Originally posted on LinkedIn
In the last 2 weeks, I’ve had 6 conversations about “how do I do what I’m passionate about?”
And the initial question goes even deeper — WHAT am I passionate about? Some people have no idea (I’ve been there too).
Reading? Meeting people? Playing with kids? Organizing? Painting? Coding? Climbing mountains? Brainstorming? Meditating?
When I’ve opened up that question, a lot of people start with work stuff and forget all the things they love outside of work.
Others — they just go blank entirely. Literally draw a complete blank.
Yesterday, talking with the Future Proof Club led by Issis Valentina Villalobos and Kevin Ramírez, we talked about how one of the most important skills for doing anything meaningful today is self-knowledge — specifically, knowing your own tastes and passions.
It’s obvious: if you’re doing things you don’t enjoy, it’s very hard to be happy. And if you’re not happy, it’s very hard to be successful by any definition.
So — how do we find those passions? Million-dollar question.
- Exposure — Try a lot of things and discover what you love.
- Introspection — Reflect on past experiences, happy moments in life, keep a journal… and recognize patterns of what makes you happy.
- Conversation — Ask the people who really know you. Family, close friends, your partner.
It’s not easy. I’m no expert. In my 6 conversations, I don’t think I helped enough to find the answer.
How do you find your passions? How do you recognize and own them? I’m looking for techniques — for myself and to be able to help others better in the future.