How many of us can honestly say that we’re “passionate” about our business or chosen profession? If I’m honest with myself, I can admit to feeling “passionate” for a fleeting moment at the beginning of a project. Then somehow I derail opportunities to experience that passion due to the list of “should haves, would haves and could haves” that clog my brain. While I’m passionate about my career and job, I don’t always experience that passion on a regular basis.
To have passion, we need to re-connect with the experiences that matter most to us. The most successful people are passionate about solving a problem that matters to them. Whether you are thinking of starting a new business or you want to reinvent yourself or jumpstart a career, you can re-discover what inspires you and create your own sense of passion.
Pay attention to what you are doing when you have time for your self.
What do you find yourself craving? Pay attention to where you let yourself wander at the bookstore or in your mind. Sometimes, the things you find yourself doing to relax or unwind are the things you are naturally good at. You might say, baking gluten free cupcakes isn’t really a passion, it’s a hobby. Don’t judge your true sense of longing – just keep baking your cupcakes and you may discover activities that bring you peace can also be a source of passion.
Make a list of all the things you remember enjoying as a child.
The things you loved as a kid are probably still things you love today. Read your list out loud and see what creates a sense of yearning. Let your self play with blocks or doodle with markers again. If your list is full of experiences that create a sense of excitement, then set an intention to do those things and put them on your to-do list. Observe how you feel after these experiences and take note without judging or analyzing.
Let your self explore and experiment with new ideas and opportunities.
If you can’t come up with anything, then ask the people who know you best what they think you’re good at. What do people compliment you for? Maybe you have a knack for planning the perfect birthday party on a shoestring budget or you’re the friend everyone calls when they’re having a bad day. Listening to someone you respect list your positive traits and abilities can help you re-connect with your own natural talents and inclinations.
Now take a look at the experiences and personal attributes you’ve compiled.
Next start doing the things on this list on a regular basis, even if they aren’t remotely related to your current career objective. Don’t wait for the right time or circumstances to try something new. Do what you enjoy now even if you can’t figure out how it might become part of your business or career.
The “right moment” doesn’t ever show up on our doorstep. We create our own ability to experience passion. The more we give ourselves permission to do the things we are passionate about, the more abundant they are in our every day lives and our business.
