I am sure you’ve heard the cliche saying “Follow your passion”, and it probably had you asking yourself, “what am i really passionate about?”, “Is my current hobby actually my passion?” or the big one, “what is my purpose in life?”
You see there’s a major difference between simply liking to do something on your free time – A Hobby, and being obsessed and completely devoted to something – A Passion.
It is essential to not confuse these two because, as we grow and experience new things, our hobbies change. However, our passion follows us.
Here are a few tell signs you are passionate about something:
- You are happy to do it any day, and all day! You can be awoken from sleep and happily do something you are passionate about. No matter how tired you are from your day, some magical burst of energy is suddenly available for you to do that thing you love. You look forward to doing it all the time, and you constantly think of new ways to improve.
- You don’t mind investing time or money into it. Even when the return on investment is clearly not there, you do it anyway because you simply love it, and you are motivated from within to continue.
- You feel at ease doing what you are passionate about. It never feels hard or stressful, and you are enthusiastic about doing it. You feel like you are accomplishing something. There is a sense of pride knowing you love doing this, and you are good at it.
- It comes naturally to you. It feels as though you were just born with this gift. Although you may not be a Pro at first, but as you keep going at it, and you notice the continuous growth and progression.
If while reading this, something that ticks all of these boxes comes to mind, then my friend, you have found your passion.
Keep in mind however that a hobby can lead to the discovery of your passion as well. For instance, right from early childhood i’ve always loved to draw and paint, and although i don’t do it as much now, that hobby i once had ignited my passion for makeup. Makeup is art. It involves mixing colours, working with light, shadows, and textures to create a masterpiece.
Photography is something i also have a lot of interest in. I actually once told my mom when i was younger that i wanted to become a photographer lol. But i have yet to fully commit to mastering the craft even though i thoroughly enjoy taking pictures of people.
That is how i know it is a hobby, and not a passion.
To conclude, everyone has something they love doing. No need to feel bad if you think you are yet to discover that thing that makes your eyes light up.
Spend a little more time with yourself, explore your inner being and reflect.
Finding your passion can ultimately lead to the discovery of your purpose in life. Your purpose (which is a topic i feel needs a whole new post of its own), is where your passion collides with meeting the needs of others.
What are your hobbies? Have you discovered your passion yet?
See you next week!
