How do you do what you love every day?
Do what you love for a living?
Stop believing the lie! You can do what you love every single day, you don't need to quit your job to do so. Here are 10 ways to do what you love today. #Passions #DoWhatYouLove #BeHappy #LoveYourLife
Is your life filled with love, for what you do?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was able to do what they loved for a living? Work wouldn’t really be work anymore, right?
No toxic workplaces, no plans to escape your day job?
Some are so fortunate to already be living their dream lives and others are bold enough to leave the jobs they hate behind to pursue a life built on their passions and love of something.
Table of Contents:
But, what if you’re not doing what you love for a living and changing careers or quitting your job to make it happen isn’t in the cards for you?
Maybe you’re bored and need something to excite your daily life, but you’re not ready to start a business you love.
If this is you, then a question you should ask is not how do I do what I love for a living, but how do I do what I love every day of my life. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from these links, I may earn a commission. You can read my full disclaimer here.
When You Don’t Love Your Job
Most of us should also ask, how do I NOT do what I love for a living?
Like seriously, think about it.
How do you do it? Do you wonder, how others spend their entire careers doing what they don’t love?
How do you keep going, your spirit intact, loving yourself, your situation and life despite your job not being what you’d love it to be? How do you balance your dreams for a better future with the reality of your present situation is less than your heart’s desire?
It’s not a stretch of the imagination to believe that more than half of all employees are unhappy at work (at least in America). The reality of bills and having to make money to survive crushes more dreams and leads to more compromises than probably anything else.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 12 Ways to Always Be Happy and Positive
So, what do you do if you’re in the 50% of those who aren’t doing what they love for a living and simply cannot? Maybe you truly cannot follow your dreams or you’re just unwilling to, where does that leave you?
For some, loving what you do should be the goal, rather than doing what you love. Either way, its work, and the lesson are transferable to any situation, whether employee or entrepreneur and any stop between the two.
The Truth About Doing What You Love
“Doing what you love” can become this HUGELY unattainable, fictional place in your mind. It’s an all or nothing scenario where you’re either completely dedicated to doing what you love or you just can’t at all.
But of course, you tell yourself, “I can’t…”
- I don’t have the time.
- I don’t feel like it.
- But, I don’t have the money.
- I’m just too tired.
- I’m too busy.
- It’s not a priority.
We have so many excuses for why we can’t do the things we love.
Perhaps the solution is to shorten our sentence, to not worry about the “for a living” bit that may require you to risk your lifestyle by blowing up your life or changing course entirely.
Are you doing what you love? Period (well question mark), end of the sentence. We can have this all or nothing mentality about doing what we love, but I believe that happiness and joy come with finding ways to do what you love today.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Intro to SMART Goal Setting for Your Passion Project
Do you need to shift your perspective a bit on this?
Are you ready to find joy and happiness right now where you are? Even if it’s not you always dream of or hoped it would be.
Here are 10 ways to do what you love today, from learning to love what you do you do all the way to starting something new. None of these suggestions require you to blow up your life or make any drastic changes.
How To Do What You Love Today
#1. Accept Where You Are:
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
Sometimes the thing that keeps us from accepting our current circumstance with an appreciative heart is the expectations we hold onto about where we should be by now.
It’s hard to embrace where you are and the opportunities available to you right now when all you think about is being somewhere else. Remember to love yourself, you are doing the best you can!
#2. Love What You Do:
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
Your perspective and mindset is everything.
You decide, not your circumstances how you feel about something. You can decide to embrace loving what you do.
Odds are that at one point you did love your job and you were excited about it. What’s changed between then and now? Likely just your attitude.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Can I afford to Quit my Job?
#3. Incorporate It Into Your Job:
“If you do what you love, it is the best way to relax.” – Christian Louboutin
You likely spend most of your time at work, so look for opportunities to incorporate what you love into your job. Also, focus on the aspects of your job that you do love and try to focus on that part.
