It’s often said that one should find their passion in life and pursue it as a career or side project. But finding that passion can be easier said than done. While some people seem to know intuitively what they love to do and how to chase it, others struggle to identify what they feel is their “calling.”
If you’re one of those in the latter camp, don’t worry: Often, all you need is some honest soul-searching and a little feedback from trusted friends, family and advisors. According to 14 members of Forbes Coaches Council, anyone who wants to identify what they’re passionate about should ask themselves the following questions.
All images courtesy of Forbes Councils members.1. ‘What Was I Like When I Felt The Freest?‘
I love to have my clients imagine a time when they were young and felt the freest. What did they smell, see, feel? What were they doing? When we can remember our younger sense and the essence of what allows us to feel free we can move forward in our careers and lives in our passion. There is a lot of truth in our childhoods we can bring to the forefront when our adult self is feeling hopeless. – Heather Murphy, Authentically: Business & Life Solutions
2. ‘What Comes Easy To Me?‘
Ask yourself and ask others, “What comes easily to me?” and listen to yourself and other close connections. What they may tell you is that you are naturally inquisitive, you easily converse with people and react positively to change. Even if you think this is normal for you, it may be a struggle for others. What you are hearing are your natural abilities that speak to your passions. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
3. ‘What Would I Do If I Didn’t Have To Work?’
What if you had all the money in the world, and didn’t have to work — what is the one thing you would love to do or play at, that could occupy and absorb you for hours at a time? But here lies the rub: Even play can be a lot of hard work. Think golf. Perhaps it’s the thought of putting in the effort that frightens passion away. – Gaurav Bhalla, Knowledge Kinetics
4. ‘What Do I Daydream About?’
People lose their passion when they lose their ability to dream. Everyone has a dream. The key to finding real passion happens when leaders learn to dream again. Doing is always preceding by dreaming. When a person has developed a clear picture of what they would like to accomplish they have taken the first step to growing their passion. Passion is high for leaders who have a clear purpose. – Ken Gosnell, CEO Experience
5. ‘What Do Other People Say I’m Passionate About?’
Believe it or not, passion radiates and others pick up on it. Ask yourself, “What have others noticed I’m passionate about?” This is usually a great litmus test for identifying passion. – Carry Metkowski, Carry Metkowski
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