Find Your Passion: 11 Tips to Find Things to be Passionate About

Find Your Passion: 11 Tips to Find Things to be Passionate About

Here are 11 things to do to discover your passion:

• self-explore
• try new things
• revisit old hobbies
• consider your skills and strengths
• make a list
• travel
• seek inspiration
• connect with like-minded people
• volunteer your time
• remember your dreams
• practice patience 

Got a moment or two where you wonder, “what am I really passionate about?” or “how can I find the things that make me go ‘YES!’?” You’re not alone. A lot of us want to be passionate about something, to find that “thing” we can pour our heart and soul into. Thing is, discovering your passion isn’t always as straightforward as we’d like. 

Let’s first understand what passion is. Passion is when you really, really love doing something and think it’s super important. There are two kinds: obsessive and harmonious. Obsessive passion happens when you feel like you have to do that thing because it’s a big part of who you are. It can make you feel stressed and stuck. Harmonious passion is when you choose to do that thing because you genuinely enjoy it. This type is healthier and makes you feel good. Some studies with over 900 people showed that these two types of passion are real and can affect how we feel. [source: Les passions de l’ame: on obsessive and harmonious passion]

No worries, though. Personal growth’s all about learning new things, shaking things up, and asking, “what are you passionate about?” It’s a journey of trial and error, patience, and discovering mindfulness. Once you ignite that spark and find things in your life that bring you joy, things you’re passionate about, you’ll find it’s worth it. You’ll feel fulfilled and alive, ready to conquer the world. 

Sometimes I envy the people who feel so passionate about something they get out and march or protest. Seeing people who are so fired up, so immersed in their cause, it’s hard not to feel a pang of envy. But remember - they didn’t wake up one day with that passion stamped on their forehead. They explored, took risks, and stepped out of their comfort zone. And you can, too. 

Here is how!

1. Self-Explore

Alright, let’s kick things off with some serious self-discovery.

If you’re not sure what you’re passionate about in life, it’s time to have a straight talk with the person who knows you best - you. The trick is to set aside time, be honest with yourself, and make things happen.

Feeling a little vague? Start by asking yourself what’s the one thing that could make you wake up early, ready to conquer. What makes your heart race? That’s the sweet spot right there. That might be the place where you’ll find your passion in life.

Love health and fitness? Maybe becoming passionate about improving the well-being of others is for you. Did I ever mention how Tony Robbins, the big-time life coach, started? He asked himself what he was passionate about this year, took steps to pursue it, and voilà - he’s now practically synonymous with personal growth.

Can’t pinpoint a major passion? No problem. Take pleasure in the things you enjoy, and you know what? Something that’s chill but makes you happy could be your true passion.

Remember, passions aren’t limited to giant causes or high-octane hobbies. You might discover that decluttering your life or volunteering at an animal shelter gets your blood pumping. And there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s pretty awesome!

2. Try New Things

Alright, second stop on this ride - stepping out of your comfort zone. You’ve got to shake things up, my friend. A little bit of novelty magic can spark a passion you didn’t know was in you.

Listen, I get it. We’re creatures of comfort, and leaving what’s familiar can feel daunting. But hey, it’s about the thrill of the unknown, the “let’s see where this goes” feeling. So, if you’ve got a vague idea about a hobby you might like or a skill you fancy learning, now’s the time to work on it. Been putting off that photography course? Go for it. Always wanted to bake a perfect soufflè? Flip open that cookbook, and preheat your oven. Thought about creating a website? There’s a world of tutorials waiting for you.

Maybe you’ll even get excited about reading more articles, exploring relevant literature or journals. It’s okay if they come with affiliate links. As long as you do your own research before making any online purchases, you’re good to go. After all, anything you buy that helps you develop new skills or interests is an investment in yourself.

Remember, we’re not trying to become overnight experts here. It’s about feeling the rush of doing something new, something different. Whether it’s conquering the stress of public speaking, embracing the energy of a salsa dance, or busting anxiety with yoga, the goal is to explore, feel inspired and take pleasure in the process.