“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” – Pearl S. Buck
If you find yourself unable to love your job, or even to incorporate what you love at work, you can at the very least do your job with excellence and be proud of that. Push yourself to do the best job possible and you might be surprised to find enjoyment and maybe even love.
#4. Unplug Yourself:
“The more ways we have to connect, the more many of us seem desperate to unplug.” – Pico Iyer
When you’re feeling the pinch of doing what you less than love, simply unplug yourself. Technology is the number one distraction in our lives and usually tied to our jobs.
Once you unplug it’s amazing how easy it is to rededicate your time and reconnect with yourself and what you love. Take time away to “spring clean your mind.”
#5. Get the Free Guide:
Ready to find more time to do what you love today? Sign up below to get the guide with all 10 ways to do what you love, including starting a hobby or side-hustle to make extra money.
Sign up below for your FREE 4-Page Guide + get weekly tips to help you slay your goals.
Just Maybe NOT For A Living
Just because you’re not doing what you love for a living, does not mean you cannot do what you love every day.
Or that one day, you can build an income on what you’ve been doing just because you love it.
A warning to the wise, consider that in order for you to do what you love (and actually keep loving it), it might not be the best decision to pursue it for a living and to make a living off your passions.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Should I follow my dreams or be realistic?
Doing what you love for a living puts a lot of pressure on your passion and once you’re doing it full time you might not love it so much anymore.
Maybe you love it because it’s your break from reality. It brings you joy, gives you peace and just changes up your routine. It’s your escape from your 9-5 world where you can be someone else.
Sometimes making it your full-time thing can ruin it. It’s very easy once you add the pressure of having to perform and make an income from something for it to become the thing you hate.
Despite Confucius’ advice of, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” the harsh reality of doing what you love for a living, is that work is still the number one requirement.
We all can’t have our dream jobs, even if we want it. It’s not always a choice we can make right now.
The best place to start is to just do what you love where you are right now and to love where you are regardless of what you do.
What do you love doing?
Last Updated on July 11, 2021
Anmaria Djong I Onelazychic says
Start saving and involve in the communities might be one of the best advise that applied to me. At least I don’t have to worry abt money when I start doing what i love to do. Communities help to reinforce our passion and grow with it. Awesome post.
Nadalie says
Thanks for reading Anmaria. Happy saving, you won’t regret it!
Bonnie says
Beautiful blog, Nadalie, and great post! My favorite statement is “You don’t have to put pressure on your passion.” Giving yourself permission to let your passion be what it is at the moment and allow it to go at its unique pace, along with all of the other tips you share, is so freeing! Doing so breathes more life into your passion. I appreciate that reminder since it can be easy to take our passions for granted! Thank you!
Nadalie says
Yes, exactly, just allow yourself to be free and love what you do. I’m happy you enjoyed my post. Thanks so much Bonnie for your kind words.
Kelvin Mariner says
I really enjoyed what you wrote about in this post, I am about to graduate from my University with a Business degree and would love to work doing something I enjoy but what if that isn’t my first option and what if it takes me away from something I love doing (aka surfing)?
Nadalie says
Hi, Kelvin. Congratulations on graduating! It’s exciting and scary at the same time, isn’t it? It’s okay if it isn’t your first option. Hopefully, you can work near the ocean where you can still find time to surf. And maybe use that business degree to be creative and think of a way to do both.
Menaka Bharathi says
Wonderful and interesting things you have chosen to do, I love the way you have put it – anything will get boring if you were to do it for 24 hours a day
Nadalie says
Hey Menaka! It’s a chance you take. It might get boring and you might hate it, but just maybe you might love it. Thanks for reading.
Emily says
This is so in line with my thinking right now….needed to read some of the things you listed here! So thank you for sharing!! Yes we may not all be totally thrilled with where we are right now BUT we are in control and can plan for change 🙂
Nadalie says
YES, Emily! We are so in control. I’m glad it affirmed some of your own thoughts. Woot!
mara says
Woah,this post is actually helpful <3
Nadalie says
Haha, don’t be so surprised. I’m glad it was helpful Mara.
