What would you do if you won $10,000,000? - Follow your passion....

36 replies
Yesterday I sat down with a friend and a friend his for coffee.

My friend is a graphic designer and his friend (colleague) is an account manager.

I asked them both - if you won £10,000,000 what would you do on a daily basis?

Would they quit their job? If so, how would they fill the time void?

Both were unanimous that they would quit the job...

My friend declared that he would still do graphic design and photography for fun. His colleague would spend his spare time writing scripts for TV / Movies.

The answer to this question is vitally important. The money isn't a factor. The money would just be a platform that would enable you to follow your true passion and be happy.

My friend is fortunate. He is already doing something he enjoys and gets paid for it. All that would make him happy is a bit more free time.

His colleague on the other hand is doing something that he would never do by choice. Regardless of money he earns in the job, he will never be truly happy.

90% of the employed must fall into this category...

As work from home entrepreneurs we are lucky that (to an extent) we get to choose our fate. Despite this, time and time again I see marketers choosing business plans that do not interest them - and then a few months down the line they are wondering why the work from home thing isn't all roses. In many cases it becomes even more of a chore than work - after all, at least at work there are people to speak to, face to face.

Back in 2009 when I was working as a consultant (teaching offline businesses SEO and the like) I asked myself the same question...

The answer was that I would travel around the world watching football (soccer) matches if I won that sort of cash.

And most definitely wouldn't teach another SEO course again!

With that in mind, I started creating soccer websites (blogs) during my spare time that I monetised with advertising and CPA offers. The sites made a tasty chunk of change and a valuable contribution to me being able to quit my job the following year...

Most importantly, updating the sites didn't seem like a chore at all...

In 99% of cases, there is a way to make money from your passion if you think outside the box...
  • If you love traveling - start a travel blog, or online travel show, or take photos / videos of destinations and sell them on stock sites or in a large PLR package.
  • If you love clubbing - offer a video promo creation service to nightclubs - spend an hour getting footage and spend the rest of the night getting free drinks.
  • If you love break dancing - start a break dancing class, or record lessons and turn them into a DVD.
The list goes on...

Don't underestimate the power of monetising your passion. Money is the primary motivator for most entrepreneurs, but if you can have fun while while making it, the office becomes a better place to be.

Best of luck,
#$10 #follow #passion #won
  • Sure, I am a firm believer in monetizing off your passion of choice (I do myself with IM), but let's not forget that a business is a business at the end of the day, and it requires long hours of hard work no matter how much you love that work.

    If I won the lottery, I would quit IM immediately regardless of whether it's my passion or not. Why? because it takes shitloads of work, effort and time that I'd rather spend playing with my kid, or butting around with the Xbox, or taking my girlfriend for a trip, etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      Originally Posted by Anonymous Affiliate View Post

      Sure, I am a firm believer in monetizing off your passion of choice (I do myself with IM), but let's not forget that a business is a business at the end of the day, and it requires long hours of hard work no matter how much you love that work.

      If I won the lottery, I would quit IM immediately regardless of whether it's my passion or not. Why? because it takes shitloads of work, effort and time that I'd rather spend playing with my kid, or butting around with the Xbox, or taking my girlfriend for a trip, etc.
      Agree entirely that work is required. I think it reinforces my point, if you're going to knuckle down and put the graft in, it's better doing something enjoyable, or at least tolerable.

      Interestingly, it sounds like Xbox could be your true passion. Maybe it's a niche you should consider stepping into if you're not into already.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I'd still do some type of online marketing or business ventures because it's something that I enjoy.

    As great as it sounds, you'll find a lot of people who win that type of money end up quite miserable. I've seen a number of stories where they go and catch up with past winners and they are miserable, no longer talk to their friends and some family, and basically have no reason to get up each day.

    It doesn't matter how much money you have, you always need a purpose in life. The dream of traveling around and doing nothing sounds great but I think the reality would be very different after a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author esuresh
    Travel around the world. Will build a small beautiful house with the best home theater system, will buy a great Car, will buy the best 3D TV, buy a PS3 for my son, buy all the latest gadgets.....!!!!!!....!!!!!!! wow the list will be end less... the space here wll not be sufficient....
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  • Profile picture of the author bangwhosnext
    With that kind of money, I would start a large animal sanctuary. I love animals. I would also do loads of training and eat nothing but the best of healthy organic foods.

