These suggestions are everywhere, embroidered on throw pillows and hung on walls in pastel colors and whimsical fonts.
But seriously, how does someonereallyfigure out what their passions are?
I was well into my 30s before it all came together for me.
Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images
But my life didn’t feelrightbecause I felt lacking in purpose.
I added a nutrition certification to my B.A.
It’s been over a decade since then.
I’ve never looked back, and I’ve never been happier.
Why Finding Your Passions is Important
You’ll feel more fulfilled.
It’s good for your mental health.
You’ll have more energy and motivation.
“Passionfuels motivation, making pushing through challenges easier and staying dedicated to your goals.
What childhood activities did I love?
Sometimes, our childhood eagerness can provide clues to what still excites us today,” says Farmani.
What would I do if time and money weren’t factors?
“This is a question that can help us dream big,” saysDr.
Patrice Le Goy, PhD, MBA, LMFT.
Farmani suggests, “Imagine a life without financial or time constraints.”
He says, “this can help uncover your most genuine desires, free from practical concerns.”
How do I want to be remembered?
“you could change someones life for the better with the smallest acts,” she reminds us.
What do others tell me I’m good at?
It took others pointing out my culinary skills for me to understand they were notable.
What problems do I want to solve?
These can be large societal problems or small annoyances you notice impede your life and that of others.
Additionally, operating from a place of helping others can make us feel better about ourselves and the world.
“Passion often arises from a desire to make a difference,” notes Farmani.
What am I scared to try?
It might feel unnatural tolean into fear, but it’s worth taking a look at.
Where have I wanted to travel?
What career did I dream of as a child?
Where do my values lie?
Think about what’s important to you ethically, and be honest with yourself about it.
This is another question that could lead you to a volunteer opportunity.
What would I do if I couldn’t fail?
Taking the stress out of the equations can open your mind to new possibilities.
“If fear of failure didn’t exist, what would you pursue?”
is what Farmani suggests asking yourself.
What do I see others doing that I feel envious of?
We generally think of envy as a negative trait, but it’s there to give us a message.
One of your passions may be in their activities.
What hobbies make me the happiest?
and go from there.
What if you didn’t worry about what others thought of you?
Think about what you’d do with your life if that wasn’t a concern.
You might surprise yourself!
If you take potential embarrassment out of the equation, the world has a lot more to offer.
When do I feel the most content?
Think back to the times when you have felt the most peaceful and at ease.
That sense of contentment could lead you to have a better idea of what your passions are.
What do I enjoy learning about?
We all know when we’re interested inlearningabout a subject.
you might tell by the fact that it feels fun, not boring, and not like a chore.
Farmani says to ask yourself specifically, “what subjects or skills do you feel most curious about?”
What does my perfect day look like?
Daydreamingis perfect for this question!
Consider what an ideal day looks like to you.
Le Goy says to view this through the lens of presuming all your needs have been met first.
What topics am I naturally drawn to?
These are often known as special interests.
“Reflect on what consistently captures your attention,” suggests Farmani.
How do I most easily pass the time?
What has life taught me?
Life lessons can lead us directly to our passions, or it can be a circuitous route.
What struggles have you faced and overcome?
Where did life challenge you, but you persevered?
Think instead about what others have commented on you surviving, and how that has impacted you.
What would I regret not trying?
Everyone has regrets, and there’s no going back and fixing our mistakes.
However, we have the power to prevent regrets centered around what we didn’t do.
“Think about what you might regret if you never pursued it,” recommends Farmani.
What do I daydream about?
They’re anything but that!
Instead, they can lead us right to our passions.
“Pay attention to your daydreams,” instructs Farmani.
“What scenarios, places, or experiences do you imagine often?
These dreams can provide powerful insights into your passions,” he adds.
Is anyone holding me back from my dreams?
This is a great opportunity to think both realistically and through the lens of daydreaming.
What have my biggest disappointments been?
What do I admire in others?
We all have traits we appreciate in other people, and there can be a lot to that.
“Think about the people you admire most,” says Farmani.
Ask yourself, “what qualities, talents, or pursuits do they have that you find inspiring?”
He says that “these can reflect aspects of your own ambitions waiting to be discovered.”
If I could start over, what would I do differently?
Here we come full circle.
Where would you have focused?
What would you have changed?
Caltabiano ML.Measuring the similarity among leisure activities based on a perceived stress-reduction benefit.Leisure Studies.
1994;13(1):17-31.
2023;77(5):293.
