It’s a question that buzzes around in your head, especially when you hit a certain age, or maybe when you’re just scrolling through Instagram and everyone else seems to have it figured out. What’s your passion? What are you *really* meant to do? Honestly, it’s exhausting. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours feeling like you’re failing at life because you don’t have some grand, burning passion guiding your every move. But guess what? I think it’s okay not to know. At least, for a little while.
The Pressure Cooker of Passion
The internet, and even well-meaning family members, can make it feel like finding your passion is some kind of race. Like there’s a deadline, and if you haven’t discovered it by, say, 25 (or 30, or whatever arbitrary number you’ve assigned yourself), you’re somehow behind. Ugh, what a mess! The truth is, forcing yourself to find a passion rarely works. It’s like trying to tickle yourself – it just feels awkward and unnatural. We see all these success stories online of people who “followed their passion” and now have amazing careers or thriving businesses, and it’s easy to feel inadequate. But those stories are often highly curated, glossing over the years of hard work, setbacks, and (dare I say) maybe even a bit of luck. They definitely don’t show the messy middle part where you are struggling to figure everything out.
And then there’s the societal pressure. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question we’re asked from childhood, and it implies that we should have a clear, unwavering answer. Honestly, who even knows what’s next? I think that’s part of the fun. I remember when I was younger I wanted to be a vet, then a ballerina, and then a lawyer. I didn’t stick with any of them, because that’s life. You grow, you change and your interests change too.
My “Passion” Mishap
I actually thought I had found my “passion” a few years ago. I got really into making handmade jewelry. I spent hours crafting, buying beads, and setting up an Etsy shop. I even made a little money! For a few months, I was convinced this was it – my calling. But then… I got bored. Like, really bored. The repetitive motions started to hurt my hands, and the pressure to create new designs drained all the joy from it. I ended up with boxes of unsold jewelry and a healthy dose of disappointment. It wasn’t that jewelry-making was inherently bad, it just wasn’t *my* passion. And that’s okay. It was a fun hobby, and I learned some new skills, but it didn’t need to be my defining purpose in life. This little mistake made me realise there’s no harm in trying new things out, and there’s no shame if it doesn’t work out.
Embrace the Exploration Phase
Instead of stressing about finding your one true passion, maybe it’s time to embrace the exploration phase. Think of it as a journey of discovery, rather than a high-stakes quest. What are you curious about? What activities make you lose track of time? What problems do you want to solve? Try new things without the expectation of finding your “passion.” Take a class, volunteer for a cause, read a book on a subject that intrigues you. The possibilities are endless. And who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon something that sparks your interest, even if it’s not a lifelong commitment. Sometimes, just trying things is what it’s all about.
I’ve started taking online courses in areas I never considered before. I just finished a beginner’s course in coding. Am I going to become a software developer? Probably not. But I learned something new, challenged myself, and gained a little more insight into the world. Plus, it was kind of fun! If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into websites like Coursera or Skillshare. You might just find something that lights a small fire in you.
The Joy of “Just Because”
The funny thing is, sometimes the things we do “just because” can lead us to unexpected places. The hobby that started as a way to unwind after a stressful day at work could turn into a side hustle, or even a full-fledged career. The volunteer work you do because you care about a cause might connect you with like-minded people and open doors to new opportunities. The important thing is to do things that bring you joy, regardless of whether they fit into some pre-defined notion of “passion.”
It’s kind of like dating, right? You wouldn’t go into a first date expecting to find your soulmate. You go in with an open mind, ready to learn about someone new and see if there’s a connection. Finding your passion can be a similar process. It’s about trying different things, getting to know yourself, and being open to the possibilities.
It’s Okay to Change Your Mind (and Your Passion)
And here’s the real kicker: even if you do find something you’re passionate about, it’s okay to change your mind later. People evolve, interests shift, and life throws curveballs. What you loved doing at 25 might not be what you love doing at 35 or 45. And that’s perfectly normal. The idea that you have to find one passion and stick with it for the rest of your life is a myth. It’s much better to see yourself as someone who is always growing and learning.
So, if you’re feeling lost and passionless, take a deep breath and give yourself a break. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself to find the “one thing.” Instead, focus on exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the journey. Who knows, maybe your passion is already right in front of you. Or maybe, just maybe, you don’t need one at all. Maybe it’s enough to simply live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling, whatever that looks like for you. It’s certainly something I’m trying to do. Was I the only one confused by this?