    I would also obviously buy nice cars, houses and go on holidays (but i think that goes without saying).
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I'd hit all of the most beautiful fishing spots worldwide and do some charter boat fishing. I'd be a full time beach bum with a nice little beach shack somewhere to call home when I wanted to use it.

    I'd pursue my other hobbies full time as well. Work? Heck no.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brian John
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      I'd hit all of the most beautiful fishing spots worldwide and do some charter boat fishing. I'd be a full time beach bum with a nice little beach shack somewhere to call home when I wanted to use it.

      I'd pursue my other hobbies full time as well. Work? Heck no.


      edit: i'd still take a keen interest in investing and managing my money, but that would be the extent of my "work"
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  • Profile picture of the author ScottWatson
    Nice little photo studio somewhere back home in Scotland. I could bring in the models that I wanted to work with for my portfolio and maybe even venture out once in a while to shoot some beautiful landscapes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Gonzosan
      If I had that much money I would definitely get out of the military, but I plan on doing that anyways. I would just get out much earlier than expected. I do game design for my IM type business which I really enjoy so I would continue to do that. I love playing video games and just love being creative so that really wouldn't change.

      I would definitely leave Las Vegas and travel a bit. My wife lives in the Philippines so we'd probably take a month off and live off some secluded area down there then go to some different areas around the world to check them out. Overall though there isn't a lot that would change in my day to day life.

      I'd probably use a good portion of that money to invest into other businesses that I believed in. I'm really big into eco friendly houses and I would love to invest in a company that designs custom made eco houses. I don't mean just "oh we have some lower wattage bulbs in here and some skylights" I mean like built from scratch everything is made with eco friendly in mind. So that's what I would do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Will Edwards
    Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

    Yesterday I sat down with a friend and a friend his for coffee.

    My friend is a graphic designer and his friend (colleague) is an account manager.

    I asked them both - if you won £10,000,000 what would you do on a daily basis?
    I'd buy The Baggies!

    Will
    Boing, Boing!
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  • Profile picture of the author theory expert
    Banned
    I thought we been through this. If you got money your passion has nothing to do with wanting to help others.
    Just because I like to participate in sports doesn't mean I would want to help others play because then that makes me a spectator doesn't it. Just because I like to go clubbing doesn't mean I want to strategically think about monetizing events that makes my partying less fun doesn't it. Having money certainly changes what you will or wont do. What I like to do vs. what I am willing to help others do aren't the same. Does a drug dealer have a passion for dealing? If we define passion as "a willingness to do something because the money moves you to massive action", then the answer is yes. Yanik Silver once said if he went after his passion he would be eating sushi all day.

    Let's put the term passion in perspective and value doesn't have anything to do with it. Marketers have made millions providing nothing. There was a thread we discussed this before.
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    • Profile picture of the author WarrenPeterson
      Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

      I thought we been through this. If you got money your passion has nothing to do with wanting to help others.
      Just because I like to participate in sports doesn't mean I would want to help others play because then that makes me a spectator doesn't it. Just because I like to go clubbing doesn't mean I want to strategically think about monetizing events that makes my partying less fun doesn't it. Having money certainly changes what you will or wont do. What I like to do vs. what I am willing to help others do aren't the same. Does a drug dealer have a passion for dealing? If we define passion as "a willingness to do something because the money moves you to massive action", then the answer is yes. Yanik Silver once said if he went after his passion he would be eating sushi all day.

      Let's put the term passion in perspective and value doesn't have anything to do with it. Marketers have made millions providing nothing. There was a thread we discussed this before.
      This is correct. Far too many people have ruined hobbies they once loved, because now they have to monetize their hobby. Once you move from being a hobbyist to running a company which needs to earn revenue from that hobby, your personal level of connection to the hobby is forever changed. And, if you are only playing with the hobby, then you aren't running a business.

