Reflecting on Self to Discover Your Passion

In last week’s post, I covered what it takes to discover your passion and, hopefully, you completed the self-reflection/self-inventory exercise included within the post.

It is not enough to complete the exercise. The real work comes from reflecting on your answers. Reflecting allows you to carefully consider the significance of each question as it relates to your life. The most important thing to take from your inventory, is a better understanding of yourself—your morals, values and passions. As you read through and reflect on each of your answers, you will begin to see similarities and a common theme among them. Write down all of your common themes.

I'll use myself as an example. In question eight, you listed all careers that you have aspired for since you were a child.

My List Includes:

• Teacher
• Lawyer
• Fashion Designer
• Interior Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Event Planner
• Counselor
• Wedding Planner 

I know. At first glance, the above list may seem random, however all eight of the above professions can be grouped into two common themes—helping and creating with a bit of crossover.

The craziness above makes perfect sense for me. I love being creative. Creativity is one of my passions, but I also love helping others. Notice that within each category or theme, there may be differences among the careers that you chose.

To take it a step further, look at number 10: 

What are others always coming to you to receive advice or help with? Do you dread helping, or are you motivated to help? 

Again, using myself as an example, I have always been asked for help and advice on academic questions, career/resume help, and design/fashion advice. Out of my friends, everyone knows to come to me if they want help in their job search or need career related advice, academic help or simply need advice on what to wear to an event.

Each of my answers for number 10 corresponds in some way to my number eight themes. Though I tend to receive questions around similar themes, the types of questions asked determine whether I am motivated to help, or not. For example, if I am asked for help with a math equation, I will want  to help because I am a problem solver and I love helping others overcome obstacles. However, I will not be motivated  to help because I hate math. Yes, helping others is one of my passions, but math is not.

It’s extremely important for you to recognize those things in your life that you are motivated to do and those you dread participating in. Continue working through and reflecting on your list. Make notes on whatever jumps out at you. Remember, you don’t have to have only one passion. Multiple passions can combine to create something great! While you work through your list, think about your skills and how they relate to the things you enjoy doing. There may be activities on your list that you enjoy, but may not be great at performing. Think about those things. Are you willing to put in the time and constant effort to improve your skill? If so, make note of it. If not, then that skill or activity may work as a hobby for you.

Stay tuned for next weeks post! I'll be sharing my experience on finding a passion and landing a position in a career that I love. I will also give you insight on how to do the same for yourself!

Series Intro: Find Your Passion & Love Your Career!

Passion:¹ 

An intense desire or enthusiasm for something

Synonyms: fire, energy, love, appetite,

Meet Tasha.

Tasha and her boyfriend, Robert, are having dinner at their favorite restaurant. The dinner is going great, as usual, until Robert notices that Tasha is distracted. Tasha has officially checked out of her and Robert’s conversation and has checked into the conversation at the next table. As soon as someone uttered the three magic words, “today’s educational system,” Tasha’s focus completely shifted. She is instantly compelled to join in on the conversation and relay her input. This is nothing new to Robert since he knows how Tasha feels about the state of today’s educational system. She has books on the subject of education and loses track of time every time the subject comes up with friends and family.

It is very possible that Tasha is passionate about education and the state of the educational system. 

Why?

A passion is anything that ignites a fire in you and causes a desire to take action. When you are passionate about something, you tend to feel energized when talking about this thing, idea or subject. You also feel the same energy when acting out this same thing.

What do you believe Tasha should do about this passion? Does she have to become a teacher?

Most would think so, but no.

Suppose Tasha does not have the desire to be in a traditional classroom setting.

The Road Less Traveled.

Having a passion in a particular area, does not mean that you have to take the most obvious path. There are countless options available for Tasha to incorporate her passion into a career that she loves.  Yes, she could become a teacher, but she is not limited to that career path.

Here are a few other options for Tasha:

• Lobbyist for education on Capitol Hill
• Consultant to educational systems, schools, and/or teachers
• CEO of non-profit that focuses on helping students who do not receive quality education

 

You Have to Start Somewhere.

You see, your passion should simply be a starting place, do not feel limited by what you can do. Always think outside the box. Take into account your other skills and desires to see how you can make them work for you.  It is all about self reflection and really getting to know yourself what you like to do, what you love to do and what you hate doing. Once you really take an inventory of your needs, wants, talents and gifts, discovering your passion will be a piece of cake!

During the next few weeks, let's focus on your passion. More specifically, finding your passion and using it to create a career that you love.  We will explore and discover ways to convert your passion into a career! It is not too late. It does not matter what stage you are in your career or how old (or young) you are :-) .

Let me hear from you! What are you passionate about? Are you living out your passion?

“If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.”

                  -Tony Gaskins

Reference:

passion. Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. n.d. Web. 29 .Feb 2015 <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/passion>