Finding Your Passion November 5, 2008
I’ve spent so much of my life pursuing major goals that I’ve set for myself - namely school and work - that I’ve realized that I’ve lost my passion pursuits. I find myself pouring this drive into my life goals and relationships, but it’s really not the same.
When I do something, I want to do it really well and will focus much of my effort and dedication into these pursuits, but I’ve been realizing as of late, none of these things make me a better or more well rounded person because of it. Yes, it’s great that my career is going so well or that I finished school, but there needs to be more than that!
So I’ve decided that I’m going to do something about this, I just don’t know what that is yet. When I was younger, I had music - I played the clarinet for 10 years. Once I graduated high school, I let this hobby fall by the wayside. I’m not particularly interested in picking it up again, so I’m crossing that off of my list.
So as I sit here on the verge of my 29th birthday, I’m trying to figure out what my passion is. Even with the thought that I’ve put into this as of late, it’s still not come to me. So I’m thinking that I would like to try a vast assortment of things to see what piques my interest. I’m never one who sets a resolution on New Years, but I think I’m going to do it for my birthday - like a present to myself.
Over the course of the next year, I am going to do things that take me past my current comfort level. I want to take an art class, help people less fortunate than myself, learn how to be a better photographer, maybe pick up a sport or enroll in cooking classes, who knows? But as a present to myself, before my 30th birthday, I want to try at least 10 new things and maybe, I’ll develop a passion for one of them that I will continue on with throughout my life, wherever that takes me.
I’m always open to suggestion, what are you passionate about?
I found myself in the same boat about a year ago. The hardest part for myself was deciding that I needed things in my life that I was passionate about. I did the stereotypical male thing and disappeared on my motorcycle for a few weeks. When I got back, trying new things wasn’t so scary anymore.
May I suggest you take a spontaneous trip somewhere?
I’ve been doing a ton of random activities this year too. I can’t say I’ve found something I’m passionate about, but I have met a ton of new people and made a ton of new friends.
Parveen
Hockey. I absolutely love playing hockey! I love the game, I love the challenge, I love pushing myself to the limit on every shift, and I love the friendship and comradery of the team. I didn’t start playing it until I was 26 and I can’t believe that I missed out on so many years of playing this awesome sport.
I like running to, but it’s kind of a love-hate thing. Hockey is all love!
About 5 years ago I rediscovered auto/motorcycle mechanics (took some classes in high school) and it has since developed into a full blown hobby. I’ve also restored an antique mirror and I’m in the process of restoring a painting frame.
Good luck
Hmmm….Perhaps another grandchild for your poor deprived MommY?????? Just a thought
Love you Darlin!!!
Hi Jen,
Came across your blog while using Twitter.
Focus on work/education is good but too much can leave you drained which means little energy left over to feel let alone find your passion.
Things that energize me (so I can be passionate in the first place):
1) Meeting new people - networking events are great and learning what everyone else is up to - the new ideas is stimulating.
2) Sports - great for your health and your mind - also helps to get you “out of your head”. Just started playing Floorball in Yaletown, the Euro version of ball hockey, totally new for me
3) Reading: new books, new ideas, new ways of thinking are stimulating. Devour them.
4) Anything that gets me off of the computer. I think that working on a computer all day, especially emailing too much can drain a person.
5) Being creative. Writing the old fashioned way or whatever else you can come up with. Writing goals / visualizing what you like to do and writing it all down.
Actual passions:
1) Sports: Snowboarding and Crossfit <- have you tried Crossfit??!! http://www.crossfitwestside.com
2) Learning: I read 1-2 hours a day
3) Hanging out with the men (masculine energy!)
4) Meeting new people and speaking in public - what a rush!
5) Doing crazy s#!1 like skydiving
Good luck in your search.
A