What is a Passion Project? Fueling Your Creativity and Purpose

”A passion project is where your heart and your skills collide to create something extraordinary.”

A passion project is an endeavor that someone pursues because of their deep personal interest or enthusiasm for it, rather than for monetary gain or external validation. These projects often align with a person’s values, interests, or goals, and are pursued purely for the satisfaction and fulfillment they bring. Whether it’s a hobby, side business, or a creative outlet, passion projects are defined by the love and commitment poured into them, often without the constraints of deadlines, financial pressures, or expectations.

EVERY YEAR I HAVE A PASSION PROJECT

This year its writing a book about 100 Women around the Globe and the impact they have had on their industries and Business in General. That project is what motivated me to write this article as I was researching women to include. More details will be forthcoming as the project unfolds. In the meantime, I thought I would share more about Passion Projects in general.

“Follow your passion, and your project will follow with purpose and power.”

What Fuels a Passion Project?

At the heart of every passion project lies motivation, often stemming from a genuine love or curiosity for the subject. The driving force behind these projects is typically the internal desire to create, learn, or solve something that aligns with personal beliefs, values, or desires.

1. Curiosity and Interest: Many passion projects are sparked by a deep, intrinsic curiosity. For example, someone might decide to write a book, start a blog, or create art because they feel a strong urge to express themselves or explore a particular subject in depth.
2. Personal Fulfillment: Passion projects provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment that goes beyond external validation. The satisfaction derived from seeing a project come to life or achieving personal milestones can be a major motivator.
3. Desire to Make an Impact: Often, passion projects are born from the desire to solve a problem or contribute to a community. Whether it’s through social activism, environmental causes, or helping others, many individuals are driven by the idea of creating positive change in the world.
4. Creative Freedom: Unlike professional work, passion projects allow for complete creative freedom. There are no clients or bosses to answer to, and no expectations beyond what the individual sets for themselves. This autonomy is often invigorating and allows for pure self-expression.

Passion projects can lead to life-changing outcomes, both for the individuals pursuing them and the people they impact. From social enterprises and businesses to personal development and creative endeavors, these passion projects have fueled not only personal growth but also have had lasting positive effects on society, proving that when we follow our passions, remarkable things can happen.

Examples of Passion Projects

“A passion project is where creativity meets purpose, and ambition transforms into action.”

Marie Forleo — Marie Forleo International

Marie Forleo started her journey as a passion project when she launched a small business, offering life coaching and helping individuals develop their personal and professional skills. Her passion for personal development and entrepreneurship led her to create “MarieTV,” a YouTube channel where she shares motivational content and interviews with leading experts. Over time, her passion project grew into a successful business, offering coaching programs, online courses, and a podcast, “The Marie Forleo Podcast.” Today, Marie Forleo has built a globally recognized brand that helps people create fulfilling and successful lives.

2. Toms — Blake Mycoskie

Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, turned his passion for giving back into a thriving business. The idea for TOMS came from Mycoskie’s experience in Argentina, where he saw children living without shoes. His passion for helping those in need led him to create a shoe company that would donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. TOMS became famous for its “One for One” model and has since expanded its social impact to include eyewear, water, and safe birth initiatives, all stemming from Mycoskie’s passion for creating positive change through business.

3. Randy Pausch — The Last Lecture

Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, is widely known for his inspiring “Last Lecture,” which he delivered after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. His passion for inspiring others, particularly his students, led him to deliver a heartfelt and motivational lecture about achieving childhood dreams and overcoming obstacles. His lecture turned into a best-selling book, The Last Lecture, which has since impacted millions of people around the world, making it one of the most powerful examples of a passion project evolving into a global movement.

4. Pat Flynn — Smart Passive Income

Pat Flynn’s passion project began when he was laid off from his architecture job and decided to build an online business. He created the blog and podcast Smart Passive Income, where he shared his experiences of building an online business, offering advice, and helping others achieve financial freedom. His passion for helping others navigate the world of online business and passive income led to his successful platform, which now includes courses, podcasts, books, and other resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

5. Elena Brower — Art of Attention

Elena Brower, a yoga teacher, author, and entrepreneur, started her passion project, Art of Attention, to share her love for yoga and mindfulness with others. She created a comprehensive guide to yoga and mindfulness through her book, courses, and app. Her passion for personal development and the transformative power of yoga allowed her to build a global following and a thriving business that inspires people to lead more mindful and intentional lives.

6. Leandra Medine — Man Repeller

Leandra Medine, the founder of Man Repeller, started the blog as a passion project in 2010 to explore her personal style and make fun of the fashion industry’s sometimes superficial trends. Initially, the blog was meant to be a fun outlet for Medine to express herself creatively and humorously. Over time, it gained a large following, and Medine expanded it into a full-fledged fashion platform. Man Repeller became an influential voice in the fashion industry, known for its inclusive, witty, and authentic content.