      While I agree that every person should have a business that is built around their strengths, I don't agree that every person should have a business that is built around their hobbies. For some, sure, but all too often it turns the hobby into something that is no longer enjoyable.


      Here in the US, and most of the 'West' we have equated money with happiness. This line stuck out to me (from the OP): "Regardless of money he earns in the job, he will never be truly happy."

      I disagree with this line 100%. The amount of money earned does not equate to happiness, ever - be it in a career one loves or a career one hates.

      Happiness is a choice. The money has no bearing. The career choice also has no bearing. Unless the person chooses to give those things that power. If a person has made the choice to let their income or their career determine their happiness, then they are in serious trouble as either of those things can change overnight.

      My two pennies....
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      • Profile picture of the author zeroaffiliate
        Originally Posted by WarrenPeterson View Post

        This is correct. Far too many people have ruined hobbies they once loved, because now they have to monetize their hobby. Once you move from being a hobbyist to running a company which needs to earn revenue from that hobby, your personal level of connection to the hobby is forever changed. And, if you are only playing with the hobby, then you aren't running a business.

        While I agree that every person should have a business that is built around their strengths, I don't agree that every person should have a business that is built around their hobbies. For some, sure, but all too often it turns the hobby into something that is no longer enjoyable.



        Here in the US, and most of the 'West' we have equated money with happiness. This line stuck out to me (from the OP): "Regardless of money he earns in the job, he will never be truly happy."

        I disagree with this line 100%. The amount of money earned does not equate to happiness, ever - be it in a career one loves or a career one hates.

        Happiness is a choice. The money has no bearing. The career choice also has no bearing. Unless the person chooses to give those things that power. If a person has made the choice to let their income or their career determine their happiness, then they are in serious trouble as either of those things can change overnight.

        My two pennies....
        I agree that happiness is a choice but i do agree that money too can create happiness. Money can solve many problems too thus making life more at ease and carefree.

        Life should be lived with passion and purpose. So pursue what your heart desire and share the good fortune with your loved ones...

        Follow your dreams and help others with your strength.

        There is nothing wrong with wealth unless it has blinded them.

        would you agree?
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        • Profile picture of the author WarrenPeterson
          Originally Posted by zeroaffiliate View Post

          I agree that happiness is a choice but i do agree that money too can create happiness. Money can solve many problems too thus making life more at ease and carefree.

          Life should be lived with passion and purpose. So pursue what your heart desire and share the good fortune with your loved ones...

          Follow your dreams and help others with your strength.

          There is nothing wrong with wealth unless it has blinded them.

          would you agree?

          1) No, money cannot create happiness. It is a tool, nothing more nothing less. The person using the tool determines what is created. Likewise, the use of money both solves and creates problems, the money itself does neither. Yes it is true that money can be used to create a place to be more comfortable, while miserable, but the rest is up to the person. Therein lies the age-old question, would you rather be miserable and unhappy while living a life of comfort and luxury, or would you rather be joyful and happy while living a life of non-luxury?

          2) Yes, life should be lived with passion and purpose, both are important parts of a healthy and full life. Sharing the results of your work and sharing your knowledge is a critical element to living that full life.

          Two more pennies...
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          • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
            Banned
            Originally Posted by WarrenPeterson View Post

            Therein lies the age-old question, would you rather be miserable and unhappy while living a life of comfort and luxury, or would you rather be joyful and happy while living a life of non-luxury?
            Not the only options. You missed
            Freaking over the top joyful while living exactly as you want to (comfort and luxury if that's your thing).
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            • Profile picture of the author WarrenPeterson
              Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

              Not the only options. You missed
              Freaking over the top joyful while living exactly as you want to (comfort and luxury if that's your thing).
              Well of course, there you have the win.
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      • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
        Originally Posted by WarrenPeterson View Post

        Here in the US, and most of the 'West' we have equated money with happiness. This line stuck out to me (from the OP): "Regardless of money he earns in the job, he will never be truly happy."

        I disagree with this line 100%. The amount of money earned does not equate to happiness, ever - be it in a career one loves or a career one hates.

