Skills are Cheap, Passion is Priceless

When I hear this phrase, it strikes a chord deep within me. Passion has always been my compass, guiding me through life. Whether it’s my career, studies, personal goals, or community service, I approach everything with heart and determination. But here's the big question: how do you cultivate passion?

For me, passion isn’t some magical trait you’re born with—it’s a skill you develop, a mindset you nurture. It’s shaped by the company you keep, the thoughts you entertain, and the perspective you choose. Most importantly, it’s about believing that you can develop passion for anything, even for things you initially dislike.

A Personal Story: Cultivating Passion Through Mindset

Let me take you back to my university days at University Malaysia Pahang. As part of my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, I had to take an Economics course. At first, I didn’t see the connection—what did ROI calculations have to do with building bridges or designing structures? Honestly, I didn’t like the subject at all.

Unsurprisingly, my lack of interest showed in my first test results—they were bad. And I panicked because my scholarship depended on maintaining a high GPA. I couldn’t afford to let this subject pull me down.

So, I made a choice: I would love Economics. I told myself over and over, “Dina, this is part of your niche. You love this subject. You can conquer it!” It wasn’t just positive thinking—I took action too. I sought help from the class’s top scorer, spending hours in the library learning from them.

Slowly, I began to see the relevance of Economics in my field. I stopped resisting it and started embracing it. And guess what? In the next test, I scored the highest mark in class—surpassing even the top scorer I had studied with!

This experience taught me a profound lesson: passion isn’t always something you feel naturally. Sometimes, it’s something you choose to cultivate. It starts with mindset but is brought to life through effort and action.

The Power of Sincerity and Effort

Effort alone isn’t enough—sincerity is what gives it meaning. Without sincerity, work feels hollow, like a to-do list you’re forced to check off. But when you pair genuine intent with effort, it creates something extraordinary.

For me, nurturing passion also means constant self-reflection. I often reset my goals and ask myself: Why am I doing this? Is it for my own satisfaction, or is it to create impact and benefit others? These questions keep me grounded and aligned with my purpose.

Managing Passion and Expectations

Big dreams come with big expectations—it’s just part of the package. But life has taught me not to dwell on setbacks or failures. Feeling demotivated is normal, but it’s crucial not to let it linger.

When I feel overwhelmed or stuck, I shift my focus. Instead of fixating on what went wrong, I distract myself with something uplifting. A run in the park, a scenic drive, or even a spontaneous holiday can do wonders. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a quiet movie night or spending time with my family.

The world is full of opportunities to reset and recharge; you just have to find what works for you. These moments of joy and reflection help me regain clarity and rebuild my energy.

Focusing on What Matters

Another lesson I’ve learned is to manage expectations—both mine and others’. I used to feel the need to please everyone, but that only led to unnecessary stress. Now, I focus on my “quality circle”—the people who truly matter in my life.

Not everyone’s opinion deserves a place in your mind. By filtering out the noise, I’ve found it easier to stay focused and passionate. This practice has been one of the greatest acts of self-care in my journey.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Dreams don’t come without challenges. But instead of seeing failures as dead ends, I treat them as detours—paths to something new. When things don’t go as planned, I ask myself: What’s the next step? What can I learn from this?

This mindset transforms roadblocks into stepping stones. It keeps me moving forward, energized by the lessons I’ve gained and the progress I’ve made.

The Joy of Resetting

Taking time to reset isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. It allows you to step back, breathe, and come back to your goals with a fresh perspective.

Whether it’s a short break or a full mental reset, these moments are vital for maintaining passion. They remind us that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence and resilience.

Final Thoughts

So, here’s my advice: don’t fear failure. Don’t let moments of doubt drag you down. Instead, find ways to uplift yourself, surround yourself with the right people, and always reconnect with your purpose.

Passion, when nurtured with care, becomes the unstoppable force that drives you forward. And when paired with effort, sincerity, and the right mindset, it transforms even the most daunting challenges into incredible opportunities.

Because at the end of the day, skills can only take you so far. But passion? Passion is priceless.