Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Finding Your Passion

It is not uncommon to hear statements like, "I am doing what I love and I have never been happier!" Or, "If your job is doing what you love you'll never work another day in your life!" You even hear, "I am living my passion and making more money than I ever have!"

I read that a recent study showed that over 65% of the people polled have no idea what their life's passion is! And yet, we hear it all the time that we should live our passion. Why then does it seem so hard to define it?

Passion is what moves you; it is what excites you; it is what stimulates you to action. Passion is all about what is going on internally, not externally. And so, finding your passion is to find what it is that really moves you.

Sometimes being so busy trying to get everything done that needs to be done is draining. We never take the time to just sit down and get quiet. Instead, when we do get a little break, we escape by "vegging" out in front of the tube. And then, the next day, we get up and start another busy day, still not sure what our real passion is.

Take some time every day to just get quiet. In fact, develop a habit of making time every day to shut everything out. Use that time to pray and to think about your life.

Next, carry some paper and a pen with you and jot down things that inspire you and excite you. It might be a simple sentence you hear in conversation, a billboard that you see, a news story or even a commercial. Make a note of each thing.

After a week or two, take some time to look over the things that you have written down. Ask yourself why those things inspire you, why they excite you and why they move you. Then, ask yourself what you would really love to do if money was no concern.

Most people are doing what they do because they have to. It is the only job they think they can get. It is the only work that they know. It is the best paying job they think that they can get. How many people do you know who love their job?

And yet, we hear all the time that people are living their dreams, doing what they love, living their passion, and making more money than they ever thought possible. So, it must be possible!

What would you do if money was not a concern to you? Examine the inspiring things that you wrote down. Find three that appeal to you the most. Honestly ask yourself why those things really appeal to you.

Now, focus on one of the three ideas. Take a little time to dream and envision how it might come to fruition. For example, if you have always wanted to paint, then picture in your mind what the total fulfillment for you would be concerning painting. What kind of painting? What style of painting? Write down anything related to your idea that might interest you.

You may be tempted to say, "This is never going to happen." If you can dismiss thoughts like that and still have an excitement about dreaming and seeing yourself doing what you desire to do, then you will lock into one of your passions!

Finding your passion is finding that which satisfies and fulfills your life. When you wake up each morning and think about it, that is what ignites your day! Passion is what makes you feel alive!

The next step is to start taking action. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine stayed with us for few months, and one day, on the patio, he started to paint. He continues to do it in his spare time, and loves it. It is one of his passions.

Even though our friend still works at a job, I have no doubt that some day he will be earning a lot of money from his art. He currently has made some great contacts; he has dozens of pieces. In fact, a number of them are now on display, and his work is beginning to sell.

Once you identify one of your passions, you can begin to live it. Even with limited time, you can still begin to unfold your dream and vision. It really has nothing to do with how much money you make, because the money you earn is simply a by-product, not a motive.

Living your passion ignites that which satisfies and fulfills your life. You will wake up each morning feeling alive because you get to do what you love! You can find your passion and live your dreams.

About the Author:

Michael A. Verdicchio offers a free 71 page eBook, entitled, "Keys To Enriching Your Life Now!" at http://www.EnrichingYourLifeNow.com He has a free newsletter called, THE PEP LETTER, at http://www.christianinspirationalgifts.com/pepletter.html
Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous projects and productions over the years, including Mike's Pep Talks.

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