3. Revisit Old Hobbies

We’re now boarding time machine express! Next stop - flashback city to your old hobbies.

Ever think back on the things you used to be passionate about in your life? Those passions you tucked away in memory’s cabinet might still have some life in them. That comic book collection gathering dust? The guitar you used to strum? Or that coding language you dabbled in back in the day? Yeah, those.

Reviving an old hobby may be the spark to help you find your true passion, you know? It won’t hurt to give it a shot. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll rekindle some of the joy you used to feel.

By revisiting the things you loved before, you’re likely to have a more nuanced appreciation for them now. You may be passionate about them in different ways, for different reasons. And that’s cool. The things to be passionate about aren’t static, they evolve.

Here’s a simple worksheet-style table you could use:

It’s just about jotting down your past hobbies, reminiscing what drew you in initially, considering what might have caused you to drop it and finally, assessing if you could revisit it. Then you can go out and try them!

4. Consider Your Skills and Strengths

Time to consider them superpowers of yours. Yeah, let’s talk about those things you’re naturally good at – your skills, your strengths.

It’s simple, really. You’re less stressed and anxious when you’re doing something you’re naturally talented at. Makes sense, right? You’re in your groove, working with your grain, not against it. This could be the secret sauce to help you transition from “just for fun” to a passion project that both fuels you and makes a positive impact.

Just think about the possibilities. Got a knack for making folks laugh? Maybe you’ll become the next big standup comedian or even host your own podcast. Good with numbers? Who’s to say you won’t develop a revolutionary financial model? Trust me, when you realize the things you’re good at and align them with the things you love, you’ll see a shift. And, it feels good!

Romantic poet William Wordsworth said it best: “To begin, begin.” So, don’t overthink it. Make a list of your strengths, things you can spend your days doing without feeling overwhelmed.

Then, consider – are there similar passions or hobbies that align with these skills? Can you imagine turning that thing you’re great at into something more meaningful, maybe even a career?

If it doesn’t work out - no biggie. There’s no colossal “you’ll never” here. Remember, this is about exploration, not pressure. This is about discovering and developing your passions. And who knows, in doing so, you might stumble upon a path that makes your heart sing!

5. Make a Passion List

Let’s talk lists, my friend. Specifically, a passion list. The concept’s simple. No rocket science here. It’s just about jotting down things we love. Sounds fun, right? Plus, it’s a super chill way to take the next steps in this passion discovering game of ours.

So, grab a pen, boot up that laptop, heck, even take a can of spray paint to a wall (well, maybe not that last one unless it’s legal). But you get the gist.

Take a moment to chat with yourself. Ask, “Self, what am I passionate about?” Are you drawn to art, music, helping others, speaking languages, or anything else that tickles your fancy? Jot it down. Don’t judge, don’t censor, just pour it all out.

Explore more articles, read journals or relevant literature that piques your interest. A new hobby you want to try? Add it to your list. A cause that makes your heart ache? That goes on there too.

Lists like this are more about self-reflection and less about constructing a to-do list. Consider this a journey of understanding, growth and self-appreciation. ‘Cause, let’s face it - you’re pretty awesome.

Keep this list close. Keep adding to it, revisit it and tweak it. More than anything, look for patterns. You might just discover a common thread you never realized before, a thread that ties together the many things you love. This is where you’ll find your nuanced way to pursue your passion.

6. Travel

You know what they say, “Adventure is just outside your window.” Change of scenery, even if it’s just a new neighborhood or city can kindle curiosity and spark joy. We’re talking local, not just Tibetan mountains or Bali forests.

Ever visited that little park around the corner, or the new café downtown? Swap your regular trail for a new one. You don’t have to shell out on pricey plane tickets to discover something fresh. Who knows, your new passion might be hiding in plain sight, just two blocks away.

Taking in new environments can shift your perspective, shake up your routine, and make you feel alive. It’s as raw and real as it gets. Go catch that sunrise, hike that trail, explore that farmers’ market. Ready to pack your adventure spirit?

