Tips for Finding Your Passions and Translating Them into Your Work

As Confucius said, “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” While it’s advice most of us have heard and agree with, it’s not always that easy to follow. There are some people who discover what they are meant to do early on and are fortunate enough to get to pursue their dreams. On the other hand, there are many individuals who go to work every day feeling like there has to be something better out there for them.

No one wants to work in a job that hinders their passions, however, so many people do. Either because their job pays them well and it doesn’t make financial sense to leave, or because they don’t really know how to incorporate what they love to do into their work. If you’re feeling stuck, think about what you’re both really interested and engaged in, and then use these tips to help you translate your passions into a rewarding career.

Think of what you’re good at

When deciding what you’re good at, think back to all of the things you have done well, whether it’s writing, organizing, teaching, helping, etc., and then, use those accomplishments to help you begin a list. Writing things out can help you to recall some of the achievements you may have forgotten about, while at the same time allowing you to explore new passions.

Envision what excites you

This could be something you do to help out your friends and family, specific volunteer work, fun hobbies, or parts of your job you really like doing. Think about all aspects of your life and then add anything that excites you to your list.

Recall what you loved doing as a child

Many people start discovering what they enjoy doing at a young age but often lose sight of it as they get older and pressures from adulthood begin to kick in. However, being reminded of those childhood talents could help motivate you into rediscovering something you truly love to do.

Eliminate money from the equation

What would you do if money were no option? Would you travel around the world? Would you set out to help the sick? If you answered yes to both of these questions, consider becoming a traveling nurse. While it’s obvious you need money to pay your bills to survive, you shouldn’t let money alone influence your career choices.

Ask your friends for advice

Hearing positive things about what you’re good at from the people you respect and admire the most can help give you the confidence you need to open your mind to new job ideas you may have never considered.

Take risks

Self-doubt and fear of failure are often two of the biggest obstacles people face when wanting to start a new career. Instead of taking a leap of faith to try something new, they decide to stick to what they know since it’s comfortable and gives them a sense of security. However, those who take the biggest chances often reap the greatest professional rewards.

Discovering what you love to do while getting paid for it isn’t easy. You have to do a lot of soul-searching and self-reflection to help you build up the courage to begin a new career.

Sometimes the key to success is letting others help show you the way. Entering into a program such as LifeWorks, allows you to work with a team of coaches who can help guide you through a discovery process to discover the job you were made for. If you’d like more information on how you can receive specialized training for some of the most in-demand career fields, then please call The Jobs Partnership today at 407-641-0755.