"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." ~1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“When you have a passion for something then you tend not only to be better at it, but you work harder at it too.” ~Vera Wang

There is definitely something inside most of us that longs to live out our passion. We don’t just want a job, or even just a career. We want something that really brings us joy, and lights up our life. This is why there are so many books, courses, and coaches who specialize in helping us find that passion.

I truly believe our passion can and should be something that we find, use in our life, that changes over time, and that we can return to over and over again. It’s not just one thing but it can be a driving force, an inspiration and something worth chasing. In my own life, I love looking for areas of passion, subjects that I love, and activities that inspire me! In this blog, I am hoping to give you tools that will help you find your passion and tips on how to follow it. 

WHAT WILL I BE WHEN I GROW UP

The number one question that grown-ups will ask kids without fail, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I honestly do NOT think this is a fair question. How on earth is anyone supposed to answer that question, let alone a kid? But I don’t really know what we should be asking instead. My answers to this question over the years ranged in great variety, based on how old I was and what I was most interested in at the time. I’m sure you and I probably share a lot of similar ideas: teacher, professional dancer, writer, stay at home mom, veterinarian, designer, etc. 

What I have come to understand is that this is a question that many of us will struggle with for a long time. We might think we have lighted upon the answer of what we will be when we grow up, but the truth is that it can change, fluctuate and morph into something new. Or maybe we start out with one career path, and through circumstances beyond our control we wind up in a different field. 

I think this is why I have come to believe that our passion and our career can be completely different. Of course, if you are very lucky, they might be linked! Your passion, your career and your life lining up together. For many of us, our passion is our side hustle or our hobby and our career gives us the ability to pursue it. No matter where you are at… remember this is a path that you can create as you go. 

To quote Hamilton (the musical), don’t throw away your shot! Don’t get so bogged down trying to focus on your career that you miss your passion. Don’t get so tied up in trying to make your passion into your career that you miss the enjoyment of either. Allow your passion and your reality to work together to create something that works for you! 

STRATEGIES FOR FINDING YOUR PASSION

If everything up until now has sounded like a lovely bunch of hogwash, that you really wish was true… But you feel more like it’s an unrealistic goal. Then here are some simple steps to help you find one of your passions, discover a new passion, or even just start the process of uncovering your passions.

• First, define what passion means to you. 

Are you drawn to that word, but wonder what it really means? One of the many definitions from Merriam Webster says that passion is, “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.” For me, I like to think of passion as an emotion that is attached to a driving force or hope in my life. What does it mean to you?

• Look for the arrows.

This is a phrase often used by people who are trying to make a decision. It’s a way to look for the signs around you, pointing in the direction you should go. Start looking for activities or ideas that inspire you. Write down when there is anything that feels specifically like it lights you up. 

• Start to research

Now that you’ve located areas you might feel passionate about, start to research. Look for people who are already invested in it, whether it’s their career or hobby. Find classes, courses, or books that can give you more information. Journal about the process to track what it means to you!

• Try it out!

Now that you know a little bit more about your future passion… it’s time to take a step! Look for action steps. Give it a try and see how it feels. 

• Keep following it!

No matter where your passion leads, trust the process. God often gives us callings through these areas of passion, He can guide us through the strong emotion and desire. Whether your passion leads you to a new career, or just a hobby that inspires… trust the process. 

ENCOURAGEMENT

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” ~Colossians 3:23

Remember… your passion can change! Maybe as a child you always dreamed of writing, and now you write blogs for your business. Maybe you always thought you would be a teacher, but now you desperately want to be an investor. I believe that God gives all of us a wide variety of dreams, passions, and stories for our lives.

You are not just one thing. To quote Walt Whitman,

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then, I contradict myself,

(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

Your passions might take you to so many places! So keep your eyes open, and look for where they might be leading. 

RESOURCES FOR FINDING YOUR PASSION

Do you want some more help for finding your passion? For seeking it out? Here are some resources that I love:

• Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
• Hero On A Mission by Donald Miller
• A really good journal - you always need one of these!
• Happier with Gretchen Rubin Podcast
• The Mel Robbins Podcast
• MasterClass - a great place to learn about things you might be passionate about

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION

Listen… There is not enough space in this one blog post to share all the ways to find your passion. If anything, I wish I could sit down with you in person, drinking coffee, and talk about all the things. However, my hope is that this blog is just the starting point. That it encourages you to start to pay attention to the arrows in your life that are leading you towards your passions, or encourages you to find new ones. God has such great dreams for you! May you find the courage to chase them.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. What does passion mean to you?
2. What are some passions already in your life?
3. Look for the arrows! What passions are they guiding you toward?
4. How have your passions and dreams changed over time?
5. What’s one thing from this blog that has inspired you?