Finding and Nurturing Passion

When we think about the word “Passion”, thousands of thoughts flood our mind. When we imagine the things we are passionate about we often experience a surge of adrenaline in our bloodstream. No matter what challenge life throws at you, you never lose hope. If you fall, you rise again and chase these goals with renewed vigor. That indescribable feeling that keeps you motivated is what we call “Passion”.

As Oprah Winfrey says "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

But seldom trying to find what you are passionate about in the present digital world of overstimulation can be challenging. We often hear successful individuals talk about their passions and what drives them. These statements are familiar and common and as young individuals, we often hear our teachers, parents, and elders nudging us to find our spark. 

Finding Your Passion

As an activity, you can, for this moment, pause all the sayings and thoughts imposed on you by others and place your hand on your heart, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: What do you want to do in life? Feeling stuck? Confused? Clueless? But deep down you know you have something that drives you. Rewind your childhood memories, and you’ll remember what you loved doing. Now this is really what we call “Passion”, the thing that drives you, forgetting all the world, what they are saying or what they will think, and beyond that what you want. You might not have something that you loved as a child but you will eventually find it down the time, just keep your heart open for that knowledge to flow in. 

Everyone must try and find something they love to do because our passions motivate us to utilize our abilities to the fullest and allow us to bring a purpose greater than ourselves into our lives. Sometimes though, we might go overboard thinking that choosing a career based on our passions and hobbies will solve all career-related issues. The illusion that work would not seem like work, or that we won't have to work a full 9-to-5, might add to our list of pros too. In this article, we will explore how a passion-driven career can lead us to new heights of success.

Advantages of Passion Driven Career

If you ask any working professional, is this your dream job? Are you passionate about your work? Out of 10 employees, 8 will say NO. But these 8 employees are clueless about what other options they have, and what is their passion, as they never think about it seriously. Looking at the Job satisfaction statistics in the U.S. 65% of employees are satisfied with their current job, while only 20% are passionate about their jobs. Now you can see job satisfaction and passion for a job are two different things. If an employee is passionate about what they are doing, the productivity of that company will surely be enhanced. 

Let’s break down how passion plays an important role in our lives:

1. Motivated to Work: A study revealed that 88% of employees who are passionate about their work are more engaged and productive compared to those who are not. When we are passionate or want to do something then we feel more engaged and get a continuous burst of motivation to complete the work.

2. Enhanced Performance: Employees who are passionate about doing the work can take the company to new heights as passion fuels performance. When we love what we do it reflects in our work as we pour more energy and invest time in it.

3. Job Satisfaction: Job satisfaction is directly proportional to passion, when our work is aligned to our interests, we find it more fulfilling and enjoyable. This leads to higher job satisfaction which is crucial for long-term happiness.

4. Work-life balance: If we like what we do, work becomes an essential part of our lives, and this can lead to a better work-life balance. Passionate people very well know how to blend their interests with their professional responsibilities which leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

5. Innovation and Creativity: In the field of innovation and entrepreneurship Elon Musk is a well-established name. He is passionate about new technology and always works on innovative ideas which has led him to build new companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. When you are passionate about something you keep engaged in innovative solutions and try to think out of the box. Passion makes you push the traditional boundaries to embrace innovation and creativity which ultimately contributes to a successful life.

6. Meaningful Contribution: Turning your passion into a career often means contributing to something you care deeply about. This can have a positive impact on society, the environment, or any field you’re passionate about, adding a layer of meaning to your professional life.

7. Increased Resilience and Perseverance: When we feel hopeless and distressed the one thing that gives us the strength to bounce back in life is positivity towards life, when you are passionate about your work, you challenge all the adversities and keep moving towards your goal. Passion provides a strong sense of purpose and resilience. It fuels your determination, helps you to overcome obstacles, and perseveres in achieving your goals.

8. Social Impact and Contribution: Passionate people always try to make a positive contribution to society, solve problems, and inspire others to do meaningful work. Malala Yousafzai is known for her relentless dedication to education and women’s rights and we can learn from her life that passion with courage makes a difference in the lives of the community as well.

