Finding your passion isn’t as straightforward while you think.
What do you want to do with your lifetime? What are you most passionate about? What's your life purpose?
If those questions totally freak you out of trouble, you're not alone. In fact, you're probably in the majority of the population who are looking for their passion.
A 2021 study released by Deloitte’s Center for that Edge showed that only 13 percent from the U.S. workforce is passionate about their jobs.
Granted, the “passion question” won't only relate to your work, but since most of us spend a big chunk of our life there, it's certainly important to consider.
You won't find a secret, system, or book to lead you to your passion. However, you can certainly play with different questions to shed some light about this big issue.
Here are 5 steps to finding your passion in life.
1. Remember that which you loved to do as a kid.
This one's a vintage, though distinctly different from, “What did you want to be when you grew up?”
Everyone had those starry-eyed dreams of being a ballet dancer or perhaps a basketball star or a doctor. And, yes, some of the people you might actually have followed through on.
But the real answer often lies in those areas that you have forgotten or set aside because you got the message somewhere along the line that they were unrealistic, impractical, or unacceptable.
In her book, Now What: 90 Days to a New Life Direction, Oprah coach Laura Berman Fortgang calls those “interrupted dreams” and urges us to mine the memories there.
Maybe you spent hours drawing, writing, or creating elaborate scenarios with your dolls or action figures. Create time to explore some of those again – maybe with a class or volunteering for any local theater or hospital.
The key is to act on those memories and experiment with them, not just to remember them fondly!
2. Have a couple of psychological/personality assessments.
There’s definitely a slew of them – StengthFinders, DiSC, and Myers-Briggs are just a few. They'll give you a sense of your strengths and natural abilities, often highlighting those you've taken for granted.
How often have you dismissed a quality of yours with, “Oh, everyone does that,” or, “Anyone can do that.” And the answer is, no, actually, that isn't a universal personality trait, but instead a special gift you should take advantage of!
That said, you also want to remember that simply because you have a talent for something, doesn't invariably mean it's your passion.
You probably know someone – hopefully not yourself – who got seduced into a career just because they were “good at it.”
Like the accountant who's terrific with numbers, but always wanted to write music. Or the scientist who's always loved decorating her friends' homes.
Once you actually hone in your passion, make sure to incorporate it into your life somewhere, particularly if it's not already your day-to-day work.
3. Look for a “theme” in your life.
What's on your bookshelves? What movies would you love? What are the favorite interests that keep showing up at each stage of your life?
Fortgang calls these “golden threads,” and like interrupted dreams, they can really be a neon sign pointing you to definitely your hidden passion.
For example, I loved reading myths from other cultures when I was a kid. All those Greek, Norse, and Hindu gods and goddesses totally captivated me.
That slowly evolved into a fascination with ancient history to the point that one of my most memorable studies in high school was in the traditional city of Pompeii.
I even considered majoring in archeology when I was applying to college. I finished up getting my B.A. and M.A. in psychology, which was, fortunately, another passion!
Fast-forward about 20 years when I was leaving the corporate world and trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I was introduced to the concept of the divine feminine, which sucked me – in the best possible way – back into the world of goddesses.
I've been leading women's circles ever since then, with a different goddess statue in the center every month.
What's your “golden thread” story? And if you haven't got one yet, how will you now pick up that strand of gold?
4. When do you lose track of time?
Have you ever been so involved in an activity or project that you simply forgot to eat? When was the last time you stayed up to the wee hours because you were so engrossed in a book?
Maybe it’s because you're on the crazy deadline or are totally swept away by terrific storytelling. Or sometimes, it is because you're addicted to a video game or binging a T.V. show.
But that isn't what this is about. Take particular notice at those activities in your life whenever you forget to watch the clock.
Maybe it's researching a topic that fascinates you – much like me and my goddesses. Or taking your dogs out on a walk and getting lost in the woods. If you're passionate about a sport or hobby, you can get blissfully transported by that, too.
The idea is not that you'll suddenly drop everything and embrace that time-warping activity full time. Instead, find ways to consciously and consistently bring those activities into your life on a regular basis.
Even if you can't be immersed in your passion 24/7, it can still give your heart and soul some powerful sustenance.
5. Heart-storm with someone who loves you and knows you well.
The caveat here's that they also agree to challenge you and be honest with you.
What do they see as your greatest gifts? When have they observed you at your most “jazzed,” doing something which makes you absolutely shine?
They do not have to completely understand your passion – they merely have to be willing to reflect back what they see and support you on your path.
In the iconic words of scholar and mythologist Joseph Campbell, they should be able to encourage you to “follow your bliss.” That secret sauce that helps you reach maximum joy, fulfillment, and purpose in your lifetime.
When I was working on my Master’s degree, my dad struggled to understand the topics I was researching: feminist psychology, transformative ritual, astrology, and goddess spirituality.
But he didn't mock me or belittle things i was doing. He just shook his head and smiled and said, “I don't get it, but if it makes you content, go for it.”
And the night that he died, there is a copy of my most recent paper on his bedside table – he really was trying!
Who are those people in your lifetime who will give you unconditional support and honesty while you search for your passion?
Remember that Deloitte study – your passion is most likely not what you're doing to make money. But i am not saying you can't find your bliss and abide by it in other areas of your life.
I've never forgotten the woman I met years ago (though I've lost her name on the way) whose passion was working with youth at risk. She volunteered at a center almost every night, arriving after a full day at work.
But, what really stood out was how enthusiastic she also involved her “day job,” because it gave her the liberty – and money – to pursue her real passion.
So, within the words of American poet Mary Oliver, “What exactly is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Uncover your passion, embrace it, and let it inhabit your life.
