Choosing Passion over the Norm :)

Years ago I read a book called "rich dad, poor dad" by Robert Kiyosaki. The book was based on the premise that a rich dad encourages his child to pursue his or her passion, whereas the poor dad's main focus is to ensure the child attains the highest level of education. The rich dad encourages an entrepreneurial endeavor whereas the poor dad may in a way limit the child's ability to explore by only providing the option of schooling. I understand the premise upon which the book is predicated, and saw it as an eye opener. Fast forward 7 years later, and I see this theory at work in my life and in the life of most of my peers as well. 

Many of us especially us of African decent have been told to pursue our education to our highest potential. However, somewhere in that expectation you are not allowed to follow your own dreams as many parents dictate to their children what to major in or which profession to aspire to. Since it is ingrained in us that being from a developing country, education is most definitely a privilege, we launch on this path of achieving and becoming the best. Ultimately, the strive to success is not bad, but how many people actually get to the end (bachelors, masters, PhDs degrees) and feel satisfied? 

We allow others to define the meaning of success for us, instead of searching for the meaning of success ourselves. There is a danger in being prescribed a standard for success, when success is truly a subjective matter and is not independent of all other aspects of our lives. So people end up in jobs they hate to report to each and everyday, yet are too afraid to make that change. We get caught in the rat race and find it virtually impossible to make a career shift because we have bills that are dependent of every single paycheck. 

For someone who has taken drastic measures in life pertaining education and career, and being constantly reminded by others that quitting anything makes you somehow a failure. I am here to tell you that it is not true whatsoever, sometimes we must know when it is enough. One must know when a job, a relationship, or any endeavor for that matter, should be ended. Starting over is not bad when you have a plan and faith. Most importantly, knowing your purpose in life will guide you into the right profession, the right marriage, the right attitude, the right friendships, and a life that is fulfilling and worth living daily. 

With care, 

RAY