9. Self-Actualization: Albert Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi were self-actualized personalities because of their inner motivation and values they contributed their life to society. The power of this self-actualization can be felt when we are passionate about our work. If teachers know their inner potential and are passionate about teaching they can change the lives of students miraculously. Similarly, Doctors, Engineers, Politicians, and employees fully develop and recognize their inner abilities so they can build a new and better society to live in.

10. Improved Performance in Life: An Athlete always gives their best on the field as they are passionate about their work, which motivates them to perform better in competitions. A passionate individual always feels more focused, committed, and clear in his vision. He is very well aware of what he wants to do in life so he puts all his energy into achieving his goal which ultimately leads him towards better performance in his field.

Considering all the above points, it’s clear that a passionate individual approaches life’s challenges differently. Passion for a goal provides us with purpose, shifts our perspective, and allows us to enjoy a career that feels more satisfying and meaningful. Now it’s up to you: do you want to lead a mundane life, work to earn money without a drive to achieve, or are you ready to dive deep into the sea of a passion-driven career to discover the true treasures of your life?

Reality Checks for Passion-Driven Career: 

If you have decided to start a passion-driven career, it is important to consider a few reality checks before moving further into this journey. Let’s tick them one by one:

Knowing the Difference Between Hobby and Passion is crucial. A hobby is something that we enjoy doing in our free time for leisure. But even if we are good at something it doesn't guarantee that we can excel in that field. Passion is a long-term commitment that drives us to achieve our target, we can spend countless hours to complete that task without feeling exhausted. So before moving forward tick the box that highlights the difference between hobby and passion.

Checking the demand for what you are providing in the market is crucial. You are passionate about starting your own business or starting a new job but after spending hours searching it does not match with the current trend of the market, still pursuing that field is not a wise decision. In this rapidly evolving world, the market demands skilled persons, who have creative thinking skills, so better to check the market demand, analyze the need, and keep an eye on future trends. Update yourself with skills needed to grow in the desired field, and use online resources to find out your career options.

Evaluate the financial viability of your service/ career. The career you are looking for should be financially supportive as you might have to run your family or other commitments and look after all the expenses, so you need to plan strategically before starting any new venture. To evaluate the market and to check the most viable sector you have to keep an eye on government and industry reports such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India report which publishes authentic data on various booming industries, trade statistics, along with the latest market trends whereas NASSCOM can provide you insight on latest technology and IT services industries. Online resources such as NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor, Entrepreneur and Market Research Reports Statista, and IBIS World help you to clear your vision and update you with the latest industry patterns. It is crucial to have a realistic understanding of the financial prospects in your selected field.

Check the required skillset for the venture you want to delve into. After reviewing the market reports and identifying suitable career opportunities, the next step is to update your skill set. It is crucial to invest time and resources to learn the skills that are required in the market. For instance, you are passionate about digital content creation and the latest reports indicate that digital marketing is a rapidly growing sector and in the next few years 20 million new jobs will be created in this field, so it is important to learn the required skills to be successful in this field.

Passion-driven careers require long working hours initially, and sometimes you have to sacrifice family time so it is important to set boundaries between work life and family life and make time commitments for your projects. When you choose a passion-driven career, ensure that you can sustain it for the long term to earn and fulfill the basic needs of your family. The chosen career must have the ability to grow and be adaptable to changes in the industry.

These reality checks help you to better understand the demand and prepare you for long-term success and satisfaction.

How to Find a Career You’re Passionate About?

Finding a passion-driven career with the reality check and market demand can be a transformative experience, so to drive your passion into a fulfilling career here are some steps that help you discover  a career that aligns with your passion:

1. Choose the Right Industry:

To choose the industry that is aligned with your passion you should consider a few factors to evaluate the growth of the industry. Personal services, information technology, and Construction companies are growing fast while direct retail has fewer opportunities to explore. Selecting one domain and investing your time and energy in it will increase your chances of success.

2. Learn New Things: 

“You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way.”—Marvin Minsky. If you are a good learner you have higher chances to succeed in your career so keep trying new things and explore the different fields and activities so that you can get a clear idea of where and in which field you have to start your career in. 

