Passion & Purpose
Lately, I’ve found myself in deep conversations about purpose and passion. While this topic comes up occasionally with my clients, it has recently become a recurring theme. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself the questions, what am I passionate about and what is my purpose? I know I have—and I continue to. It’s my way of checking in, ensuring that I’m living in alignment with my purpose, passion, and values. After all, staying true to what drives us can make all the difference in how we show up in our lives. Let’s dive in!
“Passions are powerful feelings of enthusiasm about a task or activity or a strong desire to engage. It goes beyond mere interests. The pursuit of your passions seem to speak to the core of who you are. When you’re immersed in your true passions, you may find that time flies. It’s sometimes called being “in flow” or flow state.
Uncovering your passion isn’t just about finding a career path you’re passionate about. It’s a journey toward self-discovery and requires introspection, exploration, and even courage to step outside your comfort zone.
The process of discovering your passions involves peeling back the layers of interests, desires, and pursuits to reveal what you truly love. It might not always be a straightforward path, but it’s almost always rewarding.” (https:// (calm.com, n.d.) The following are some steps offered within the same blog post from Calm. This was spot on and a great step by step process.
How to find your passion in 5 steps
Uncovering your passion can be a transformative process. And there are steps you can follow to help discover what lights you up inside. This process isn’t about rushing to find your passion but allowing it to unfold in its own time. It’s also a personal journey that may take some patience, exploration, and a little courage.
1. Engage in self-reflection
Reflect on your core values, strengths, and interests. Ask yourself what activities or topics spark your enthusiasm. Look at your existing hobbies and interests for clues. Think about what brings you joy.
I invite you to do this simple exercise. Take ten minutes and make a list with two columns. One column should be titled “what brings me joy?” and the other one “what am I passionate about?” Go ahead and make that list. Once it is complete, look at it. Are there any common themes? What stands out? Use this list as a jumping off point for this exploration.
2. Experiment and explore
Explore different activities, topics, or fields that pique your interest. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. If you have enough free time, attend workshops, read books, and join clubs or community groups. If time is scarce, you could listen to relevant podcasts on your commute or watch instructional videos online in your break. This phase is about discovery and opening yourself up to new experiences (even if they’re just micro-experiences right now).
3. Embrace trial and error
Try out lots of activities to find what resonates with you. It’s okay if you don’t find the thing that clicks right away — the process of elimination is just as valuable in leading you to your passion.
4. Seek guidance from those who have specific passions
Connect with mentors, friends, or other people who inspire you. Seek their advice and learn from their experiences. This is more than just career advice. This is about working out what truly resonates with you. Engaging in discussions can provide new perspectives and may spark ideas that lead you closer to finding your passion.
5. Be consistent in your commitment to your passion
Once you find a potential passion, commit to it. Dive deeper, learn, and grow within it. And keep trying, even when challenges arise. Your dedication to nurturing your passion will boost your self-esteem and overall wellbeing.
5 ways to live a life of passion and purpose
Finding your passion is a significant milestone in the self-discovery journey. By following these steps, you create a nurturing environment for your passion to flourish. When you make your passion a natural part of your daily life, it can contribute to living a life full of purpose, bringing you a profound sense of fulfillment.
1. Set aside time regularly to engage with your passion
Dedicate time in your schedule to engage with your passion. Being consistent with your passions nurtures their growth and cultivates a deeper bond between you and what you love doing.
2. Connect with like-minded individuals
Join communities or groups of people who share your passion. Engage in discussions, attend events, and share your experiences. Connecting with others can enrich your journey and provide different perspectives. A sense of belonging is also important for your mental health and can provide you with support if your motivation wanes.
3. Continue learning and growing
Be open to learning and expanding your knowledge about your passions. Read books, take courses, or attend workshops. Continuous learning allows your passion to thrive and evolve.
4. Share your passion with others
Share your passion with family, friends, or through social platforms. Expressing and sharing your enthusiasm can be fulfilling and may also inspire others.
5. Be patient and kind to yourself
Understand that nurturing a passion is a journey and takes time. It’s not a race to the finish line, as there is no end. Passions are ongoing. Be patient with your progress and kind to yourself along the way.
When we align our passion with our values, we unlock a powerful force that leads to fulfillment, happiness, and meaningful success. Our passion, values, and purpose have the ability to shape every aspect of our lives, our work, relationships, and daily experiences. Carry them with you wherever you go, and you may find that your energy inspires those around you. Passion is contagious—don’t be surprised when others take notice!
Ultimately, this journey is an act of self-care. Living with purpose not only transforms our inner world but also ripples outward, creating a life filled with peace and contentment. The most profound way to live is as our true, authentic selves. While we can strive to be anything, the greatest fulfillment comes from embracing who we truly are.
Works Cited
calm.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from Calm: https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-find-your-passion