Lindsay says
Im totally unemployed and looking for a job right now and this is exactly what I needed to read. Great quotes and I hope to find a job doing what I love!
Nadalie says
Hey Lindsay, I so hope you find a job you love too! Best of luck.
Lia says
Wow, this is so inspirational! Right now I’m starting my blog, which has been my dream for years, and thanks to a friend I finally decided to go for it! Reading this is exactly what I needed to stay focused and to don’t lose sight of what I want! Thank you! 🙂 Lovely post, thanks for writing it!
Nadalie says
Congrats on the new blog Lia. Stay focused, you got this. Happy blogging!
Tracy Lynn | Simplelivingcountrygal.com says
Wow, what a great read! I was there just 2 short years ago. I hated my job and therefore was miserable most of the time. The best advice for anyone in this boat right now is your tip on unplugging.
Shut it down and turn it off!! Sit alone and just be quiet.
When I was alone with my thoughts I was able to get a grip on where I was. I could take a breath and relax knowing it was up to me to make the change. When there isn’t noise to drown out the positive thoughts in your head you can finally take the steps you need to change where you are.
Nadalie says
Thanks so much for sharing Tracy. It’s so true. We have the answers inside of us, we just have to be in a place to hear and listen to them. I’m so glad you are in a happier place now. Yay for freedom!
Sue Dunlevie says
So loved this post, Nadalie! Especially the ‘Accept Where You Are’ and ‘Scheduling Time’. Needed to hear these today.
Thanks,
Sue
Nadalie says
I love when you read something just at the right time. Thanks Sue!
Clarissa says
I have been putting SO much pressure on myself lately….to stick to my diet, to work harder on my blog, to keep my apartment spotless. I just need to be KIND to myself and slow way the heck down <3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Nadalie says
Heck yeah! Slow down and enjoy the view of now. Enjoy your “me time” Clarissa.
Vibeke Johannessen says
Great post. It is so important to do what you love. You only live once. Love the quotes as well 🙂 Happy Valentines day 🙂
Nadalie says
Thanks Vibeke! Glad you enjoyed it. Happy <3 day to you too!
Emily Hoapili says
Awesome post! Excellent point that when our passions become how we make our living, they can turn out not to be fun anymore, I’ve fallen victim to that myself. Thanks for writing!
Nadalie says
Thanks Emily! Right, I’ve been there too. One can easily bank on the wrong passion. Here’s to learning and trying again!
Kat says
I love all these! I’m at a low-paying job I hate, although it is super easy and independent, and I’ve managed to get my hours down to just 3 shifts a week, but every time I think about going to work, I cringe. I just keep working on my dreams and know that this is not the way the rest of my life will be.
Nadalie says
Hey Kat! I have sooooo been there, I spent ages there. But yes, exactly, just remind yourself it’s only for now. I hope your dreams come true sooner than later. Thanks for commenting.
Talia says
Yes to all of this!! Especially unplugging from things every now and then. Bookmarking this post to come back to when I feel a little lost
Nadalie says
Thanks Talia for bookmarking me! Happy unplugging.
Ashvin Nankoo says
I have always been competiting with others in the job I really loved and this has turned my passion for my job into a bit of a hate and anger towards it. However, if I do not compete my job maybe at risk. I really learn to pace myself and ignite my passion for the job again. Thank you for posting!
Nadalie says
Hi Ashvin. Yeah, that’s a hard position to be in. I hope you find a way to fall back in love with your job.
Sandra Negron says
I love this post so much! I have been thinking about changing jobs and maybe going full time blogging. This post was definitely insightful and informative, thanks so much!
Nadalie says
Yay, thanks Sandra! I love that you love it. Wherever you go, go boldly! You got this.
Jaime Buckley says
Oh,…my….goodness.
This has to be one of the cleanest, lovely, streamlined blogs I’ve ever seen.
