Written by: Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
A wise person once said, “Do what you love, and the money will come.” No matter where you look these days, you will find that it’s no secret that many people are unhappy with their jobs. Many people experience a disconnect with their jobs and lack passion and therefore have no purpose other than living from paycheck to paycheck. However, I believe that you will find your purpose when you find your passion. I want to share some things to do to find your passion in this article. Here are four tips for finding your passions and designing your career.
There was a time when I, too, was disenchanted with my job. I had many passions but no idea how to pursue any of them. I thought I had to be a doctor, lawyer, or nurse. It is not uncommon for people who are passionate about some things to go through life pursuing careers that are far from that.
I have a sister who knew when she was eight years old that she wanted to be a doctor. She knew back then that she wanted to help people to heal. I watched her over the years as she pursued one goal after another until she became a physician specializing in pain to wellness.
So how can you find your career passion? And once you identify it, how can you build a career around it? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding work that you love.
First, identify the things that make you happy. Think of some things that bring you joy. What activities do you love doing that make you lose track of time? Take the time to find work you’re passionate about, and you’ll be more likely to find career success and satisfaction. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s no longer work.
Make a list of the things you enjoy doing, then narrow the list down to pinpoint the activities you want to do most. What are some activities that you find enjoyable outside of your work? Explore your passions and consider how you could turn your passion into a long-term career. For example, if you love refinishing furniture, you might consider a career in designing your line of custom-designed pieces. If you love crafting with children, you might consider opening your creative wonder world for children. Maybe you are the go-to person people call when they have a technical issue. You love technology, and it feels good to help other people through different technical hurdles.
You can research careers that match your passions. Once you’ve identified a few possible career paths, it’s time to investigate further. What does a typical day look like in this line of work? What kind of education, training, or licensing is required? Are there job prospects in this field that you can get experience? What would you need to do to get financing for your own business?
Try something new. Maybe you have not discovered your passion in life. That’s okay. Try exploring different careers and see which ones resonate with you. Talk to people who are already doing what seems interesting to you. Try volunteering for a short time in a field that interests you. If you can’t find programs in your area, speak to your local church members or ask the helpdesk staff at your local library. They should be able to point you in the right direction. Take classes or workshops related to your field of interest. For example, take extra courses online if you are interested in technology. Network with people, then explore training options. You can find networking events on meetup.com or search for events in your area online. Read books, blogs, and articles about people who have built careers around their passions.
Get a coach or mentor. If you’re still unsure how to turn your passion into a career, consider working with a coach or mentor. A coach can help you identify your desires and set goals to achieve them. You can search on Facebook or LinkedIn to find coaches in your field of interest. Once you’ve found a potential mentor, reach out and introduce yourself. Make sure that this person has the time and willingness to help you. Ask mutual acquaintances or friends if they know anyone whom they would recommend being a mentor for you.
Finding ways to discover your passion can be scary, but it’s also gratifying. By identifying your passions and figuring out what you want to do with your life, you can set yourself up for a brighter future. It is never too late to discover and pursue your passions.
Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Barbara Powell Love is currently the Office Manager for a small medical practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in Business Development. Barbara is also the owner of Beebe Love's Beauty @ www.beebelove.com, a blogging website to promote beauty, motivate, inform, provide mental stimulation, educate, inspire and encourage other women over 50 to embrace their inner beauty and pursue their dreams. Her blog focuses on personal development, leadership, and lifestyle. She encourages women to become Seasoned Beauties instead of becoming Senior Citizens,
