The challenge
Life offers us ideas and opportunities in random ways which makes the ability to follow our passions challenging. Acting on them, however, is key to success and happiness. Here is the tale of three brothers who all set out in one direction, but followed their passions and ended up in new and rewarding locations.
The farmer
My youngest brother chose to follow his two older brothers and earn a degree in engineering. He enjoyed a successful career in that field but along the way he discovered other passions. While in his mid-forties, his company transferred him to Virginia where he found he could afford to buy acreage east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There he built a large country house and started raising livestock, chickens, ducks, and other feedstock. Now in his early 70s, he and his wife, a retiring schoolteacher, have a successful farmstead. He even operates his own small slaughterhouse. Today, my brother and his wife feel they are finally focusing on their true passion — growing their farmstead business and teaching agricultural skills to others.
The communicator
I am the middle brother, and I followed my older brother into engineering. Early in my career, I discovered my talents went beyond math and engineering and centered on communicating. I was a natural salesman. I frequently attended programs where others were speaking. Interestingly, I often felt I should be the one speaking. In my 40s, I acted on that instinct, joined Toastmasters International, and earned a Distinguished Toastmaster Certification. In my 60s I earned a Master of Ministry degree in Evangelical Christianity. Today, I am a writer, public speaker, consultant, and pastor. When you act on your passions they bring you peace, enjoyment, and success.
The foodie
My older brother, the one who led us into engineering, enjoyed a lucrative career in that field. In his 50s, however, he gave it up to pursue his passion. He purchased a delicatessen and became an accomplished chef.
Act on your passions Life is short but the journey is long. Pay attention to what brings you joy along the way. Set achievement goals and act on your passions to find true success.