It reminds me of my dear friend Lynne Knowlton (http://www.lynneknowlton.com/) and trust me, little sister, that’s one of the best compliments I know how to give =)
LOVE THIS ARTICLE!!
Why? Because it’s true and it’s what I live every day.
When we do what we love, we are naturally better at it.
We have more energy to accomplish, more patience, more strength to endure…in short WE EMPOWER OURSELVES when we let go and do the things that our heart keeps whispering.
So why fight it?
My LOVE is to support people. To have eyes that see amazing talents and for some reason (and I thank God for this), I experience profound happiness and joy when other people succeed.
You, my dear friend, are a rockstar.
Cannot wait to see you explode in reach, fame and influence to do good to a whole new generation of doers.
Nadalie, I am your fan =)
– Jaime
Nadalie says
Wow, Lynne is AMAZING, love her site and everything she posts. Thank you for the compliment. One can aspire to be like her.
That’s a great LOVE that you have. It has endless potential for joy and happiness.
I am also your fan! =) Thank you so much, Jaime!
Jaime Buckley says
Lynne is quite the character too! I’d recommend reading her posts–always causes a laugh =)
I’m not sure there’s a better purpose than to be of service. The only thing greater, IMO, is learning how to be of better service…adn this article…
No,…this whole site, is a beautiful form of service, Nadalie.
What’s even better, is you’re SO much younger than I am, which means (wait for it, this IS a compliment…) that you can be a dynamic example for youth. not only in what you say and how you can guide, but as an example as to what someone can achieve when they put their hearts behind their efforts.
I LOVE it!!
Lynne says
Thanks for the luuuuurve Jaime and Nadalie ! Much appreciated *smile hits ears*
It’s a lotta love, hard work and community that makes a blog a magical place… don’t we all know it.. live it…love it…
So happy to be surrounded by beautiful souls and kind words!
Big love!!!
Lynne
Nadalie says
OMG Lynne, *fan girl screams* thanks for stopping by.
Thank so much for the love! Sending lots back your way.
We really are, it’s such a blessing. I’m new to blogging, but it’s the BEST surprise that I’ve discovered about being a member of this community.
I love it and I’m never leaving.
*hugs*
Nadalie
Nadalie says
Dearest Jaime!
I aways feel like calling you Sir Jaime, I’m not sure why. But I’m going to roll with it.
Sir Jaime,
Thank you so much for your very very kind words and encouragement. It really means a lot. It’s so nice to know that the heart and effort that I put into creating my site is visible. AND spoiler alert, it’s not done yet!
I accept this compliment wholeheartedly! Sometimes I don’t feel young (I’m likely not as young as you think I am, but that’s okay too!) or I forget that I guess I still am. Sometimes I wish I started sooner, but I’m here now.
Talk soon,
Nadalie
Nicole says
Fantastic post! A great reminder to breathe/enjoy where we are, and striving to be where we ‘love’ to be. You are an example.
Nadalie says
Aww, thanks so much Nicole! <3
Elizabeth says
Totally dealing with this right now! These are great questions and reminders to help me through this time.
xo, Elizabeth
Nadalie Bardo says
Yay, I LOVE that my post found you at the right moment Elizabeth! Enjoy doing what you love.
Candace says
Personally I’d say don’t people please. Great post
Nadalie Bardo says
Candace, that’s great advice!
Fox says
Great advice! Currently I’m in that limbo of figuring out what I love, and I couldn’t be happier. I’m slowly regaining my energy to take on anything. I’m trying new things like swing dancing and allocating my days better. The Honey and Fox blog aka the side-hustle I’ve been a part of is also coming to fruition.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Fox,
That’s a great place to be, as long as you’re loving it there really isn’t any pressure to blow your life up to pursue this “greatest love” job/career. It’s all a journey and as long as you’re loving it, that’s what matters right.
ps. LOVE me some Honey & Fox, great blog!
