“You spend most of your waking hours doing whatever it is that you do for a living, so it should be something that you love.” If you are spending your days waiting for Friday or living for the weekend, then you haven’t found what you love doing.
That phrase, “something that you love,” should be your driving force behind every professional decision you ever make. Finding the career that you are passionate about is important for so many reasons. It will improve your mental health, you will serve others better (Customers naturally gravitate to people who love what they do), you will be more motivated, productive, and happier. If you are on the journey to finding your life’s passion, there are three important questions that you should consider.
What would you do if money were no object?
More often than not, we make our employment decisions based on the compensation. For most people, compensation is the very first thing they research when looking into a job opportunity. It’s the difference between taking the job, and saying I’ll keep looking. But what would our decisions look like if we didn’t have to worry about money? What if we had the same freedom as a high school student, or a retired teacher, whose bills are taken care of and who is only working for the sheer enjoyment of it? Pose this question to yourself and be brutally honest. The answer you come up with will bring you one step closer to finding your passion.
What is something you’re good at doing?
After asking yourself the first question, follow it up with, “What am I good at?” and, “How can I apply the skills I have to the next job I find?” Often times it helps to make a list of all of your skills, such as staying focused, helping others, or speaking a second language. Then make a second list of job titles where you could put those skills to use. For example, all three of the skills mentioned above would be a great fit for a teacher of a second language.
Once you have answered the first two questions, you should have at least a couple of solid options to choose from. If you still aren’t sure which route to take, ask yourself the third, and most important question.
Is this the job you will do forever?
The answer should always be no. As human beings, we are always learning and evolving, which means we are always growing. With this growth comes change. Our skills will change, our interests will change, and we will inevitably want what we spend most of our waking hours doing to change as well. Don’t be discouraged if the life passion you found five years ago is not the same one you see for yourself today. Change means growth, and growth is a good thing.
One of the greatest lessons you can learn in life is that the search for what you truly love is never-ending. Your life’s passion is not a destination, but rather it is a part of your life’s journey.
If you’re ready to embark on your next journey, contact us today and we will help you find your passion!