Passion can make work more fulfilling, but it’s not the only factor for success.

One common career advice often promoted in motivational events is to pursue your passions, suggesting that success will naturally follow. However, some of the wealthiest individuals in the world hold jobs they might not have been particularly passionate about. For instance, as a child, Jeff Bezos probably didn’t envision becoming a trillionaire by selling books online. Childhood dreams can serve as a good starting point when exploring potential career paths, but trying to follow them too rigidly can lead to disappointment. Passion can be biased because until you’re actively involved in an industry, you might not fully understand the professional aspects of it. Simply stating, “I want to write books for a living,” overlooks the various other components involved, such as editing, networking, publishing, and managing the book’s reputation. Pursuing your passion directly may reveal that it’s more complex than initially assumed, potentially causing doubts about your chosen path.

While having a passion is a good foundation, it’s essential to move beyond a mere desire like “I want to write a book” and explore the practical steps needed to convert that passion into a sustainable career. To turn your dreams into a viable source of income, you must conduct thorough research to understand the industry and the business aspects involved. While the odds of becoming a billionaire like the speakers at motivational events are slim, consistent effort and hard work increase your chances of success. Even if you don’t reach the same level of success, you can still establish a stable and rewarding career.