that I love as much as writing and photographer. However in in my observations and experiences- most people haven’t grasped this. I even tell my own children when they’re participating in sports – “you gotta’ love the game.” If you love the game – it won’t be a chore to work hard, get to practice early, stay late, etc… If you love your career – it won’t be a chore to work hard at it. If your love your business – it won’t be a chore to do what it takes to make it become what you envisioned it to be.
I know a lot of you have heard this and I know a lot of you have heard this but still aren’t implementing it-lol. Now I’m not telling you to quit your job and become a short-order cook because you love cooking so much. Lol I’m just saying – make time, make it priority to do to things you love to do (weather you are getting paid a lot for those things or not).
Because when you really, really think about it- you don’t want your life be a kaleidoscope of colors where none are your favorite.
Love your life