Competence Vs "Doing Something You Love"

The first time I heard the idea that "becoming financially successful requires doing something you love" was in one of Gary Halbert's early books. Since then, I've heard this idea repeated over and over by a seemingly countless number of YOU-TOO-can-make-money promoters and gurus.

At first, I thought "Wow, that makes total sense." But now, many years later, I've come to the conclusion that this idea is NOT a truism. In fact, it's completely BACKWARDS.

If I were asked to advise someone who wanted to improve their financial standing in life, I wouldn't put their attention on trying to figure out a way to make money “doing what they love to do”.

Here's why: For many, if not most people, the concept of "doing what one loves to do" is far, far removed from the idea of making money, creating a successful business, or having a successful job or career.

Most people, if they simply "did what they love to do", would probably make very little, or no money at all.

And that's because doing something ("whatever") to make money is usually NOT very high on the list of things people love to do.

Example: I have a friend who loves to play golf. He became an outside sales rep because he thought this would give him a lot of time on the links. Well, yes, he did spend a lot of time golfing. But he didn't make any money or get ahead as a salesman because he put the bulk of his attention on "doing what he loves to do", not selling!

Businesses, careers and jobs are typically thought of as NECESSITIES. Things one HAS to do in order to be able to get the money so one can, eventually, do what one REALLY wants (or "loves") to do --- which, in most cases, probably doesn’t involve making money at all.

So what advice WOULD I offer to someone who wanted to improve his or her financial condition?

Well, the full answer might fill a book. But the short answer is this: Whatever means or method you decide to use to make money, make sure you do it better than just at an "acceptable" level.

Do whatever it takes (research, training, practice, etc.) to get yourself up to and beyond professional standards as fast as you possibly can in your chosen field.

People (or, if you like, call them "bosses" or "prospects" or "customers") are somehow able to instantly recognize competence when they see it.

Would you rather buy from an honest, knowledgeable and obviously competent sales person or a commission-hungry fool who apparently doesn't know a thing about the product or service you want to buy?

Today more than ever, the COMPETENT person in any field stands out, head and shoulders above the rest. Even just being a competent laborer can get you noticed and promoted (i.e., "making more money").

You see, these gurus who preach "do what you love" have it all backwards. You’re supposed take what you love doing (such as a hobby) and turn it into a business (work).

Well, I ask you: Do you think Gary Halbert loved what he was doing when, in his early days, he used the electric bill money to send out a sales letter that got NO response? Hah! I doubt it.

But what about AFTER he became a competent copywriter who could get mail order results almost at will? Ah, THAT’S where it's at!

Become professional and totally competent at doing SOMETHING that will make you some money. Repeatedly demonstrate your competence to (yourself and) others simply by doing what you do. And don't be surprised if you eventually find yourself LOVING what you do (and making some money too!)

---- Hugh