What is passion?
Passion can be defined as an activity that elicits enthusiasm, excitement, and joy. It gives a sense of purpose and a deeper meaning. It is often driven by an intrinsic motivation. Passion usually aligns with personal values and desires. Unlike a hobby, passion is more intense, requires more energy and time commitment. However, hobby can turn into a passion.
There are many activities you can be passionate about, such as: your work, writing stories, making others laugh, playing an instrument, singing, drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, pottery, jogging, climbing, building rockets, dancing, learning, reading books, travelling, taking photos, designing, personal development, helping others, taking care of pets, gardening, to name just a few.
I don’t have a passion…
While talking about finding one’s passion, some people might get sceptical and say: “I have tried, but I can’t come up with anything I would be passionate about,” “There is no such a thing for me,” or “What if I never find something so great to keep me hooked in?”
Society, social media, popular culture can put pressure to find the passion by offering trends and colourful ideas in abundance. It can get overwhelming and even create a message that interests are an indication of one’s identity. It is not the purpose of it at all. While passion can be helpful with expressing one’s true self; a lack of passion does not deprive you of it.
The word passion is a big one. So, it can create certain expectations for people trying to find it. How about substituting it with something else, like for example: a meaningful activity? It can be anything that gives you satisfaction. It is not about making it loud, shiny, spectacular, and popular. Conversely, passions might be old-fashioned, quiet, and private.
You can be passionate about finding your “thing.” It is not a finite project. As life changes, soare you. It is perfectly normal to discover new things for yourself and leave old interests behind.
What makes it difficult to find your passion?
- Comparing yourself to others who already have it.
- Striving for perfection and having unrealistic expectations.
- Listening to criticism and allowing it to be your inner voice.
- Putting pressure on yourself to make it extraordinary, exceptional, and ooh and aah.
- Being impatient with yourself.
- Anxious thoughts (i.e., “I am not good enough,” “What if they don’t like it?” “Either I will be great at it or a total failure,” or “I can never find something special.”)
- Being afraid of the unknown and having low tolerance of uncertainty.
- Having too many commitments, duties, and deadlines and hence too little free time.
- Thinking about a passion as another to-do thing.
What passion is NOT
- Winning vs. losing
- An unpleasant obligation
- A fake interest to impress others
- Others idea of who you should be and what things you should be interested in
- Your entire worth as a human being
Pros of having a passion
- It can act as a stress coping strategy and help reduce anxiety.
- Creates bonding opportunities and enables finding new friends.
- It can benefit others in many ways, for example by providing care.
- Strengthens resilience and can become a source of inner power.
- Gives an opportunity for a lifetime learning and a personal growth.
- Gives a sense of agency, competency, and a better self-esteem.
- Adds an extra flavour to life.
Tips for finding your passion
Reflect on yourself. What did you like as a child or as a teenager? What would you like to be still doing in a few years? What strengths do you already possess? What gives you positive vibes? You know yourself best, so do look inside.
Search for ideas in your environment. Read books and watch movies, go to workshops, join exhibitions, go for trips or expeditions.
Try to find a mentor – a person that might guide you towards finding your passion. Who do you admire? What characteristics do they have? What do they do? How did they get there? Look around and see if there might be such a person in your environment that you look up to. Connect with like-minded individuals: learn from them, ask questions, exchange ideas, observe them. Stay inspired by people who share your interests and values.
Accept that this is a trial-and-error process. Hence you might be wandering, doubting, and sometimes getting discouraged. This is a part of the journey. Do not give up. Knowing what you do not like is also important, in that way you can rule out things that you do not want to pursue for sure.
Be patient and present. Listen, observe, and engage. Give yourself time to find your answers and inspirations.
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