What To Consider When Chasing Your Passion

If you don’t try, you’ll never know. That is probably the most clear and concise truth that you’ll experience in your lifetime. Today’s post dabbles in what may seem complex, but is really simple— defining whether you should pursue your passion.

At any stage of life taking the leap to pursue what you love seems like the obvious answer, but the hardest choice to choose.

Photo series shot by: @Mariah_a_fitness

Throughout my university experience the saying, “do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life because that field probably isn’t hiring” spoke volumes.

Given the opportunity, following your passion should come first. Although this can feel like the riskiest choice, it may be the best one in the long-run. I say this because according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs once we have achieved basic and psychological essentials, we are left with dealing with the top tier of self-fulfillment.

(Photo via, Simply Psychology)

Self-Fulfillment Is Self-Actualization

You want to reach your full potential. You are seeking development in ways where you can grow creatively and experientially to get to that top tier.

Knowing that many have gone and are going through transitions, I can’t help but think of my previous experiences that have molded me on the path to seeking my passion. With that being said, many things come to my mind.

Understanding The Path

Growing up I dabbled in a variety of things. I ran track, I played volleyball, and even swung a few racquets on the badminton team. On the flip side, I had a HUGE obsession with sewing and fashion (which shouldn’t be much of a shocker as you’re currently here on my style blog Lol!).

Needless to say, I was in a little bit of everything.

My love for sewing and design intensified in high school. Unfortunately it was abruptly cut short when the fashion program was phased out. At the time I didn’t have too much guidance on how exactly to pursue or what tools to seek if I truly wanted to consider a career in the fashion industry.

My aunt is a seamstress and I learned a-thing-or-two from her. Her knowledge was acquired in Ghana, West Africa where several others have this same amazing skill. However, as cool and daunting as the idea of studying fashion in Ghana is…I was young, a little naive, still unsure of my future, and born in Canada which was (and still is) my home.

So with time I let my creative side simmer down. I told myself, I should “focus” on my traditional education as that was the “priority”.  I approached university and this is where I began to work through the tiers. Eventually, I found myself back involved with fashion and a new found passion for business.

However, whenever I think about my journey I sometimes reflect on whether I’d still continue fashion had I known about the opportunities earlier.

Paving The Path To Your Passion

Had I considered that a working 9-5 career actually consumes majority of your life, my approach would have been different sooner. Your creative process is completely different as a oppose to the traditional.

For this reason, nothing will hold you back from achieving success in something you are passionate about. No matter the obstacle, you will be more inclined to solve it because not only are you willing to put in the hours, but you have faith in what you are creating.

And I’m not hear to say that there won’t be unfavorable days or moments (because life isn’t perfect). But rather that it will ultimately feel like less of a burden than being constrained to doing something that may be less appealing.

I strongly believe I would have ending up realizing sooner that fashion and business is my passion. When you’re seeking purpose and trying to negate the risk, there are 3 major things I’d highly suggest you ask yourself:

1. Are you willing to chase your dream now or risk falling into analysis paralysis?
2. Is this something you could see yourself doing for a living?
3. Regardless of money, will this satisfy your peace of mind and allow you to reach that self-fulfilment tier?

Circling back to the beginning of this post, you’ll never know if you don’t try. Maybe I would have known that there are fashion schools in Canada. Maybe I would have realized that there is literally a well-recognized school in the province next door.

The thing is with following your passion is that it is never too late as long as you take the first step.

Taking The First Step

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in fashion or design schools like JCI Institute offer a variety of programs that allow you to explore your passions. Whether that be in fashion, body esthetics, hair, or even makeup, the choice is yours.

JCI Institute’s fashion design and business programs cover a variety of sectors in the fashion industry. With opportunities to develop an understanding of sales, merchandising, design, creative direction, and public relations, you have the change to dive into a hands-on learning experience that will prepare you for the fashion industry.

With that being said, the practical assignments and interactive lectures serve as great resources that mirror realistic work environments. Along with the training and practical knowledge, JCI has a network of several top fashion designers from Lululemon, Alexander McQeen, Artizia, Kit and Ace, Helly Hansen, and OAK+FORT.

Having networking opportunities, being able to go on field trips, and having talks with industry leaders is a game changer and, ultimately, the major tool to allow you to make your passion a day-to-day reality.

Take into mind that the decisions you make in the moment may seem insignificant. But in reality, every choice can make a difference no matter the size.

At the end of the day there’s one reoccurring truth, it’s that the passion of the heart never lies.