A quote from a doctor slash musician, who researches the way musical creativity works in the brain. Many people in the world think of creativity as a magic of genius that happens only to the gifted and the chosen few. But there is no magic involved. We are all creative in our own ways, and it is not reserved to only the chosen few.
Some moments ago, I met this naturally talented singer, Koca MS. An amazing singer who has a sexy and intriguing voice. It has a persuasive quality that ripples with warmth and confidence. And to add to it, he has a warm personality, generous and funny. And I must mention, he is a handy artist too (check out @ Nordd, his shoe-line business). Plus! He is charming and good looking when he is on stage, in his ZONE, doing his things. Even when he is not on stage, it feels like as if the spotlight never leaves him.
Last Saturday, on the buzzling loud corner of Moonshine, where he and his band did his gigs, I had the chance to exchange our thoughts about life, dreams and passion. I discovered a correlation of passion, dreams and making them a full-time job as a musician.
Now, I am at home staring at the ceiling, I come across this quote,
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Yes, we’ve all heard that sentiment countless times. We repeat it to recent graduates like it’s the only career advice they’ll ever need. We print it on motivational posters, bumper stickers, and encouraging note card.
But, does this piece of advice even ring true? Will finding a career that you’re insanely passionate about make your entire life feel like one whole life vacation?
I personally don’t think so. In fact, I think it’s perfectly normal to love your job and recognize the fact that it’s (heart) work.
Because, sometimes you still feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and tired. Just because, work is not play.
I absolutely love what I do, and I’m fortunate to be able to make a living at it. But, that doesn’t mean that I’m not consciously aware of the fact that I would usually rather be enjoying cocktails and live music with friends than trying to meet a deadline.
Work requires exertion and effort in order to pay the bills and put food on the table, whereas play is all about fun and enjoyment. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to incorporate some of that joy and passion into your daily routine. But, that definitely doesn’t mean that your entire career will be a walk in the park.
Adding in that pressure and the expectation of pay is exactly what separates your job from everything else. Unlike fun, work isn’t always something that you want to do—it’s something that you need to do. And, chances are, when what you love turns into your job, you just might not love it as much anymore.
Loving your job is a wonderful thing. Not only are you bringing home the bacon, but you also get the added reward of feeling fulfilled, accomplished, and satisfied each time you put down your microphone and take a bow. It’s not just the work that we love. It’s the reward and satisfaction we get after doing it well. And we all know that getting things done well involves practices, all things we gotta do behind-the-scenes and sleepless nights from one gig to another. It’s a never-ending cycle.
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” It’s a well-meaning sentiment. But it’s completely normal to love your job, but still think it feels like hard work.
Unless you’re employed as a professional puppy or baby pandas snugglers.
Trust me, creativity is magical. But I have observed, what people call talent is simply the capacity and discipline for doing continuous work in the right way. Because beyond the talent and creativity, there lies all the usual words: discipline, passion, love, and favor. It takes hard work to be creative, not magic.
Cheers to all the creative souls who have BIG dreams and willing to go extra miles to make it happen. And to Koca, I will be waiting enthusiastically with pom pom for your single then your album, Koca! You are the epitome of a perfect boy band, soulful traits of subtle confidence, and with your personality and character of yours, made you one of the best singer alive.
Your fan,
Fen
