"You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love"

Here's the thing: life is full of risks and uncertainties. We often find ourselves making decisions based on what seems safe or practical, not what we are truly passionate about. The essence of this quote is that failure is always a possibility, whether you choose the safe path or the one that excites you. So why not take the chance on something you love?

Let’s take a step back. This idea was popularized by Jim Carrey during a commencement speech he gave in 2014. Carrey shared a story about his father, who could have been an incredible comedian but chose to take a “safe” job as an accountant. Unfortunately, his father was let go from that job, leaving the family struggling. Carrey’s point was clear: you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well do what makes you happy.

Picture this: you’re sitting in a cubicle at a job you despise. Day in and day out, you push papers, answer emails, maybe even stare at the clock waiting for 5 PM. You took this job because it was "secure" and "sensible." But here's the kicker—one day, there are cutbacks, and you’re let go. All that time spent, and now you’re back at square one. What if, instead, you had pursued your love for painting or writing or baking? Sure, it might have been a rocky road, but at least your heart would be in it.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Think about J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. She was a single mom on welfare before her big break. She could have stuck to a "safe" job, but she chose to spend her time writing. Despite numerous rejections from publishers, she kept at it—and look where she is now. Imagine if she had given up and settled for a mundane job? The world would have missed out on a magical phenomenon.

So how do you take this wisdom and run with it? Start by identifying what you love. Sounds simple, but many of us are out of touch with our passions. Take some time to reflect on what truly excites you. Then, consider small steps you can take toward making it a bigger part of your life. Can you start a side hustle? Take a class? Join a community of like-minded individuals? The key is to start small and be consistent.

Imagine this scenario: You love baking. It’s your stress reliever, your happy place. You’re working a stressful corporate job, but every weekend, you find joy in creating beautiful cakes. You decide to start an Instagram page for your cakes. Slowly but surely, you gain followers. People start asking if you take orders. Before you know it, you’re making a decent side income from your passion. Eventually, you might even make the leap to full-time baker. It's not instant or easy, but it's possible.

In the end, the message is simple—take a chance on yourself and what you love. Life is unpredictable, and failure is part of the journey, no matter what path you choose. So why not make that journey one filled with passion and joy? You’ve got one life—make it count.