As a child, we were constantly asked about what we wanted to be in the future – our dream jobs! And chances are, you wanted to be something you were passionate about; a doctor, a firefighter, an artist.
But as adults, it seems like many of us have slowly forgotten about our dreams and passions. In fact, many of us don't even know what we're passionate about anymore!
But why? Why is it so important that you find your passion?
What does it mean to find your passion?
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Many people mistakenly believe that finding your passion means that you have to do it for a living — but that is not entirely true.
For some people, it can be helpful to do something they're passionate about for a living. For them, being able to work their passion helps them to be more motivated and productive. They will also be more likely to take initiative in their work.
For others, however, they may be more than happy to settle for a job that they don't dislike, and prefer to leave their passions as a hobby or a side job.
Whatever it is, finding your passion makes for a more fulfilling and well-rounded life! It is something you look forward to, get motivated about and gives your day to day life purpose. And most importantly, you'll get to live the life you love.
If you've got no clue about what you're passionate about, don't fret. Here are some tips that will hopefully guide you on the path to finding your passion!
6 Tips on how you can find your passion
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1. What do you currently spend your free time on?
Chances are, you've already found your passion; You just haven't realized it yet.
While your hobbies aren't necessarily the same as your passion, they can give you an clue about what your passions are.
For example, if you enjoy reading widely, perhaps your passions may lie with writing, teaching or even just learning!
It may even be helpful for you to put together a list of all the things you enjoy doing, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Simply download a digital diary app and get writing!
Look through the list, and make a note of which hobbies and interests bring you the most joy, and which ones you spend the most time on. With Journey, you can even color-code what you've written to indicate which interests are the most important to you.
Who knows, you may get a sudden realization about what your passion is when you put it all down in words!
2. Use the Rocking Chair test
Take a moment to imagine this – you, in your twilight years, sitting in a rocking chair and looking back at your life.
Put yourself in that moment and ask yourself this: What is your biggest regret? What do you wish you had done in your youth? What passion do you wish you had followed?
Regret can be such a powerful emotion. Let yourself feel this regret, think about what will cause this regret, and you will find your answer as to what your passions are.
Write down your revelations in a journal or digital diary app, and keep it with you at all times. When you find yourself wavering or doubting yourself, take a look at what you've written to give yourself a motivation boost.
3. Get unrealistic
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As we grow up, we start to put ourselves in a box. We learn how to be realistic, and so we learn to let go of our "unrealistic" dreams from our childhood.
But to find your passion, learn to let go of this need to be realistic. Throw away your self-imposed limits and for a moment, let yourself dream.
Ask yourself: If there were no consequences to your actions, and nothing that could hold you back, what would you do?
Would you become a baker and open up your own shop? Would you take the leap and produce your own film?
Even if it is impossible for you to realize these dreams, allowing yourself to be unrealistic will allow you to rediscover your passions – the passions that you have locked away over the years.
4. Step out of your comfort zone
Aside from dreaming big, you must also dare to step out of your comfort zone if you wish to figure out what you're passionate about.
If you're simply going through your regular routine – waking up, going to work, coming home and sleeping – then you'll never be exposed to enough of life to figure out what you're truly passionate about.
Challenge yourself! Take part in events, join clubs and communities and try out new hobbies. You may eventually discover something you feel passionate about.
5. Remember that there is no deadline!
Society constantly expects us to get our lives together when we're still young and spry. But the truth is, there is no deadline to finding your passion and doing what you love.
As you embark on the journey to find your passion, you need to remember that it is never too late to try. Don't let something like your age hold you back from finding your passion and living your best life.
We hope that this article has ignited a fire and a desire in you to find your passion! You deserve to lead a happy and fulfilling life, so go ahead and strive for what you want!