Why You Should Do That Passion Project...Even During a Tough Season

Some seasons of life are just plain tough. During these times, our instinct may be to reduce, take on less, eliminate anything that is not necessary. While sometimes that may be the best thing, I would argue there are times when adding to our work load, particularly in the form of a passion project, can be the better option. Sometimes you really should do that passion project...even during a tough season of life.

Some seasons of life are tougher then others. Right now, I am in a very full season that is, without a doubt, tough. I have three small children, my oldest 6 and my youngest only 8 months (and yet to sleep through the night). I am undergoing a career change for my main job. My side consulting work is bringing exciting new opportunities, such as three summer speaking engagements, adding to this juggling act. I live in a 124-year-old house that needs a lot of attention. The list goes on. Despite all this, I decided to collaborate with my oldest son's teacher to design a hands-on science event for their first grade class this May. Shopping for supplies, constructing outdoor equipment, designing activity worksheets...this is not going to be a simple activity. And yet, taking this on right now feels right. I  think there are reasons to take on a passion project when life is hectic...reasons that may explain why I volunteered to do this in the first place.

When life is truly busy, passion projects are often the things that go. Especially ones that do not check the boxes that desperately need to be checked each week - make money, prepare food, conduct basic home and bodily maintenance, take care of those we are responsible for, sleep. Those cannot be put on the back burner, but passion projects can.

The problem is that a life lacking passion projects can be more draining simple due to their absence. Passion projects can produce energy for many of us, energy we need. The truth is that sometimes the answer is not to do less, but rather to do more...the more being an energy-producing passion project that really lights you up.

This is how I ended up designing a mock archaeological excavation for 19 first graders this spring. Already, I can feel the momentum this passion project is providing me. This week the mini microscopes I ordered arrived (to study the 'artifacts' they will dig up in excavation units I am building and transporting to school ...like I said...not a simple project).  I was so excited to see them. I didn't feel dread at the work ahead, or stress over the fact I decided to tackle something new and unnecessary during what may prove to be the busiest month of my year. Instead I felt excited, energized.  Even today, after a tough night that left me sleep-deprived, the sight of them sitting on my desk fueled me.

Don't forget there is more than one way to rest. Sometimes, the answer really is to do less. During hectic seasons, saying no to unnecessary engagements, reducing your workload, and delegating may all be very good ideas. In other instances, however, effective rest may look different. It could actually include adding something in. This may be a truly unnecessary but FUN passion project that increases your work load but ultimately supercharges your energy in a way that will positively affect other aspects of your work and life.

Food for thought.

Can't wait to report back how this goes next month!