        Happiness is a choice. The money has no bearing. The career choice also has no bearing. Unless the person chooses to give those things that power. If a person has made the choice to let their income or their career determine their happiness, then they are in serious trouble as either of those things can change overnight.

        My two pennies....
        I agree entirely that money doesn't equate to happiness. The line in question agrees with that.

        Although, I think where we disagree is that I think a career that someone enjoys would make them happy and you don't?

        I see where you're coming from - but personally if I was getting paid to do something I enjoyed I would most definitely be happy. If that career changed for whatever reason, then I might not be happy anymore, but at the point where I was getting paid to do things I enjoyed I would be.

        The question is, what factors determine how happy someone is?
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        • Profile picture of the author WarrenPeterson
          Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

          ...

          Although, I think where we disagree is that I think a career that someone enjoys would make them happy and you don't?
          I didn't say that at all. If someone is doing work they actually enjoy, of course that would help them to feel happiness. That is not the same thing as creating a business based upon a passion, hobby, or interest...

          Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

          The question is, what factors determine how happy someone is?
          Their understanding of themselves, the expectations they have placed on themselves, the expectations others have placed on them, the expectations they have placed on others, their relationships with their family and friends, what their actual goals, needs, and desires are in life, their internal definition of success, and so on....
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    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

      I thought we been through this. If you got money your passion has nothing to do with wanting to help others.
      Just because I like to participate in sports doesn't mean I would want to help others play because then that makes me a spectator doesn't it. Just because I like to go clubbing doesn't mean I want to strategically think about monetizing events that makes my partying less fun doesn't it. Having money certainly changes what you will or wont do. What I like to do vs. what I am willing to help others do aren't the same. Does a drug dealer have a passion for dealing? If we define passion as "a willingness to do something because the money moves you to massive action", then the answer is yes. Yanik Silver once said if he went after his passion he would be eating sushi all day.

      Let's put the term passion in perspective and value doesn't have anything to do with it. Marketers have made millions providing nothing. There was a thread we discussed this before.
      My point is that you should try and make money doing something you enjoy if you can (most the time there is a way to monetise something you like) if you have no money. Money was only brought into the discussion to determine your true passion.

      I am into football (soccer) as a spectator like you, and also, like you, I don't want to be a coach. But i'd much rather make money writing reports on soccer games than articles about roof boxes or karate moves.

      If it's possible to monetise what you love then why not.
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      • Profile picture of the author theory expert
        Banned
        Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

        But i'd much rather make money writing reports on soccer games than articles about roof boxes or karate moves.

        If it's possible to monetise what you love then why not.
        all your links are about making money though. It is not what you say it is what you do. You selling making money stuff, so, why should I do anything different? :confused:

        http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-they-say.html
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        • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
          Originally Posted by theory expert View Post

          all your links are about making money though. It is not what you say it is what you do. You selling making money stuff, so, why should I do anything different? :confused:

          http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-they-say.html
          On this forum yes, I never said I'd made it to where my passion pays for my living 100%. It's only an aspiration, but I have made some money from football (which is my favorite niche).

          I don't hate the MMO niche at all. It's not painful for me to write reports and products, in most cases I actually enjoy it. Would I enjoy being a full time football reporter more? Hell yes... But that's something I'd work towards.

          However some people are in niches they find painful, more painful than a 9-5 in some cases. It is the people in that position who this thread is aimed at.

          Obviously you don't hate MMO and you feel the work / money ratio is better than other niches. So it's right for you, I wouldn't advise you otherwise.

          But for those who find making money a chore, there probably are better ways for them to make a living doing things they enjoy.
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  • Profile picture of the author KuhNoodle
    Lol I'd go mad with buying power and spend it all on pointless things. But no seriously I'd take a 20% and store it somewhere safe, simply realizing there is a chance I might just lose it all lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    No matter how much I earn, I am not going to retire until I fall into the casket.

    The more appropriate question might be, "What would you most enjoy doing, if money wasn't an object?"

    I most enjoy doing what I do now.
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    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      No matter how much I earn, I am not going to retire until I fall into the casket.

