We hear so often of people around us ‘living for the weekend’, celebrating Wednesday as ‘hump day’ and halfway through the workweek and then thanking God it’s Friday at the end of the week. But what about those who break the mould, refusing to settle and following their passions?

When we feel passion in our lives, we have a more positive outlook, higher energy, and greater confidence. We’re not merely going through the motions, but actively taking steps to create the success that we want. In Oprah Winfrey’s words, “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” 

There’s the saying “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life” because the best business or ideas are derived from a passion. When it doesn’t feel like work or a business but is an extension of yourself. Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Walt Disney founded their companies with a passion. Without people turning their passions into projects and creating roles for themselves we would have no Apple, Facebook, Pokemon or even Yankee Candle. If an individual decides to follow their passion, there is a greater likelihood that money and traditional success will follow because the time and effort invested in the venture come with enthusiasm and zeal.

As a child, I was very creative and from a very young age, I went to art classes twice a week and despite my love for them, had to drop the classes due to the significant time investment. At university, I started going to art auctions to learn as much as I could. I never studied art, it was all through practical experience and applying myself, seeking any development opportunities. I simply started buying the art I loved. I had no financing plan but some way or the other I made it work. I sacrificed a lot in my life to have those kinds of artworks.

About six years after I started my own collection, a friend asked if I’d help him source some pieces for him to invest in as he could see I had an eye for valuable work. Most of my friends and colleagues enjoyed visiting me and seeing the collection because of how passionate I was about it and the energy it brought to their lives. I borrowed £1,500 from my father to start the business and had repaid the debt within a month and the business doubled in turnover every year for the first 5 years.

What made the business so great was my passion for the art and the people. Not a stellar business plan or strategy, but pure love for what I was doing. I formed a space in the art world that was very needed and I offered an alternative to the galleries. I brought together a community, and I have fond memories of hosting art events at my house. I was able to share the joy with so many collectors and artists. The energy was electric as collectors awaited the event to see what I had to offer next. My clients were my friends and I never broke their trust. Many of my clients were completely loyal in return, only buying from my recommendations and collections, referring many others as well with some going on to buy over 100 pieces.

Many years later, When Pigs Fly was born from my passion for change, happiness and the transformation of my own life. It’s the same energy I bring to my clients as I did in my first business, a core desire and joy to help others achieve the same fulfilment in their own lives. Through business coaching I also help others to turn their passion into viable businesses. 

Motivation to act is based on external goals or achievements such as a feeling, validation, achieving a certain physical goal but is fleeting and doesn’t last. Passion is from within and when it forms the basis of the way you live your life or run your business it sets you apart. It means you act with clarity on what you truly desire, attracting the right people, customers and clients as your story and values will be authentic.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney