Life can sometimes get to feeling monotonous like we are treading water. Especially when you aren’t living and working as you’d most like to, maybe you haven’t discovered your “Passion” yet.
Passion is a topic that can be troublesome: it can leave people feeling inadequate —maybe they just don’t feel that passionately about anything — or maybe they think they have missed their one opportunity to live a fulfilling and joyful life. It’s important to remember that for most of us, we don't have a single focused passion, it is far more likely that we have several things we are enthusiastic about, or we might still be in the process of developing our passions.
Passion can grow from working through, persevering and refining skills for projects and ideas. Paying attention to things that naturally bring us joy or pleasure.
We can all live and work WITH passion, whatever it is we are doing. So how can you find more spark in your life and your work? How can you enjoy both more? and how can you connect with passion without needing one true ‘Passion’? Well, try these six simple life and career hacks for starters:
1. Try again.
Trying new things is fantastic; a new hobby, travels to new cities, new projects, or even something as simple as a new outfit. But how about trying something old? Especially something you once attempted and failed at before. We have all had dreams and ideas that may have been filed away over the years, as other priorities took over or after failed attempts to create something. But does that idea still occupy the odd daydream and ‘what-if’? consider giving it a second chance.
Have you buried an old dream that you may be able to try again at? Do you have any more resources or skills that could help your attempt to have another go? could you seek help from others?
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas A. Edison
2. Do one small thing that will put you one step closer to achieving a long-term goal.
We have to take steps to our big goals, and like pennies, each one can seem insignificant in itself but as these tiny things add up, big sums are created (as anyone who keeps a change bowl knows). Simply doing one small thing each day will help you on your journey to reaching your goal.
So, what is one small thing you could do today to get you closer to achieving your bigger goal? Ask yourself this question every day.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
Lao Tzu
3. Step into your power
Knowledge of your strengths is power. Knowing how your powers benefit others helps you better understand your purpose, not just in work but also in life. Think about the strengths and skills you possess, how do they benefit others?
For example, one of my skills is in encouragement. I use this strength in so many aspects of my life; with friends and family, and when teaching students. Because people are capable of so much, sometimes they just need a little encouragement to take a brave step, or even the support to know it’s ok to fail.
4. Note your accomplishments
Update your CV, Linkedin Profile, Website every 3 months with your latest achievements, accolades, training. Why? Because you never know when someone will want to see what you are capable of, and you never know when an opportunity will come your way. (Which is also nice to bear in mind when you are feeling ‘stuck’, life can change in an instant!)
5. Listen to Stories
The life stories of others can open your mind up to amazing new ideas and opportunities! Listen carefully to the stories of people you respect and admire, and if you can: ask questions. Learn from both the successes and failures of those you look up to. You may find there wasn’t a straight line to their journey (there rarely is). This can give you the confidence to pursue an idea or new adventure.
6. Start a collection of your best work.
Create a collection of your best work and greatest achievements both from your work and life. Like a scrapbook, journal or vision board (except it's looking backwards not forwards) This might help you see how your skills and passions overlap. But most of all, it will reveal and celebrate your journey so far and where it might be pointing to next.
When you follow these hacks, you may discover your own ways to become unstuck, and highlight your skills and ideas. May they help lead you to a more passionate and productive life!