Stacey Demrigian says
I am just starting doing what I love to do everyday and that’s blogging. So I will definitely keep these tips and pointers in mind. thank you for a great post
Nadalie says
WOOT!
That’s awesome Stacey. Blogging is definitely something that I love to!
Sharon Wu says
these are really wonderful tips girl! I totally believe in doing what you love every day 🙂 life is short afterall! xo, sharon
Nadalie says
Hey Sharon,
Glad to be helpful! It sure is, seize every day.
Kelly says
Yes to all of this! I had a job for a while that wasn’t creative, and I didn’t even notice that I was craving creativity right away. It lead me to go home and cook these extravagant meals, I didn’t even connect the dots at first, I was using cooking as my creative outlet! That job didn’t pan out long-term, but it was a great stepping stone and lead to a new love and hobby!
Nadalie says
Hi Kelly,
Yes yes indeed.
That’s fantastic and delicious! It always amazes me how our minds just lead us to where we need to be if we let it. For you, it was a need to be creative, so you not only cooked you crafted beautiful meals.
Great story, thanks for sharing!
Nadalie
Kristin Cook says
Good tips! You are so right about saving up for the boring stuff so that you can do what you love. I wish I had done that early on, because now I do have to wait a while before making my dreams a reality. I still believe I can get there, but money is a big issue.
Nadalie says
Hello Kristin,
You can totally get there!
It can feel like this big unachievable thing that takes forever to accomplish, but the truth is that it starts with every small choice you make, 1 dollar at a time.
Say no to a few lattes this month. I’ve actually written a few posts about this, check out “Why I Tell Myself I’m Poor.”
You can do it!
Nadalie
Nicole says
This is wonderful. I was glad to see No. 9 on your list. Community involvement is a quick way to get outside of your own head, and into the hearts and lives of others. That is such a cool quote by Thomas Edison. Thank you for inspiring me today.
Nadalie says
Hi Nicole,
My pleasure, so happy that you feel inspired today!
Community involvement is also one of the best ways to discover what you enjoy while doing something for others.
Thomas Edison was the man, his quotes are always inspiring.
Thanks for stopping by,
Nadalie
Eric || The Bucket List Project says
great post. Love the Side Hustle, join a group thing! Sometimes we may not necessarily do what we love but if we are good at it, then we can justify it as a way to facilitate (usually financially) our side hustles, hobbies, or outside projects.
Nadalie says
Hey Eric,
Haha, that’s a great point, it is totally all about how we justify it to ourselves. Justify the spending of time and money on this thing that we love.
Hustle on,
Nadalie
Kirstie says
Amazing post, and I love the quotes you’ve added before each suggestion. My #11 would be to make a note of all the ways we’ve already started doing what we love. As you’ve pointed out, sometimes the frustration of the “all or nothing” mentality can be overwhelming. So I find it helpful to look at all I have already done to do what I love, rather than always focusing on what I haven’t yet accomplished.
Nadalie says
Hi Kirstie,
Aren’t quotes the best! I’ve been binge reading quotes lately, figured I’d share a few relevant ones.
That’s a great addition. Our memories are so short sometimes and we forget just how much of what we already do we love.
Thanks for sharing,
Nadalie
Margaret Stuart says
This is such an awesome post! I am about to graduate in May and I am trying to find a job that I would love doing, but at this point I have no idea if that is possible. I love helping people, and fitness, and apparently writing because I have found lately that I am in love with my blog. Thank you so much for writing this, and encouraging people to pursue their passions
Nadalie says
Hi Margaret,
YOU TOTALLY CAN!
I’ve visited your blog, you are amazing.
Don’t doubt it. You should be, it’s a great blog.
Just remember, there’s no pressure, you can have a job and still blog on the side if you like. Also, “having a job that you love,” is all about your attitude and your mindset towards your job. It’s easier to love it (even if you don’t love it), when you really love something else aka your blog.
Congrats on almost being at the finish line of school!
