Wednesday, October 22, 2014

5 Ways To Find Your Passion



If you’re like me, you struggle making any decision, let alone deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life. Sure, you may have a few degrees under your belt, but unless you are one of the very lucky ones, you still are unsure of what you want to be when you “grow up.” For me, this has been something that has always troubled me. You may be wondering what your passions even are. Or maybe you’ve realized your passions, but don’t know what step to take next. I have passions, sure. But how can I turn these passions into my career and my livelihood? These questions are not easy to answer, and may take years of confusion and experimentation to figure out. However, here are a few simple steps that might help hasten the process.

1.  Take a walk. For me, walking is a real pleasure. It’s a perfect time to be alone with your thoughts and sort things out. Even better: take a walk without your music. Take in the sounds around you. Let them speak to you. Don’t try to block out the world with your tunes; it’s there to guide you. Take this time to think, and as a bonus, you’re doing something good for your body, too. There’s something about a nice long walk in nature that’s kind of like setting the refresh button on my body and mind. Maybe that’s exactly what you need to start thinking clearly and to start being the YOU you want to be. 

    2. Write in your journal. Just sit down with an open notebook and free write. Try not to have anything in mind when you write. Just write and see where it takes you. I find that when I do this, I usually end up writing about my passions without even planning it. When my brain gets in these modes, it’s usually hard to stop. Ideas pop up and excitement ensues. Write down these ideas; turn them into goals.

3. Do something you love. I find that when I immerse myself in something I truly love, I lose myself in inspiration. My mind is free of my troubles and anxieties and is able to focus on things that make me happy and fulfilled. Maybe one of your passions is painting. Whip out that easel and canvas and get to work. Let your mind take you to your happy place. Pay attention to what that happy place is. Wouldn’t it be nice to build your future out of that place?

4. Read. Once you’ve figured out some of your passions, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about it. Read whatever you can to educate yourself. Your brain craves learning; don’t deprive it. Just because you may be done with school does not mean that you are done learning.  When I’m passionate about something, I like to read as much as I can on the subject. It turns out the more I read, the more passion I feel. You can never know too much about something that takes up such a big part of your heart. Besides, your reading may lead you to more ideas on how to turn that passion into a career.

   5. Take action. Take some of the ideas that you have formed in your thinking, journaling and reading and put them down on paper. Use these ideas to create small, attainable goals. Come up with a timeline for yourself. Pretend it’s an actual assignment, and get to work. Don’t be too easy on yourself. This is your life in your hands. Take care of it. Work towards these goals and you will work towards a future filled with passion.



      
      So, who’s with me? It’s time to take control. No one wants to live a life void of passion. If you’re with me, and you are on a journey of finding yourself and your purpose in this world, then take these few steps and write down some goals. Let’s do this! Let’s find our happiness and live it. xoxo.

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