The conversation usually goes something like this:

“…so yeah, I spend a good deal of time working on these different projects, and when I’m not doing that, I’m out meeting people, and some of those people are potential business connections.”

“So what do you do with your free time?”

“I’ll usually get a bit more done on those projects. Maybe do a little writing.”

“In your free time? That’s the same as what do you while working.”

“Speaking of which, I’ve got this thing I have to do. Project-related. Bye.”

I have people tell me all the time that it’s not healthy to spend so much time working and thinking about work and talking about work and can’t I just relax on the work thing for a bit? Won’t I come join them in sitting around, watching TV?

The thing is that I really, truly, honestly enjoy what I do for a living, and that’s why I spend even stolen moments with these projects. I’m passionate about them, and I can’t imagine trying to make them successful if I wasn’t.

And that’s the real trick, isn’t it? A lot of people want to be in business for themselves, but the first thing that comes to mind is, ‘How can I make money?’ The better approach, I think, is to first wonder, ‘What do I love enough to happily spend my mornings, nights, and weekends doing?’ And then figure out a way to monetize that.

For me, it’s the joy of creating something out of nothing. It’s the thrill of creation and the risk inherent each time I move in on a new niche.

What do you love doing so much that you could happily work all day every day? What would allow you to choose entrepreneurship as a lifestyle?

Update: February 8, 2017

Still guilty of this. I would write every day, even if I wasn’t making a cent from it. Ditto for my podcast. That I can make a living from these things means I can focus more of my time and energy on them, not having to work another job to pay the bills, but having them as my full-time gig? It’s amazing. I love it. I don’t need or want a break from the work I do.