January 14, 2008
Finding Your Passion
This weekend's gumbo hits an area you may be sick of hearing because it has been discussed in so many forums, conferences, courses, etc. Trust me, this one is different.
The picture to the right is of me and Phillip Kaplan, aka "Pud". He is the originator of the website Fu–edcompany.com (content warning), and a self-made millionaire. He is not only a laugh riot, but extremely intelligent. This picture was taken at the Boston PubCon in April of last year. For some reason, the person taking the picture put her finger over the flash. Nice.
On his advice site Pud.com (content warning) he gave one of the most concise explanations on finding your passion that it is a must share. I will post it in its entirety and then make a brief wrap-up comment.
Hi Pud,
I'm a single mom. I've got two kids with another on the way.
I need to get back on the right track, but I've got almost no support from my family. I want to go back in school, but I don't even know where to begin. 
What's your advice?
Anne
22 years old
California
Anne, Anne, Anne…
You're a mess. But your life doesn't have to be. You just need to find your passion, then you'll have direction. 'Going back to school' isn't the answer.
Some people know what their passion is. Unfortunately, you do not. But I'm going to help you find it.
Here's what you do:
Ask yourself, if you could do ANYTHING in the world, what would it be? What's the ultimate fantasy that you'll probably never actually achieve, but would be awesome? Rock star? Movie starlet? Teacher? Birthday party clown? Brad Pitt's wife? That's the 'WHAT.'
Now ask yourself, 'WHY?'
For example, my 'WHAT' was 'be a rock star heavy metal drummer!' Upon further analysis, my 'WHY' was 'I want to do something creative. I want freedom. I want to affect lots of people.'
As it turns out, there were about a million different more tangible things I could do that would satisfy my 'WHY.' That's why I became a freelance web programmer: creativity, freedom, and the opportunity to reach the masses.
What's your 'WHAT?' What's your 'WHY?' You'll be surprised how easy it is to satisfy your WHY, once you've figured out what it is.
Pud
ps - I'm still gonna be a famous heavy metal drummer. just you wait. 
It's Monday morning. Find some place quiet. Get your business journal and watch the sunrise and reflect deep in your mind what your "What" is … and then reach down deep and find your "Why". If you are an affiliate marketer, you will finally find the product or service that is perfect for you to market and success will come to you easier than it ever has. After all, successful affiliate marketing is based on marketing what you love. I am proof to that. Now prove it to yourself.
And you too will say, "Rock on. Thanks Pud!"
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