"a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything."
Empty space, drag to resize
Well, that’s the question, isn’t it? Everyone has a different understanding of what passion means. For some, it’s simply what they’re “in to,” while for others, it’s their “destiny” or “calling”.
I try to keep it simple. For me, passion is something that gives me joy. For me, that’s teaching. I figured that out by asking myself five questions.
Empty space, drag to resize
Ask yourself these five questions.
Empty space, drag to resize
Is there something you do that you get lost in? Do you often find you lose track of time while you're doing it?
Do your family, friends, or colleagues tell you you're good at something? Are you the go-to person for something? If Susan needs a spreadsheet, does she come to you? If Harold is fixing his deck, does he ask for your advice?
How does it make you feel to do that activity? If someone asks you what you like about doing it, what would you say?
Write it down.
Empty space, drag to resize
Does someone make you feel jealous? Envious? Do you often feel annoyed when a certain someone is talking about their happiness or lifestyle? If so, you want to examine that. What specifically about that person makes you feel that way? What are they talking about when you start feeling annoyed?
Write it down.
Empty space, drag to resize
Think back. What did you do a lot of and really enjoy as a child? Why? How did it make you feel?
Childhood is free from inhibition. When you're a child, you seek pleasure in all things. You don't care what your parents or friends will think. You do what makes you happy. And you try to draw others into the activity too. You'll never be freer than you were as a child.
Write it down.
Empty space, drag to resize
What about when you browse the internet? Do you peruse a certain section of the store when you go shopping?
Do you ever catch yourself daydreaming? What about?
Write it down.
Empty space, drag to resize
This one is harder to answer than you might think. A lot of people immediately say they want to travel. Ok. Where to? For how long? How many beaches do you think you can sit on before you get bored?
Take your time with this one. Really visualize what your days will look like. Think about what you’ll be doing in a year from now. Two years. Five. Really try to paint a picture of your perfect life. Make it detailed.
Write it down.
Empty space, drag to resize
Now read through what you wrote.
Your passion might not be obvious the first time you go through these questions. Try digging deeper each time you go through the process. Talk to friends and family about it. They'll likely have some insight you aren't thinking about. It might also be obvious to them after reading your answers.
Give it a try.
Empty space, drag to resize
