So you’re here because you want to know how to discover your passions and career purpose. I get it. And you’re not alone. Not only did I struggle with this for the better part of my 20’s but I’ve also gotten this question from many women that I serve both in my private Facebook group and other communities I’m a part of. So what does it take to really discover your passions and your career purpose?
Well this is a question that I’ve pondered a lot over the years and I’ve decided that although it’s different for everyone, there are a few non-negotiable activities to help you arrive at your destination faster.
Here are ways to discover your passions and your career purpose.
1. Spend more time pursuing joy.
Why don’t you twist my arm a little harder right?! But seriously, inspiration comes to those of us who are having fun and focusing on the joy of living. There was a time in my life where I would literally tell myself over and over how I was so confused and that I’d never figure out what to do with my life. I was miserable in my relationship and couldn’t find work I loved, and I would harp on about these things incessantly. When I took my focus off my misery and aligned myself with fun I noticed that creative solutions started popping up everywhere.
2. Change your environment.
If you’ve been in the same place for years and you can’t figure out what you’re passionate about then it might be time to change your environment. This could be anything from your physical location, to the job or the relationship you’re in. Sometimes things have to change before things can change!
3. Follow your curiosity.
You may not know what career path will bring you the most passion and excitement, but surely you know of something that is a little interesting to you?! Follow your curiosity. Before I built my online business as a Personal Branding Coach I got an Occupational Therapy degree, an Image Styling certification, a health coaching certification, I hosted a local TV show, worked as a sports model and had a bunch a random little jobs in between. Anything that caught my interest I went after full speed. It was only by the contrast of knowing what I didn’t want that I learned more clearly what I did want.
4. Surround yourself with passionate people.
Firstly, if you look around and notice that all your friends are in jobs and situations that they hate then it might be time to find some new people to hang around with. Are the people in your life supportive of you figuring out what you really want? Secondly, develop friendships with people who love their work. Ask them lots of questions about how they discovered their purpose. Feed off their good energy and it won’t be long before you are led to things that light you up.
5. Be a detective & look for clues.
What do you do when you’re wasting time? A few years back before I discovered my passions and career purpose I used to watch re-runs of How Do I Look? with Jeannie Mai almost every day. One day as I was watching her give someone a makeover I thought to myself, ‘I could do that! I could dress up pretty every day and host a TV show!’ and so my journey began. The next few years were trial and error but through it all I ultimately realized that I a) loved to support people through transformations b) was deeply attracted to things visually c) wanted to be front and center and d) wanted to take control of my destiny. There’s clues everywhere if you are aware enough to look for them. What are the clues telling you?
