We spend a large portion of our lives working. And, with the pandemic, many people are dedicating significantly more time to their careers. Finding your passion in what you do for a profession is critical to finding balance and happiness in your personal and professional life.
“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” – Sheryl Sandberg
Here are six quick tips for finding your passion in your work.
1.) Gain Perspective
“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” ― Stephen R. Covey
Do you want to level up? Start by gaining perspective.
At times when life gets busy, hectic, and overwhelming, take a moment to pause and reflect on who you are, what you value, and why you are grateful. Don’t let a million little things make you lose your perspective.
Ways to gain perspective:
- Put yourself in someone else’s shoes
- Be okay with being wrong
- Create a personal mission statement
- Do something that inspires you
2.) Look for Opportunities
“The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ― Henry Miller
Do you want to feel passionate about your career? Begin by looking for new opportunities. Whether you want a promotion or a completely new career, you will need options.
Most people are too busy, tired, and distracted to notice when opportunity knocks. If you want more options, make a conscious decision to look for them. Pay attention to what is going on around you. You’ll be surprised by the number of opportunities that present themselves. Who knows, you might find your true passion in one of them.
Ways to look for opportunities:
- Look for meaning in your work
- Actively network
- Say “Yes” to new ideas
3.) Be Present
“If you abandon the present moment, you cannot live the moments of your daily life deeply.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh.
It’s easy to get swept up in planning for the future. Setting and working towards goals is an essential part of our daily lives. However, it is also necessary to focus on the present. Pay attention to what is happening in the here and now. And, reflect on how far you have come already.
Techniques for being present:
- Practice mindfulness daily
- Listen to your body
4.) Have Courage
“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” ― Mae Jemison
Be brave enough to pursue your passions. Courage allows you to reach your true potential. Letting fear control you keeps you from realizing your true potential. Try new things, meet new people, and be open to change. A courageous attitude towards life will allow you to experience new things and explore your true potential.
- Allow yourself to be vulnerable
- Be kind to yourself
- Embrace failure
5.) Never Stop Learning and Growing
“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” ― Ray LeBlond
No matter how wise you are, you will always have new things to learn. The process of learning can be just as valuable as the new skill you acquire. Learning requires patience, bravery, and passion.
A few ways to start learning something new today:
- Sign up for a career course
- Pick up a new book
- Meet with a career coach
- Mentor someone else
- Listen to a podcast
6.) Strive to Make a Difference
“Let everything you do be done as if it makes a difference.” ― William James
There are opportunities all around you to make a difference. The key is to pay attention to what you are doing and how your actions will impact others. When your work makes a difference for the greater good, it is easier to feel passion and excitement in your daily work.
- Find ways to have more fun
- Find meaning in your work
- Volunteer
Finally, we hope today’s article helps you with finding your passion in your work, career, and personal life. When we can tap into our passion, the sky is our only limit!
Want more information about careers? The coaches at Ignite Your Potential are here to help. Reach out and take advantage of our complimentary 25-minute phone sessions.