10 Things You Should Know About Passion (And How to Discover Yours)

‘Passion’ is a word that is used a lot, especially when talking about work. But do we really understand what it means? Let’s take a closer look.

Passion is that strong feeling inside you, for someone or something. It’s what drives you, what makes you excited and motivated. Many successful people credit their passion for their achievements. But do you know what your passion is?

I’ve done some research and asked people some questions about passion. The answers I got were diverse and sometimes confusing. It seems like everyone has a different idea of what passion means to them.

Let me give you an example. Some people think that if you love to sing, then singing is your passion. But that’s not always the case.

Here, I’ll share 10 important things you need to know about passion. These will help you discover what your true passion really is.

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1. It’s Not Just a Hobby or a Dream

The words we choose in a sentence matter. If we go by that logic, passion is not the same as a hobby or a dream. Passion has one special ingredient that sets it apart.

In the 2004 film National Treasure, the main character, Benjamin Gates, poses a question to his friend Riley. He asks, “If someone isn’t crazy but is just a step away from it, what would you call them?”

Riley responds with “Obsessed,” but Benjamin corrects him, saying it’s actually “Passionate.”

When you engage in activities you truly enjoy, even at a moderate level, you might consider them hobbies. It could be anything from cooking and gardening to singing in the shower or tinkering with gadgets. However, when you fully immerse yourself in these activities to the point where others may see you as slightly crazy, that’s when you know you’ve found your passion.

2. Finding Joy in Your Passion

And let me tell you, there are a few reasons why I pursue my passion. The first and most important one is the sheer happiness it brings me. There’s something magical about doing something you truly love that ignites a fire within your very being.

When I engage in my passion, it feels like it’s woven into the very fibers of my body and soul. It’s a part of who I am. It’s as if my whole being aligns with the universe, and I feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is hard to put into words.

But finding your passion can be quite the elusive quest. It’s not always as clear as day, and sometimes it takes a bit of exploration to figure out what truly sparks that flame within you. And that’s okay.

The secret ingredient to discovering your passion lies in a potent blend of obsession, dedication, and hard work. Pour in those man-hours, let your devotion soar to heights only paralleled by a dog’s unwavering loyalty, and you will be on the right track.

Each person’s passion is a unique concoction, as varied as the individuals themselves. It can be a challenge to narrow it down and define what truly makes your heart skip a beat. But don’t worry; sometimes passion is a subtle force rather than a loud presence.

3. Unveiling the Hidden Passion

Contrary to popular belief, passion doesn’t always have to take a tangible form that you can see or touch. Sometimes it manifests as an effect of the things you do.

Think about it for a moment. Have you ever noticed how a painter’s eyes light up when they talk about their latest project? Or how a musician’s whole face beams with joy when they play their favorite instrument? That’s passion right there, my friend.

Passion doesn’t always announce itself with a thunderous roar. It can slip in through the back door, appearing subtle and gentle. It’s up to you to pay attention, to listen to the whispers of your heart, and to recognize those moments when you feel alive and connected to your true self.

So, my friend, if you haven’t found your passion yet, don’t fret. It might be hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to notice it. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep an open heart. For when you do stumble upon your passion, it will be like finding a treasure chest full of endless joy and fulfillment.

Can you believe it? There are actually people out there who genuinely enjoy helping others. And let me tell you, that’s a pretty big deal in certain jobs. Take, for example, nurses in children’s hospitals, social welfare workers, flight attendants, and special needs teachers. These folks not only muster the strength to get up and face all sorts of challenges that would make the average person crumble, but they do it because they have a burning desire to make a positive impact on someone’s life.

It’s truly awe-inspiring, if you ask me. These individuals don’t just see their jobs as a means to earn a paycheck; they genuinely care about the people they serve. They put their heart and soul into their work, going above and beyond to ensure that those in their care feel loved, supported, and empowered. And let me tell you, that kind of selflessness is hard to come by.