      The more appropriate question might be, "What would you most enjoy doing, if money wasn't an object?"

      I most enjoy doing what I do now.
      That is the exact question I am asking, but I wrote it in a long winded way.

      Winning the $10,000,000 was purely to make money not an option. After money is not an option, what you like doing takes over your time.

      And often you can monestise that - and you don't need the money to start doing so.

      By the way, the fact you love doing what you do now, and would do it if money wasn't an option shows you are in the right place. That is where people need to get to.
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  • Profile picture of the author Complex
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author theory expert
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Complex View Post

      My passion is hookers and cocaine. A hooker from every continent and pure cocaine that would kill a 300 pound man. Think I should still follow my passion?

      :p

      (hookers from Antarctica have cold hands. just a heads up)
      Hey if you want to monetize your passion check out my private newsletter. I have a members only product on how to run an escort service from Antarctica. $47,000(value) for just $10,000.

      Plus Bonuses:

      *How to use cocaine without getting addicted
      *How to sell cocaine and avoid the legal system.
      *How to make your own cocaine
      ...and much much more.

      THIS OFFER IS FOR A LIMITED TIME.
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    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      Originally Posted by Complex View Post

      My passion is hookers and cocaine. A hooker from every continent and pure cocaine that would kill a 300 pound man. Think I should still follow my passion?

      :p

      (hookers from Antarctica have cold hands. just a heads up)
      Haha there are lots of people making money out of the hooker angle. I've seen books and memberships myself and it isn't even something I have a huge interest in. The cocaine could be a problem tho
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Monroe
    Nothing.

    Seriously.

    If I won 10 million, I'd buy some property and do some investing.

    Let my money work for me, whilst I'm off doing whatever it is that I want.

    Heck, I'd probably invest 9 mill and keep a mill to live on.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jgowen77
    I'd do something worthwhile, I'm not sure what. Maybe some volunteer work.

    I'd travel a lot. I love traveling. Europe and Australia are must sees for me. To this point most of my travels have been within the States.

    Get a beach home on the Florida Gulf Coast. That's been a dream for a while.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarkWrites
    Originally Posted by 4DayWeekend View Post

    if you won £10,000,000 what would you do on a daily basis?
    I think I'd spend a good chunk of each day wondering how I won 10 mil when I hadn't entered any contests.
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  • Profile picture of the author infoway
    I think I would travel around the world and buy some rare collection of antique pieces and store them in museum like store place which is again my hobby as well as passion. I think we should follow our passion. "Growing up, we were told by guidance counselors, career advice books, the news media and others to follow our passion.This advice assumes that we all have a pre-existing passion waiting to be discovered. If we have the courage to discover this calling and to match it to our livelihood, the thinking goes, we’ll end up happy. If we lack this courage, we’ll end up bored and unfulfilled — or, worse, in law school. " - Cal Newport
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  • Profile picture of the author flipfire
    I wouldn't be on this forum, thats for certain.

    Regards,

    Lee
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  • Profile picture of the author ddpromo1
    Great Question!

    1) I'd tithe 10% to my local church, so they'd be debt-free.
    2) Pay-off all my debts and immediate family's debts.
    3) Follow my passions and develop a mid-size company to help
    small business owners and entrepreneurs, increase their bottom-line.
    4) Build a foundation for kids with cancer, (since I was a former patient). It would support the children and their families, pay the bills.
    5) I would invest in people, that think Big and have a concrete plan to see it come to pass. (Similar to the Shark Tank)
    6) Continue to help missionaries, around the world spread the Good News, and helping others who are less fortunate.
    7) Enjoy Life To It's Fullest Extent!

    Just my two cents...

    Peace.
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  • Profile picture of the author KuhNoodle
    I'd never stop working because if I did that I'd probably get bored. I'd take the money save a big chunk, buy a house, buy a new car, but a mcdonalds franchise and continue on as if I never won anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author onegoodman
    So, if I have that much money, I would invest it in my business, and create more job opportunities, economy is everyone responsibility, if each internet marketer goal is one day to create 1 job opportunity, we would have a better marketplace, lower unemployment , and way better economy.
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