DO WHAT YOU LOVE!
PURSUING THE LIVE YOU WANT TO LIVE!
One of the most incredible things about hosting the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast is getting to sit down with people who are out there doing it. The artists, the creators, the entrepreneurs—the ones who didn’t just dream about a different life but are actually pursuing it or living the life they want already. It’s one of the reasons I started the podcast, to try and get inside the minds of these inspiring humans to find out what makes them tick.
After all the conversations so far, a pattern has emerged. The ones who thrive, who find fulfillment in their work, who wake up excited— they’ve all understood these four key truths. If you’re trying to carve your own path, and do something you truly love with your life, then these are some of the things they’ve realised that might help you on your journey.
1. Passion Fuels Purpose!
Every guest I’ve spoken to so far has faced obstacles—of all levels. Some huge, some seemingly small but still enough to make them question everything. That’s just life. I’ve never met anyone who had it all handed to them, who just coasted to success without hitting a wall (or ten) along the way.
But here’s what separates those who push through from those who don’t: passion.
When you’re truly passionate about what you do, challenges don’t feel like stop signs. They feel like puzzles to solve, lessons to learn, stepping stones instead of dead ends. Passion gives you resilience—it turns failure into fuel. Not because things magically get easier, but because quitting simply isn’t an option. Passion isn’t just about what you love. It’s about what keeps you going when things get tough.
That’s the thing about purpose—it’s not always clear at first. It doesn’t come with a roadmap. But when you find something that sets your soul on fire, you hold onto it. You let it guide you through the rough patches. Because if you love something enough, you’ll find a way.
Nobody I’ve interviewed has had a smooth road. It just doesn’t happen. But every single one of them had this in common: they kept going. And the ones who kept going? They didn’t stop because they knew—deep in their bones—that this was what they were meant to do. And, if you can’t imagine doing anything else? Keep going. That’s the best sign you’re on the right path.
2. Success Follows Joy!
It’s easy to buy into the idea that success requires relentless hustle—long hours, constant struggle, grinding through things you don’t even enjoy because that’s just how it works. But, the guests on the podcast have proven that doesn’t always have to be the case.
There is always struggle. But, the people who create their own opportunities—the ones who build sustainable, fulfilling careers—start by following what excites them. They don’t wait for validation or a foolproof plan. Most of the time there isn’t no plan! They trust their instincts, lean into what feels right, and allow joy to be their compass.
That’s the thing: success doesn’t come from chasing money or external validation. It comes from chasing the work that energises you. When you do that, success tends to find you—not because you’re desperately seeking it, but because you’re aligned with what you were meant to do.
3. Your Happiness Matters!
For so many of us, prioritising our own happiness feels selfish. We’re conditioned to believe that responsibility means sacrifice, that doing what we love is indulgent, that choosing our own joy is somehow taking away from others.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from interviewing so many creative minds, it’s this: your happiness isn’t just important—it’s necessary.
You can’t create meaningful work from a place of exhaustion. You can’t be innovative if you’re constantly drained. You can’t inspire others if you’re uninspired yourself. The best creators, the ones who sustain their success over the long haul, are the ones who understand that protecting their happiness is part of the process.
You don’t have to earn the right to be happy. You don’t have to justify doing what you love. The more you align your life with what excites you, the more you have to offer.
4. You Have to Start!
This is the single biggest takeaway from every interview I’ve done: the people who make it aren’t necessarily the most talented, the most connected, or the most prepared. They’re the ones who start.
And almost every single one of them started before they were ready. They didn’t wait for the perfect moment because they knew it would never come. They took the leap, even when it was messy, even when they felt like an imposter, even when they had no clue what the next step looked like.
We get stuck in this loop of waiting—waiting for more confidence, waiting for external approval, waiting until we feel like an “expert.” But the reality is, the only way to get better is to begin. The only way to get anywhere is to take the first step. Your first attempt won’t be perfect. Your early work might not get recognition. But if you never start, you’ll never get to the part where things do start falling into place.
So whatever it is you’re hesitating on—start. Just start. You’ll figure it out as you go.
GET INSPIRED!
I get it! Doing what you love is never easy, especially with all of the pressures of modern society. But, doing what you love isn’t just about passion—it’s about persistence. The people who make it aren’t the ones who had it easy. They’re the ones who kept going. They followed their curiosity, leaned into what lit them up, and trusted, or in some cases simply hoped, that success would come after joy—not before it. They understood that happiness isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. And most importantly, they started before they felt ready.
So if you’re sitting on an idea, a dream, a creative spark—this is your sign. Start now. Follow what excites you. Make joy your strategy. Because the life you want isn’t going to wait for you to feel prepared.
For more inspiration, real stories, and honest conversations about the highs and lows of all sorts of creative journeys, tune into the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. You’ll hear from artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who’ve been exactly where you are—and who figured out how to build a life around what they love.
LISTEN TO THE CNL PODCAST!
Thanks again for being a part of the Creative Nowhere Land journey and taking the time to read the blog. If you found any of this useful, then sign up for the newsletter for more, hopefully beneficial, information to help you achieve your goals. Also, to be the first to know when brand new podcasts are launched before anyone else.
So, until next time…