A good new year’s resolution is re-igniting that fire. I’ve always been hearing colleagues of mine being pumped about bringing something new into their passions. It must be nice being really hyped to make some time for something they care about.
Then it hit me: What IS my passion?
I just have a nine-to-five job, with me sleeping-in on weekends – I’m happy. I know I’m not missing something… but they keep asking me: “What are those little things you are passionate about?” or “Have you thought of doing this or that…”.
The society today craves for creativity and freedom, pressuring some of us to find our passion even if we’re perfectly fine with a standardized job. They say pursuing your passion will give you your true happiness but It’s hard to find a ‘purpose’ or to ‘pursue a happiness’ if you don’t even know what it is. Is it simply a hobby? Is it a lifestyle? Is it a material thing like money?
Recently I’ve come across an article in The Huffington Post; it said that Only YOU would know what passion is. Jaimee Ratliff, Founder of ThisWayNorth.net, shares some tips on how you can find that fire:
1. “When you’re on the journey to figuring out what you love most, this is one of the most crucial steps, and it’s actually quite simple. Do things. Do a lot of things. It’s better to have lots of options and interests than none at all.”
2. “The secret to getting unstuck isn’t hard at all. Stop doing what you hate and begin taking the steps to doing what you love. You don’t have to feel confined to a box and you shouldn’t worry about being defined by one thing.”
3. “If it seems as if your friends are further along in their career or like they have it all figured out, nine times out of 10 I can assure you they don’t have it all figured out no matter how many filters they use on those pictures.”
4. “Fear is the ultimate buzz kill. It can convince you to pass up some of the most amazing opportunities all because you can’t see past taking that first step.”
5. “Time is passing by fast and according to our checklist, we were supposed to be knee deep in our passion by age 25. The reality is, for some of us, this takes a bit longer than our expectations want to accept.”
6. “When you are truly passionate about something, you do it because you genuinely love doing it first and then you figure out how to make a living from it.”
7. “Spend less time explaining or rationalizing your goals and dreams and surround yourself with people who can propel you further while you’re busy working toward understanding your passion.”
It may be tomorrow or today, but we need to stay away from the pressures of what other people say if it only makes you miserable about who you really are. Being true to yourself, you’ll ultimately find what makes you the happiest. It’s hard work, but nothing could be more rewarding. Let’s have a new start this 2016!