Finding Your True Passion
What exactly is a ‘life passion’ you ask?
Passion: an “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling of conviction.”
That might be the dictionary definition, but in reality, it’s hard to define “passion” because it’s a feeling that no words can describe.
The history of the word passion gives it a deeper meaning that makes anyone who has found their passion smile and nod, like it’s a secret acknowledgement of what it truly means to live for something.
The word passion comes from the Latin word passio, which means “suffering.” Yes! People certainly suffer for their passions! Some suffer a great deal, and that’s part of the reason why finding your passion (and following it) is so important in life. After all, anything worthwhile has some pain attached to it.
But the pain and suffering that may stem from a passion is nothing compared with the stress and emptiness caused by a passionless life. Without that creative release, life can become unfulfilling and pointless.
Following your passion is something that “outsiders” (i.e. parents, siblings, partners, friends, and others) can’t seem to comprehend.
Outsiders focus their criticisms on things like safety, stability, security, and status because their decisions tend to be dictated by fears. Their goal is to avoid pain and failure and simply stick to what they know. That’s why outsiders rarely understand the forces that pull passionate people away from “sensible” decisions in life.
We all know that growth and success can only happen when we make short term sacrifices to overcome the obstacles and beat the odds. And once you make the choice to burst out of your protective shell and work with intensity, then you’re ready to discover and pursue your deepest passion.
How Do You Find Your Passion?
1. Make a list of your favourite hobbies. Write down your favourite activities and pastimes, even if it’s from your childhood. You might already spend time on your passion without even realizing it.
2. Start a new hobby. Don’t limit yourself to what you know. Try getting involved with hobbies that your friends and family enjoy. This will lead you to discover new joys you may have never considered.
3. Be honest with yourself. Sometimes people mistake their passion for something they’re talented at doing instead of something they want to be doing. Do what you love, not just what you’re good at.
4. Ask your loved ones. Sometimes other people can see what makes you happy better than you can.
5. Look at the long-term interests in your life. Are there themes or events in your life that always seem to pop up? Examine those and see if you can uncover your life’s passion.
6. Make a list of your talents. They don’t have to be related to a specific job, just allow the pen to flow freely on the paper. You just might discover a passion hidden in one of your talents.
7. Make a list of things that dominate your conversations. If you constantly turn your talk toward a certain subject, it may be something you should actively pursue.
8. Find ways to get involved in your community. Playing recreational sports and engaging in activities at the local community centre can be a great way to meet people. We can learn a lot from others through conversation and circumstance.
9. Help others. Forget about yourself and try serving others in your community. Kindness and charity really can unlock your real passions in life.
10. Find a coach or mentor. If you can find someone willing to show you the ropes, provide advice and guidance. Then you will have a unique insider’s perspective and a confidant. Plus, you’ll be able to bypass a lot of the initial learning curve.
