Beyond Passion

Picture me in your face, begging you to give this article a chance because it might change your perspective

Photo by Anderson Guerra

What I want to tell you today is the truth and nothing but the truth. It is a true-life story about finding your calling. As a matter of fact, it is my true life story. But before I continue, I want you to listen to a song. You have to listen to this song. You have to. It is an old Christian melody sung in many Nigerian households. The composer of this song predates my existence, but it is a tune I have grown fond of over the years. This piece of music has resonated with me deeply, becoming a source of comfort and inspiration.

Back in 2015, I recorded myself singing this song and reached out to seven voice coaches on Instagram. I was lucky enough to get a response from one—let's call her Sydney, but she was popularly known as “Sydney the Golden Voice” because of how beautifully she sang. Her depth and range were profound. Now, looking back, listening to Rihanna’s "Lift Me Up" gives me the same comforting feeling Sydney's voice did then—like a warm blanket on a cold winter night, calming me to the point where I could hear my heartbeat.

So I sent a message to Sydney: "Hey Sydney, it is great to connect with you here! You have an impressive profile and your story is amazing. I've attached a snippet of my voice recording. Please let me know what you think. Thank you. Best regards, Tobi."

To be honest, I didn't really know her story; I just liked her profile.

Sydney's feedback was blunt like a cold slap in the face. It felt like she received my message at the worst possible time. "Hey Tobi," she began, "Your voice is a piece of dog shit."

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My friend, that was the last time I sang as a chorister in my home church. You see, I had always dreamed of becoming a great and famous musician. I had scored more than a dozen songs by different artistes. I learned the keyboard and the guitar, the drums and the mouth organ. I learned how to play the flute. I even learned how to play talking drums. My passion for singing was undeniable, yet I lacked the very essence of a good musician. I lacked a good singing voice.

Now stay with me. While I could not express my thoughts through songs, I discovered I had the ability to make words dance beautifully on paper. So, I began to write, and write, and write. I have been writing for eight years now, touching lives and making countless connections.

I have to put this out there. We often hear these mantras: “Follow your passion,” “Your dreams are valid,” “You can do whatever you set your mind to do.” I do agree, but only when these mantras are stated in full. This is because these are largely inaccurate blanket statements made by internet celebrities with the hope of ramping up their fanbase and massaging their feelings. I am not a celebrity, so I will tell you the truth: Follow your passion if you are not worried about minimum wage. Your dreams are valid as long as they don’t violate the principles of time, effort, and practical limitations. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you plan on living forever.

The richest man in Africa is from my home country, Nigeria. He made a fortune selling cement, yet I doubt he was passionate about it. So you see, passion does not always equate to success or satisfaction.

Another example is Warren Buffett. Of course, you know him. He is a titan in the investment world. Warren chose his path not out of a deep-seated passion for finance but because of his exceptional analytical skills and talent for understanding the market. There is this beautiful quote by Warren that I have gleaned and reinvented: He says, "I am not passionate about investing; however, what I love to do is sit in my office, read about companies, and talk about them." So you see, again, that passion doesn't always equate to success or satisfaction.

Let me tell you this: Hard work pays. Hard work pays. It is an old axiom that holds true every day, especially when your hard work is predicated on your passion, it will definitely pay off. But I have learned this: as you sojourn through life, hear me, my friend, that hard work pays, but it pays minimum wage. And so, no matter how much you are passionate about soccer, how much you love soccer and you desperately want to be the next Ronaldo or Messi, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you may never be like these men because these men competed on the world stage for over two decades. This cannot be passion. This cannot be passion marinated in hard work. This is talent.

And so, it is important to recognize your strengths and harness them. As I transitioned from singing to writing, I realized that our goals and inherent skills can lead us to unexpected yet ultimately fulfilling paths.

My friend, passion is a fantastic guide, but it can also fail you as it failed me. However, it is your unique strengths and the goals you set that will define your journey. As you navigate the maze of life, always remember to tune into your true talents, not just your passion.¹

1. This article is adapted from my original speech delivered on February 12th, 2024, as part of the Toastmasters competition.