Whether you are a jaded professional questioning your career choices, a student lost in the big wide world or someone who still hasn’t found your ‘thing’, if you are looking to find what your passion in life is, then read on…
We have taken all the personality tests, watched all the TedX talks, read all the articles, spoken to all the right people and here’s what we have for you! Simple and fun exercises that will lead you a step closer to finding what it is that you are meant to do in life.
What do you need? A pen, a notebook and half an hour of your time. Don’t just read, go get them and give it a shot.
Got them? Now answer these questions!
- What did you love doing as a kid?
Your childhood has all the answers to life’s hardest questions! So what did you enjoy doing as a kid? Were you a book worm? Did you enjoy playing a sport? Was art something that you could lose yourself in? Did you spend hours doing something without getting tired or bored? Go back in time and figure out what you loved to do then. This will give you a better idea of what you are meant to do now.
Do it now! Make a list of things that you enjoyed as a kid. Include everything.
- What are your strengths?
What are the strengths and skills that you possess? Ask yourself, your family and friends, your colleagues and everyone you know. They could be anything from your cooking skills to your ability to listen and empathise. You will be surprised at some of the answers that you get. These will help you figure out what careers you will be good at.
Do it now! Make a list of your strengths & skills.
- How do you see yourself in 10 years?
You cannot predict the future. But the kind of life that you want in future might help you figure out what you should be doing right now. The definition of success isn’t the same for everybody. The one aspect that stands out in your vision of the future, whether it is money, love, fame, success in a particular field or anything else, will tell you what you consider as a sign of success. Pursue a path that will lead you to that life! Keep that as your goal.
Do it now! Write down how you see your ideal week in 10 years. Then figure out that one ‘achievement’ that stands out
- What do you do to de-stress?
What is it that makes you feel good after a long, hard day? What if you could do that for a living? It is a question worth asking and a way worth pursuing. If it’s cooking, maybe a restaurant is the key. If it’s partying, consider event planning or managing a club. Get creative with your options.
Do it now! Write down all the things that you like to do to de-stress. Find careers related to these activities that you are suitable for.
- What combines my interests, skills and goals?
Now that you have a list of strengths, likes and occupations in hand, along with what you consider important in life… get cracking. Narrow down your options, mix and match with your skill sets and find a couple of things that you could really see yourself doing and loving.
Do it now! Get out some chart paper and start shortlisting possible career choices.
You might know all this, and might have done one or two of these exercises individually. But when you do all of them together, you’ll have better clarity on what it is that you are meant to do. Trust us on this. Get those sheets of paper out now and you will have a better shot of finding your passion.
Once you have your options narrowed, don’t leave it to that! Build on skills that will take you far in your chosen path. Take a couple of classes, get yourself a mentor, start wherever you can.
When you are on the right path, you will know!
Good luck with finding your ‘thing’!