4. Embrace the Struggle

If you truly love something, you’ll persevere through any challenge, no matter how difficult it may be. Even if hours of playing the guitar cause blisters on your fingers, or ballet leaves your feet battered and bruised, your passion will keep you going.

You won’t let these obstacles deter you because, deep down, all you want is to be known as the person who can effortlessly play “Stairway to Heaven” or dance with grace, even if you’re missing a few limbs. Don’t believe me? Go ahead, watch this mesmerizing performance.

5. Childhood Infatuation

When I think about what I’m passionate about, I realize that it probably stems from what I was exposed to during my childhood. The simple activities I enjoyed back then, like sketching, playing music, or collecting action figures and airplane models, have evolved into my passions as an adult.

Have you ever seen what people can create with LEGO bricks or just pen and paper? How about wooden blocks or even trash and light? These individuals might have a natural talent for these creative endeavors, but it’s their passion that transforms their ideas into reality. They continue to pursue their passions even as adults because growing up doesn’t mean giving up on what you love.

6. Being Passionate is Being Invested

When I say “being invested,” I mean how much of yourself you pour into your passion. It’s the time, effort, costs, blood, and sweat that you’re willing to put in – and it’s not always sunshine and rainbows (see #4).

Passionate people often find themselves feeling angry because passion is a mix of love and hate. When you’re obsessed with something, you become driven to achieve perfection.

“Good enough” will never cut it because your passion won’t allow it. This brings me to #7.

7. Embracing Your Inner Geek

Geeks and nerds are the best at describing passion. It starts as a hobby and then becomes your favorite pastime. It eventually consumes so much of your time that it feels like an unpaid part-time job. You start collecting things and learning all the lingo. You even become part of online communities with like-minded enthusiasts.

This is the place where you block out nearly everything else and give all of yourself to following and elevating what you love. You do it so that it shines brightly for the rest of the world to see. But here’s the funny part: the world might not understand or appreciate it. But that doesn’t bother you. You know the importance of your passion, and that’s all that matters.

8. The Inescapable Urge

Even if you don’t want to fully embrace it, here’s the harsh reality: you can’t resist or suppress it. It’s always there, deep in your heart and lingering in the depths of your mind.

You can’t simply turn it off or diminish its intensity. And you won’t rest until you’ve unleashed it completely or satisfied your insatiable appetite – whether it’s through creating your next masterpiece, penning a groundbreaking novel, or revolutionizing an entire industry. Pursue it relentlessly in your career and your life, and who knows what greatness may come of it?

9. Unadulterated Passion, Ambitions, and Boundaries

Passion is something that everybody agrees is closely tied to drive, enthusiasm, limitless energy, motivation, and the push. Passion can transform into raw enthusiasm and become an internal drive that keeps you moving forward.

Passionate individuals are almost always ambitious. They strive to have a voice in their chosen field. They immerse themselves in it, constantly learning and never truly leaving it behind. It’s both a blessing and a curse, and not everyone possesses this quality.

10. Embracing your passion

“It’s obvious that we can’t explain passion to someone who has never felt it, just as we can’t explain light to the blind.” – T.S. Elliot

When I think about passion, I can’t help but compare it to talent. Not everyone is lucky enough to have it. And even if you are gifted, it takes a special kind of courage and opportunity to truly embrace your passion.

For most of us, survival is the priority. We choose practicality over passion, focusing on getting a steady job, buying a car, paying bills, and managing our accounts. I’m not saying these things aren’t important; of course, we need a stable income to pursue our dreams. But when people claim, “I am passionate about my work,” I can’t help but question it. Are they truly working for what they love or just for the money?

The line between the two can be blurry, but it’s still a line. And it’s one we need to examine closely to truly understand where our priorities lie.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to passion – an intense feeling of desire – it’s crucial to acknowledge and embrace it. Some people let their passion take control and challenge the norm, pushing boundaries, breaking traditions, and ultimately reshaping the world as we know it.

To pursue your passion means standing out from the crowd. Just look at astronaut Chris Hadfield, who has some great advice for young people aspiring to go to space like he did.

Do you have the same level of courage to embrace your passion?