George Lucas, the well-known creator of the Star Wars movies, is a perfect example of finding your ideal career. And that it doesn’t always look the way we originally think it should.

In a 2013 podcast, George Lucas admits that he had no real direction when he applied to college – but then discovered that there were classes to learn how to make movies. He was simply curious, but before he knew it, passion had taken over. Combining that with a ferocious work ethic, George Lucas became George Lucas.

Fear Can’t Overrun Passion

You can’t afford to allow fear to guide your decisions. Trying hard for that promotion, dabbling in a hobby, or making a life-altering career switch can turn out to be the greatest change you ever make! When Lucas took the risk of attending film school, he didn’t know where that journey would take him and found a deep passion in an unlikely place. By freeing yourself to think outside of your usual business-minded box, you may find that you have a wealth of untapped passion for a completely different career.

Success and its Measurements

All of us are looking for recognition and some proof of progress. For George Lucas, finding success took time, soul-searching, and a lot of hard work. Recognize even the smallest steps as growth. Proof of movement can manifest in surprising ways. You may not be reaching for an Oscar like Lucas, but let those unique rewards fuel you. A pat on the back, a kind word, and recognition that your idea is exactly what was needed – take these and allow them to motivate you forward toward the goal that may turn out to be your life’s biggest accomplishment. And maybe even a new career!