“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.”
- David Frost 

It may take a long time to recognize or accept your true passions, but it's better to make sacrifices for your dreams than to sacrifice your dreams for an inauthentic life. I often coach clients who are at career crossroads and searching for direction. I gently remind them that in order to live their dreams, they must find what they are most passionate about.

While it's easier to follow your dreams when you've just graduated high school or college, it is never too late to change directions. It will take more maneuvering but once you've made the decision, half the battle is won. 

6 Questions to Discover Your Passion

Take a few moments of quiet time to ask yourself the following questions. Be sure to write your answers and refer to them often. 

1. What puts a smile on your face? Do you get giddy just thinking about rock climbing or do you feel euphoric when you sing? Strong emotional responses are one key indicator of passion. 

2. What would you do for free? If you find yourself spending all your free time organizing your friends’ closets or volunteering for an organization, that's another clue. 

3. What do you love talking about? Can you talk about fashion or sports 24/7? 

4. What would you regret not trying? This is a big one as it often involves looking deep within and acknowledging what it is that you truly desire.  

5. What sparks your creativity? Are you always finding fresh ways to decorate your home or are you constantly coming up with delicious versions of your favorite dishes.

6. What do you naturally gravitate towards? When you're in a bookstore browsing, what section do you find yourself in? What topics can you read about for hours? 

 

Once you discover what you are truly passionate about, the next step is to design a plan and pursue it with all your heart.