Here’s something I absolutely love about passion and finding it—there’s no one manual or timeframe to it.
Let’s face it, adulthood—this lifelong subscription—is kicking us all in the face. One minute, we love being adults, and the next, we remember simpler times when we just wanted to be simple things. I mean, I wanted to be a police station—not the police, the station. But here we are, juggling a million things: work, family and social life (someone should sign us up on how to have active social lives, please!). It’s a constant balancing act in the hopes that we never lose our balance.
Occasionally, we get that internal tug questioning our love for the things that truly made us happy. You know that hobby, skill, or dream that keeps knocking at the back of your mind? Maybe it’s time to stop ignoring it because that guilt won’t disappear.
So now that we’ve found some ginger, what are we gonna do with it? (See what I did there?)
Identify Your Passion
Finding your passion has never been easy and is not always as obvious as you might think, especially now as grown-ups. Identify something you used to love as a kid, or perhaps a skill you’ve developed at work that you’re eager to explore further. It could be as simple as cooking, gardening (side-eye), sewing, playing the guitar, being part of a band, football, etc. The key is to identify what truly excites you and brings you joy.
Make Time
We all wish we had more time, but the trick is in prioritizing and starting small. Dedicate even just 30 minutes a day to your passion. If you can’t dedicate time daily, aim for the weekend and make sure you stay consistent. It’s amazing how quickly those minutes can turn into hours. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Overcome Self-Imposed Obstacles
Roll your eyes all you want, but the lack of confidence, fear of failure, or simply not knowing where to start are all in your head. They are self-imposed obstacles. If you can make time to send reels, you can make time for that passion. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first but remember, everyone starts somewhere. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate small wins. And don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends, family, or colleagues.
Find a Support System
Share your passion with friends, family, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and support. Join communities or groups with similar interests. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide inspiration, and accountability, and help you achieve those goals.
Find a Balance or Integrate?
Sometimes, work and personal passions can align. Look for ways to integrate your interests into your job. For example, if you love writing, contribute to HH People, contribute to your company’s blog, be our TGIF hypeman or hypewoman, or share some of this passion at KSS sessions. If you’re passionate about tech, suggest innovative tips. I mean, every now and then, someone needs to update their Wozop or mute their mics on a Zoom call, and your tech expertise will come in handy. OK, OK, I kid. My point is, to find intersections between work and passion that can enrich both areas of your life.
In conclusion, pursuing your passion doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities. It’s about finding a balance or learning to integrate and chasing sustainability—you want to enjoy the journey and not burn out. So, no pressure.
Who knows that passion might turn into a side hustle or a full-time career. Whatever it becomes, don’t forget I gave you the push o!
This month, dust off that old guitar, challenge Picasso and start the painting, or enrol in that cooking class. It’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Stay jiggy!