“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
Easier said than done, right?
Finding and living your passion in life can sometimes feel like a never-ending quest. Of course, how one defines passion is a very individual thing, in the same way that we each define success individually.
But, for many, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about living a life of passion is making a living by doing what you love.
Who wouldn’t want to work in a career they are passionate about?
You’ve heard the quote, sometimes attributed to Mark Twain: “find your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
It is a well-meaning sentiment, but many people spend their entire life pursuing but never quite finding their passion. Or even if they know what they are passionate about, they never seem to be quite able to find a way to live a life that fulfills that passion.
Ironically, for many, it is the drive (and real need) to make money that pulls them off the path of passion fulfillment.
There is no doubt that it can be very, very difficult to leave a job that is paying your bills, keeping food on your table, and a roof over your head.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have built a business that is not just financially, intellectually, and personally fulfilling for me, but that has allowed me to live my passions not just in my work and the way I make a living, but in my personal life as well.
That is why I am so passionate about helping our clients build careers that they love, that help them live a life of passion too.
The challenge is to find a way to monetize your passion. Think creatively. Lean into your passions. The realities of families, budgets, and responsibilities may make it impossible for you to completely change your career. But, maybe there is a way you can bring your passions to your current work to make your current job more fulfilling.
Or maybe the solution for you is a side hustle in which you create a side business that allows you to bring your passion to the world in a way that actually brings in a little money. The benefit, of course, is that when you are expressing your passion in a side business, that passion often has a way of really growing that business and before you know it, you may find that you have replaced that income from a less fulfilling job with the income generated by your passion. That is how I started Distinctive Career Services more than a quarter-century ago now.
If all this sounds overwhelming, and the challenges of monetizing your passions too much just now, maybe the solution is to rearrange your priorities and carve out time for yourself to pursue a passion through a hobby. This will allow you to feel some passion fulfillment now, and maybe the future will open some now unseen door to monetize that passion-hobby.
However you do it, exploring your passions can be a life-changer. We can go from stressed, anxious, and unfulfilled individuals to people who are walking in purpose, more joyful, more resilient, more optimistic, and making great contributions to society and the world.
Are you ready to start finding a way to live a more passionate life? Here are some quotes about living a life of passion to inspire you.
“If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.”
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”
“When you have balance in your life, work becomes an entirely different experience. There is a passion that moves you to a whole new level of fulfillment and gratitude, and that’s when you can do your best… for yourself and for others.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
“The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive and passion, it’s possible to achieve the American dream.”
“Follow your passion. The rest will attend to itself. If I can do it, anybody can do it. It’s possible. And it’s your turn. So go for it. It’s never too late to become what you always wanted to be in the first place.”
“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.”
“When you have a passion for something then you tend not only to be better at it, but you work harder at it too.”
“I think that in order to be successful, women have to figure out what they’re passionate about first. No matter what you aspire to, you’ve got to love what you do in order to be successful at it.”
“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”
“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support.”
“If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion.”
“Grit is that ‘extra something’ that separates the most successful people from the rest. It’s the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel in order to stick with our dreams until they become a reality.”
“Success comes to those who dedicate everything to their passion in life. To be successful, it is also very important to be humble and never let fame or money travel to your head.”
About the Author: Michelle Dumas