7. Tim Ferriss — The 4-Hour Workweek

Tim Ferriss is known for his book The 4-Hour Workweek, which has inspired millions of people to rethink traditional work and lifestyle choices. Ferriss began his journey as an entrepreneur with a passion for optimizing his own life and business practices. After experiencing success with his own supplement company, he documented his strategies and philosophies in the book, which quickly became a bestseller. His passion project evolved into a global platform for personal productivity, efficiency, and entrepreneurship, with additional books, podcasts, and seminars.

8. Jessica Jackley — Kiva

Jessica Jackley co-founded Kiva, a micro-lending platform, as a passion project to help alleviate poverty. Inspired by her travels and interest in social entrepreneurship, Jackley wanted to create a way for people to lend small amounts of money to entrepreneurs in developing countries. Kiva’s model allows individuals to contribute as little as $25 to help fund projects globally. Since its launch, Kiva has helped millions of people worldwide access loans to improve their businesses and lives.

9. Alex and Ani — Carolyn Rafaelian

Carolyn Rafaelian founded the jewelry company Alex and Ani as a passion project to create meaningful, eco-friendly accessories. Rafaelian’s inspiration came from her desire to blend fashion with spirituality, creating pieces that symbolize personal empowerment. The company’s products are designed to represent a variety of symbols and messages, and it quickly became known for its charm bracelets that embody positivity and individuality. Alex and Ani grew into a successful business with a dedicated following, all thanks to Rafaelian’s passion for crafting meaningful jewelry.

10. Bea Johnson — Zero Waste Home

Bea Johnson, the author of Zero Waste Home, turned her passion for sustainability into a global movement. In 2008, Johnson and her family adopted a zero-waste lifestyle, focusing on reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling. She documented her family’s journey in her book and through her blog, sharing practical tips for living waste-free. Her passion for the environment has inspired individuals and families around the world to adopt more sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

“Passion projects are the bridges between dreams and reality.”

Types of Passion Projects

1. Writing a Book or Blog: A common passion project is writing, whether it’s penning a novel, creating a blog on a niche topic, or developing a poetry collection. Writers often dive into such projects out of a love for storytelling or a desire to educate and inspire others.
2. Nonprofit Work: Many people channel their passions for social causes into nonprofit organizations or volunteer work. For example, an individual passionate about environmental conservation may start a nonprofit to raise awareness about climate change or protect endangered species.
3. Artistic Pursuits: Artists often use their craft as a passion project. Whether it’s painting, photography, music, or film, these creative endeavors are pursued for self-expression and personal fulfillment. Some may even share their work with others or sell it, but the primary motivation remains intrinsic satisfaction.
4. Startups or Side Businesses: Some passion projects evolve into side businesses. For instance, someone passionate about baking may start selling their creations locally, or a craft enthusiast might begin selling handmade jewelry or custom art pieces online.
5. Social Media or YouTube Channels: People often create social media platforms, blogs, or YouTube channels focused on a passion. For example, someone may create content about fitness, cooking, or travel. These platforms can also generate income, but the primary drive is usually the joy of creating content that resonates with others.

Types of Outcomes People Seek in Passion Projects

While passion projects are not typically pursued with financial gain as the primary goal, many people still have certain outcomes in mind. These outcomes may vary depending on the individual’s goals, but common ones include:

1. Personal Growth and Learning: Many people embark on passion projects to grow as individuals, learn new skills, or explore new areas of interest. Whether it’s mastering a new art form, understanding a new industry, or gaining insight into one’s own abilities, the journey of learning can be one of the most rewarding aspects of these projects.
2. Creative Satisfaction: One of the most fulfilling outcomes of a passion project is the creative satisfaction of bringing an idea to life. Seeing a painting, a song, or a piece of writing come together after hours of hard work can be deeply rewarding.
3. Building a Community: Some passion projects, especially those centered around social causes or creative expression, are designed to bring people together. These projects often foster communities of like-minded individuals who share similar passions or goals.
4. Contributing to Society: Passion projects with a social or environmental focus often have the goal of creating meaningful change. Whether it’s advocating for a cause, raising awareness about an issue, or creating a solution to a problem, these projects can have lasting, positive impacts on the world.
5. Income Generation or Business Development: Although not always the primary motivation, some passion projects evolve into full-fledged businesses or provide a secondary stream of income. This might occur when the project gains traction, attracts an audience, or addresses a specific market need.
6. Recognition and External Validation: For some, the recognition of their work by others — whether through social media following, media coverage, or awards — can be an important outcome. While passion projects are inherently self-driven, the appreciation from others can serve as validation of the effort and dedication put in.

Passion projects are an avenue for individuals to pursue what they truly love, irrespective of monetary concerns. They offer creative freedom, personal fulfillment, and a way to contribute to society. Whether it’s learning a new skill, solving a problem, or simply doing something enjoyable, these projects are fueled by deep passion and intrinsic motivation. Ultimately, while the outcomes might vary, the satisfaction derived from pursuing something that truly matters to the individual is the greatest reward of all.

“When you do what you love, the hours turn into minutes and the challenges turn into opportunities.”

Do you have a Passion Project? If so, I would love to learn more about it. Feel free to share in the comments below.

Note: the images used above were created using Dall-E and the research was done using ChatGPT (aka Chatty)