Is it difficult to keep doing what you love?
The reasons why it doesn't last, and the simple tricks used by those who keep going
"I want to make a living doing what I love."
"I want to keep doing what I love."
You've thought that before, haven't you?
But the reality is—
it doesn't last.
It should have been fun at first, but
before you know it, you've stopped doing it.
"Is it really that hard to keep doing what you love?"
To give you the conclusion first,
"It's difficult as it is. But if you make some adjustments, it will last."
In this article, I will explain the reasons for this and provide concrete methods.
■ Why doesn't it last even if it's something you love?
This part is quite important.
What many people misunderstand is
the assumption that "loving something = it will naturally last."
Actually, that is not the case.
1. "Love" and "Skill" are different
Even if you love something, it becomes stressful if you can't do it well.
・I love drawing → But I can't draw as I imagine
・I love writing → But I don't get recognized
This gap is
the cause of "fun" turning into "painful."
2. Making it an "obligation" makes it stop being fun all at once
Even though it started as a hobby,
・I have to do it every day
・I have to get results
Once it becomes like this, it turns into pressure.
In psychology, it is known that motivation drops when "intrinsic motivation (doing it because it's fun)" turns into "extrinsic motivation (having to do it)."
3. It takes time to see results
This is a realistic problem.
For many things,
it takes time for results to appear.
But humans are
・creatures that want immediate results
・creatures that want to be evaluated
so,
they quit halfway through.
■ What is different about people who keep going?
This is the main point.
People who continue doing what they love
are not necessarily talented.
They just have a different system.
■ 5 tips for continuing to do what you love
1. Thoroughly "start small"
This is the most important thing.
・Do it for 1 hour → ❌
・Do it for 5 minutes → ⭕
By lowering the hurdle,
**"It becomes natural to do it."**
2. Focus on the "fun parts"
Don't try to enjoy everything.
- I like the work
- I like thinking
- I like creating
Find the "parts you like" within that.
3. Enjoy the "process" rather than the "results"
- Not growing
- Not being evaluated
Focusing on these things makes it painful.
Instead,
**Look at "what you did today" and "how you progressed since yesterday."**
4. Allow yourself "days off"
This is very important.
- I have to do it every day
→ Frustration
Instead of that,
- It's okay if I do it
- It's okay if I don't
Having this breathing room helps you keep going for a long time.
5. Use your "environment" to motivate yourself
Environment over willpower.
- Decide on a place to work
- Keep your tools ready to use
This alone lowers the hurdle for taking action.
■ It is okay for your "likes" to change
One more important thing.
The things you love will change.
・Things you used to love
・Things you love now
It is okay if they are different.
In fact, it is natural.
Therefore,
you do not have to think, "I must keep doing the same thing forever."
■ "Returning" is more important than "continuing"
Actually,
this is what is truly important.
It is not about continuing, but about returning.
・It is okay to stop once
・It is okay to step away
However,
if you want to do it again, come back to it.
People who repeat this process
end up continuing for a long time.
■ Finally
Keeping on doing what you love is,
certainly not easy.
But that is,
not because "you don't like it," but simply because
**"you don't know how to do it."**
・Start small
・Focus on the fun
・Don't push yourself
・Come back to it
Just by doing this, the way you continue will change.
And when you realize it, you will surely think:
"After all, I've been doing this the whole time."
That is
**the true meaning of "being in a state of continuing what you love."**
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