I had never read the phrase “finding your passion” until high school. I programmed my head to stop thinking beyond pursuing a course in engineering. I was naive and didn’t have a clue about what engineers do. But I appeared for engineering entrance exams with great enthusiasm.

In my mind, my life was limited to get an entry into a premiere engineering institute. I got admit in an technical college and pursued an “electronics and instrumentation” engineering degree. I had no clue what I had put myself into.

Then I read about people loving what they do. That everyday must feel fulfilling and not tiresome. And my mind started wandering. I discovered that I do not like technical subjects. I was a creative free spirit. And I do not want to live the mundane 9-5 life.

That was my story of how I discovered that passion is an important component of life. And everybody needs to have one. The twenties is a great time for people to explore various avenues, change career paths and discover this passion thingy.

Why Finding Your Passion In Life Is Important

Before I talk about the steps to discover your passion, let me tell you why discovering this passion will help you in your life.

1. Pursuing your passion will make you feel great about yourself: Every individual is different and the conventional 9-5 job might not be your type. If you pursue the thing you love on a daily basis, you will have a high self-esteem.

2. You’ll realize your full potential: Every day you will strive to become better at your craft. You’ll practice with dedication and try to continuously add value through your talent. In a job not meant for you will probably not do as good as you can, because your heart lies elsewhere.

3. You’ll have an excitement filled life: The path towards chasing your passion will involve obstacles. It will not be a bed of roses. But the ride will be exciting. You’ll care and live for every single moment.

4. Leave a legacy: All of us have limited time in the world. And we want to make our contribution before leaving. How awesome would it be if you were remembered by the world as an expert in your favorite field, right?

How To Find Your Passion: The Two Possible Processes

Every person is different. Some like to take their chances. And some people like to make only rational decisions. Here are the two possible processes you can follow for finding your passion:

1. Go all in and create a sense of urgency

This is what I would do. You need to make your body realize the scarcity of time. Life is too short to keep doing a tedious job that you’ll leave in a couple of years.

So go to your boss today and tell them that you have had enough. And you want to quit. Yes, you need to do it just like that without a plan. This might not be smart, but you’ll end up searching for a more relevant interest in a field of your choice.

As your finances will also be cut off, you’ll end up finding a way to make money for sustaining yourself. Make sure you don’t apply for a similar though. This process is meant to accelerate the process of finding your passion and it is only for the brave heats.

2. Do it the conservative way

Okay, this is more of a safer option. Keep doing some research while you are working at your job. This should buy you some time to think about all the possibilities in detail. You can talk with professionals in other industries where you have slight interest.

You can start to pursue your new found interest part-time. Try to find out how you’ll monetize it. It will take months, but you will start generating income from it. Once you start making a stable income, quit your day job.

Five Ways To Find Your Purpose

Now that you fancy untangling the puzzle, let us have a look at some ways to finding your mojo.

1. You are already pursuing it

This Might sound very strange. But you must already be doing what you are supposed to do, just that you aren’t successful at it.

Being successful at your craft fuels your passion. Currently, you are at a nascent stage. And you need to get proficient at it. Passion is the result of action and involves difficulties. Always remember that passion in itself will not cause action, you’ve to take that.

All the “follow your passion”, “find your life purpose” advice has hit your head. Clean your mind and start working proactively. Continuously strive for growth and improve yourself on a daily basis.

Later in your 30s or 40s or 50s, you might want to change your career and that is fine. We all get 3-4 decades to perfect 3-4 skills. If the job you are doing makes you feel energetic and fulfills your soul, then there is no reason to find another passion.

2. Dare to explore

I am curious about many things in life. I want to understand the technicalities involved in music, writing, internet marketing, acting, etc. But I have seen many people that have presumably dull. They are silent spectators and limit themselves to appreciating the brilliant creations.

If you are curious, then it is great. If you are not, try to develop a child’s perspective. Question how things you like work. Maybe, the acting of a character in a TV Show? Or how KFC manages to deliver super delicious chicken every single time?

Embrace all weird and unconventional field questions. The lesser obvious fields of interest make you unique. They can unravel motivation and a deep desire to excel in the particular craft.

3. Financial aspects are secondary

You need to forget about money. It is always a side product of awesome work. If there were no money, then what would you like to do?

Money is secondary and you should care about it the least. If you become an expert, you can teach courses around your passion online. Or write articles on the subject or start a blog.

You need to practice your craft and become an expert in it. How will you earn from it? You’ll do it on your own terms. You will find the answers for yourself.

4. Write the answer to these questions on a piece of paper:

What would you start doing today if you were to die in a year from now?

Who are the people you admire and what the traits you like about them?

How would you like the world to remember you?

5. Take a career personality test

You should get a general overview of your qualities by taking a Briggs Mayer personality test. There are 16 personalities and your behavior will match one of them.

I am an ENFP and my behavior matches to the points listed. I take impulsive decisions and do what my gut feeling tells me to without rationale. I like starting projects, but am bad at finishing them. I get energy by interacting with people.

The results from this test will also show you certain career paths. And this can be the start of your ideal job/career research.

But the results aren’t the end of the world. Being aware of your instincts will put you in a better position to judge how you want your daily life. You’ll be able to paint a better picture and get closer to your passion.

Additionally, you can take this test; it will help you identify some career possibilities basis of behavior.

Changing Careers And Landing Into An Unfamiliar Territory

If your personality does not blend with your profession, you might need to change it. You have to chase something bigger than your job and feel lively when doing your thing. Let me tell you that it might feel lonely and stupid. You’ll doubt every step when transitioning to a different career stream.

Say if you decide to become an entrepreneur from being an analyst. You will battle questions like, what will happen if I fail as a musician, how I will manage to sustain myself, etc.

But, adaptability is the key in this ever changing job landscape. Finding the right career fit will take some trails and it is a part of the transition. Embrace it.

Overall:

Stay positive, focused, and accept uncertainty.

Living for a higher purpose in life is vital. You are meant to achieve awesome things in a field that blends with your personality. Following your passion will involve trails, it will not be a smooth journey.

Do not wait for the right moment and frown about unavailability of resources.

You are responsible for your life decisions. And you need to take the plunge for adding meaning to your life. Use one of the 5 ways I mentioned in the post to discover your passion.

Let me know your thoughts on passion and if you are already living it using the comments box below.