Passion Project Week 4: Impact Over Income

I read a talk this week from Dallin H. Oaks entitled 'Why Do We Serve?' It is a stirring call to action that invites the reader to consider their intentions for doing good in the world. I highly recommend it, if you are interested in reflecting on your own intentions.

For me, President Oak's message generated deep thoughts on why and how I'm promoting this Passion Project. In the last couple weeks I've considered if my passion project is just the career course I referenced in Week 1, or if the project is something more. I wondered, do I return week after week to share with others as a way to generate hope and change, or am I here to influence the algorithm as a way to generate future income.

The former feels beautiful. The latter feel icky.

Growing up, I was always the kid that would do most things for free. I love learning and being with people, especially the youth, so any chance I had to teach or participate in a community event, I was there no questions asked. There even came a point when my parents restricted how many events, camps, or community programs I could volunteer for.

"You have to have a real job and make real money," my parents would say.

That dynamic made money a necessary evil, which is not a very healthy relationship with financial literacy. My entire adult life I have wondered: How do I create an impact without an income? Can I do what I love without charging people? Can I make this service free and still pay my bills?

You see, I'm here because I'm an altruist through and through. I know I can't take away the suffering of others, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try. I built the career course because I saw students in distress, lost in the hubbub of voices telling them to do this or do that, and seeing them not knowing their own values or beliefs to guide them.

I obtained my counseling credential because someone saw me and my mission to create hope and change and they said it would give me greater access. So I took on the debt, honestly not thinking about return on investment, three kids under 5 at home, while holding an entry level job.

And now I'm out here 'pounding the pavement', 'knocking on doors', making cold calls, and talking with strangers at community workshops, because someone said, "Slade, this course could help more people, but you are going to have get out there and share it".

So, would it be weird to say, I'm here because I love you. Maybe we know each other, maybe we don't. Maybe you think I'm lying or stupid. Maybe I'm saying exactly what you needed to hear today. Maybe this post will come across some CEO who wants to contract my services for millions of dollars. Maybe no one will ever see it. Whatever happens today or a million todays from now, I am trying to show up and share because I love you. We all got bills to pay. Yes boundaries are required for good relationships. No I can't do everything I want to for for free. And, I love you. If I can help you by offering a course, or listening, or using my network to help you with your passion project, I will do that. I can't think of a better way to use my time.

Just in case you are a metrics person, I will share that I had several more contacts this week, lots of learning, but no new students -- yet.

All my love,

Slade