There are various ways by which you can start learning new things, few are mentioned below:

Internships or Externships: These can give you a firsthand experience of the career you're considering.

Temporary Jobs or Apprenticeships: These roles provide practical exposure and help you understand if the career aligns with your passion.

Work with Professionals: Observe and learn from someone in your desired field. Many Industries give chances to freshers to work.

Volunteer Work: After completing graduation it is a good initiative to start work voluntarily, it will give you not only experience but also provide a chance to socialize.

3. Seek Guidance: Passion-driven careers need guidance from experienced individuals, so it is important to get help from mentors who are working in the same field to get valuable insight and advice. You can find them on LinkedIn, exhibitions, or social media. Get out of your comfort zone and try connecting with them. 

4. Networking and Building Connections: Networking means connecting with more and more like-minded people, and building a strong network which can be done by going to seminars, conferences, and official meetings. Many people who attend workshops and seminars as participants get useful connections to find better places to work. The network allows us to enter the hidden job market, as well as provide us insight into the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and various useful links. Building relationships with industry experts and peers can lead you toward mentorship.

5. Job search and application strategies: In this digital era numerous platforms are available that can help you build a presentable resume, once you are clear about where you have to apply, update your profile with all the key skills, highlight the keywords mentioned in CV and apply to different companies. Other than that, side into the DMs or find the emails of individuals working in your dream sector and start cold mailing them. 

6. Be Open-Minded:  As the job market rapidly evolves you have to be more adaptable, ready to change your path as you learn more about your strengths. Emma Rosen tried 25 different careers before turning 25 to find her passion through diverse experiences, so the key is to keep trying and exploring. If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your current role, it’s essential to take proactive steps to address the issue. Don’t be afraid to change your approach, if you are not satisfied with what you are doing, be courageous to make the change.

7. Surround yourself with Like-Minded People:

If we are surrounded by like-minded people the positive energy we get is so contagious that it keeps us motivated. Networking with passionate professionals can also provide new perspectives and opportunities and can significantly enhance your personal and professional life. Their enthusiasm and drive serve as powerful sources of inspiration, motivating you to pursue your own goals with greater determination. Engaging with such individuals will allow you to foster a positive mindset, as their growth-oriented attitudes, resilience, and adaptability, especially in the face of challenges.

8. Trust yourself and Be Persistent:

Turning your passion into a career can be incredibly fulfilling, but it’s not without its challenges. By identifying your interests, conducting thorough research, and developing the necessary skills, you can create a path that aligns your professional life with what you love. Building a supportive network of like-minded individuals can provide valuable insights and encouragement. All things can fall into place if you believe in yourself and your passion, everything is possible and achievable if you continuously work in the right direction. Balancing passion with practicality is key to achieving long-term satisfaction and success. Ultimately, with dedication and perseverance, you can transform your passion into a fulfilling career that brings both joy and purpose to your life.

If we take the example of successful entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, J.K Rowling, Walt Disney, or any scientists like Thomas Edison, Newton, or Einstein, what they all have in common is  “Passion” for their work. They are self-motivated, growth-oriented, determined, and full of positivity. They achieve success because they know what they want to do, and they have a clear vision of their goals, which motivates them to work tirelessly and overcome any obstacle. Now if you are thinking about “Age Factor” as the biggest hurdle to pursuing your passion, then I will give you the example of KFC King Colonel Sanders, who started his franchise business at the age of 65 years. So it's never too late to give wings to your passion and touch the zenith of success.

In conclusion, we can say that a passionate career always keeps you motivated to give your best every day. Building a career out of your passion is not about searching for a job that excites you, it is all about crafting a life that is purposeful and fulfilling. Remember always a 9 to 5 job may provide you with all the basic facilities you have wanted but it can never give you that satisfaction that you are looking for. So are you ready to follow your passion to make a difference in your life and ready to commit to a journey that is full of challenges, and needs dedication and resilience? If yes, then a life that is full of interest and energy is waiting for you.