7. Seek Inspiration

Inspiration is all around us; you just gotta open yourself to it. You see, the mind’s like a sponge. The more you feed it uplifting and engaging content, the more nourished it becomes. Start with books that move you or podcasts that pique your interest.

Consume knowledge like your favorite comfort food. Attend that workshop you’ve been thinking about, or find meet-ups with people who share your interests. You’ll feel fuelled and pumped. And who knows, this could incite a passion you never even knew existed. Sounds exciting, right? So, go ahead and dive right in.

8. Connect with Like-minded People

Ever noticed how enthusiasm can be infectious? When you connect with people who are passionate about what they do, it’s like getting a natural high. Their energy, their love for what they do, the way their face lights up - it rubs off.

Look around your circles, your network. Engage with those who inspire, motivate, and elevate you. Join clubs, online communities, or local groups. Feel the room’s electricity and allow it to ignite your own spark. You never know, their fire could help light your flame.

Remember, finding the things you love, that’s what matters. It’s about developing your passions, giving you a place to belong. You’ve got this! Onwards and upwards, mate!

9. Volunteer Your Time

Look, ain’t nothing glamorous about getting your hands dirty, but that’s what you gotta do. Put yourself out there and help someone else out. No agenda, just you doing something good. Maybe, you’re serving up spaghetti at the local shelter or hammering nails in a new home for someone who can’t afford one. You ever feel that pull in your chest, right by your heart? Real deep down, yeah that one. When something irks you, twists something there. That’s your heart giving you a sign. Pay attention to it. It’s saying here’s a problem you care a hell lot about, buddy. Figure it out, okay?

10. Remember Your Dreams

Now, rewind the clock back to when you were a snot-nosed kid. The world was yours, yeah? You could be a fireman, a spaceman jetting off to Mars, a prima ballerina, hell, even a talking mouse. Everything was fair game. So, what sending your tiny heart racing? What was you dreaming about when you chasing around fireflies in the backyard? Find that, dig deep into your memories, that’s your hidden passion still lurking there. Might be childish, might be wild, who cares? It’s yours, ain’t it?

11. Practice Patience: 

Don’t be hustling through life like you’re late for a paycheck. Hold on, breathe. This stuff takes time. You find your passion, it’s like solving the world’s most twisted jigsaw puzzle. The feeling? Unbeatable. But getting there, it ain’t a race. More like a lazy stroll on a Sunday afternoon if you ask me. Keep poking around, keep asking questions, keep the fires burning, got it? You’ll get there, I promise. ‘Til then, have patience, okay? Kick back, trust life. It’s all part of the ride.

Now that we’ve walked a mile in your shoes, let’s wrap this show. Remember, we aimed to put your passion center stage. So, let’s recap the big guns: Exploring yourself, trying new things, resurrecting old hobbies, and giving some serious thought to your skills. Been striking down notes? Good. These are gold nuggets, my friend. 

We went from “make a passion list” to “Adventure’s right outside your window” to “Inspiration’s yours for the taking”. Next, we learned the importance of connecting with folks who light your fire and the potential that volunteering holds. Know that there’s magic in revisiting your childhood dreams and it’s crucial to pack some patience in your back pocket. Now, that’s our 10 ways roadmap served up. Be it personal or professional development, this guide won’t let you down.

Look, we don’t do things in a jiffy or live life without passion, right? Stress and anxiety can take a toll on our physical well-being, kill enthusiasm. So, don’t shy away, dive right into these tips on how to find that something – that purpose. It’s about finding a hobby, a passion with a nuanced approach, something that’ll make you feel alive. If you’ve ever asked what you are passionate about, or what you want to accomplish, this guide, my friend, is your broad daylight. Sure, indeed.com’s there for job hunting but you want more. Find a way to make passion your day job. So, tie your laces tight, you’re here to make the world your oyster.

If you want to get started with discovering your passion, but don’t know where to start - check out my self-help contract that you can sign with yourself to get you in the right direction.

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