Nadalie
Taylor says
I absolutely love this post. It’s so easy to get caught up in what we are “supposed” to do and not make time for the things we love or make them a priority outside of work and everyday responsibilities. Thankfully, my job is perfect for me and consists of the one thing I absolutely love to do — write. But, with the new year I decided that writing for your job is very different from writing for yourself. So, I promised myself that I would commit to blogging, and I have been making it a priority since. 🙂
xo, Taylor
Nadalie says
Hi Taylor,
<3 thanks for the love.
Yes, so easy to forget that we even have things that we love when we're caught up in the busy-ness of life and work.
That's so great that you love your job, I'm not sure most people can celebrate that. I'm glad that you've committed to writing for yourself. I shall definitely check out your blog.
Thanks for stopping by,
Nadalie
Michael Luan says
It is fascinating how similar starting a new career and beginning a fitness program are. The choices that got us into an unfulfilling career or figure are the same. It is a series of primitive brain decisions made without a clear neo-cortical plan. In other words, a life created without a clear plan and “just get you by” actions steps can really lead us down a road we do not like.
Your ideas for inspiration towards a new career is very similar to what we give to our health and fitness clients. Small steps will eventually lead to large victories. It just takes vision and persistence.
It is often a mystery how we got to where we are, but your simple tips help the primitive brain release its death grip on poor choices. After a series of successes, the primitive brain will get the momentum to go in the right direction.
Thank you for the pearls showing us that success in any avenue of this wonderful human experience can lead to success everywhere. We have so much more to share with our clients with you as a resource.
Nadalie Bardo says
Isn’t that just the most amazing part of this entire journey? We could be pursuing two completely different things, yet we have a shared experience. I totally feel the same way when I’m reading your blog posts and seeing you two chase your dreams.
Yay for being mutually inspiring! That’s definitely what it’s all about.
*Cheers* to living lives we love and get super excited about every day,
Nadalie
Rebecca says
Nadalie-
I really enjoyed reading this. Probably the biggest lesson for me here is that it’s OK to be where I’m at right now.
I can absolutely relate to the feeling that I have to be doing something amazing with myself everyday, all day. That pressure can suck the joy right out of whatever I’m doing – regardless of whether it’s something I love or not! Your tips are helpful ways of dealing with this pressure.
Your post reminded me of a quote by a spiritual teacher named Krishnamurti “I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom. It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes, and—deep inside yourself—you’ll feel good no matter what.”
Thank you for inspiring me, and as Michael posted, for giving us more resources to inspire those we work with.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Rebecca,
What an incredibly powerful quote and lesson to learn. I’m so happy that I feel that way too, it would be hard to not at least enjoy every minute of this crazy blogging adventure.
I may not be where I want to be as yet, or be in the fullness of where I’m going but I am seriously loving it, even being super broke and anxious at times. It’s all part of the story and I’ve never felt more alive or in love with my life.
Thanks for commenting,
Nadalie
Elizabeth Brooks says
I love the “accept where u are” rings true. Thanks
Nadalie Bardo says
Yay for loving the life you’re in!
Rhonda Swan says
Great points in this post. I like that you give the freedom to pursue your passion even if it ISN’T your job yet. Keep it up, boo, and be unstoppable 😉
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks so much Rhonda!
Exactly and it really is all about freedom to do what you love.
Jordyn Pamela says
I feel like accepting where I am is something I keep on seeing and I definitely need to do. I am always so centered on the “end goal” that I turn away from appreciating the small beauties of today. It’s so easy to sell yourself short when you feel like there are goals that are “impossible” to reach. Thanks for the inspiration! I love the mantra and I love the way you approach life.
with love, Jordyn
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Jordyn,
Personally, I’ve found that although it can be a tough lesson to really learn, it does change your perspective on almost every aspect of your life. No matter how things are going you aren’t easily affected, you are able to be calm and collected.
That’s so lovely, all about smelling the roses and just enjoying what is around us.
Thanks for stopping by,
Nadalie