Think passion is reserved for only the young, fresh out of school? Think again! If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to go after what excites you, or if you’re sitting on a goldmine of enthusiasm waiting to be tapped, you’re in the right place. This isn’t about recapturing youth; it’s about seizing the moment that’s right in front of you—yes, this very moment.
Why Do Passions Matter?
Let’s get to the heart of the matter. You’ve probably heard a lot about ‘following your passion,’ and it might even sound like a broken record at this point. But why does ‘passion’ get so much airtime? Well, it’s simple – passion is what makes you wake up with a bit of a spring in your step, even on Mondays. It’s what makes the ‘grind’ worth it.
Imagine doing something you love. Now, envision the pure joy and satisfaction that stirs in your chest and tingles your fingertips. That’s what passion can lead to. It’s not just about making a living, painting the perfect picture, or about having a magazine-worthy house; it’s about making a life that fuels you. When you’re passionate, your work doesn’t feel like work. Your creativity isn’t roadblocked by “Will other people like this?” and your home and family will energize you! You’re eager to face challenges because they’re just fun puzzles waiting to be solved. You’re resilient, you’re fired up, and let’s be honest, you’re just more fun to be around.
Now, we’re not saying you need to be passionate 24/7. We’re all human; we have off days. But if you’ve got a hold on passion, those off days become fewer and far between and make the grind worth it. Passion fuels your growth, lights up your imagination, and, quite frankly, it’s contagious.
Passions are important simply because they add a real sense of pleasure and interest to your life. When you spend time on activities that stir your enthusiasm, you tend to feel more content, engaged, and a deep sense of personal fulfillment.
From a health standpoint, doing what you love can be a powerful way to manage stress, creating a balanced life and act as a form of self-care.
Do You Already Know Your Passion? If Not, This is How You Can Find it!
If you are one of the lucky ones who haven’t misplaced their passion(as all too common!) as you age, congratulations! Your job now is to grab those reins with both hands and embrace all of the zest it brings to your life.
For the rest of us, though. It may mean you need to look inward, recenter yourself, and listen to what excites your heart. You can do that with a few simple steps:
Look at Your Life
Start by reviewing how you choose to spend your time outside of work or obligatory tasks. Grab a notepad or use the notes app in your phone and document activities that grip you… you know, those moments when hours pass by unnoticed! This exercise will help you recognize how you spend your time while also understanding why these activities captivate you. Are they creative, analytical, or maybe even social? Really pay attention to the ‘why’ behind your interest to pinpoint your passions.
Listen to Your Excitement
Pay attention to conversations that animate you. Is there a subject that consistently energizes you, that you feel like you can just talk-and-talk-and-talk about? Start tracking these topics. The next time you find yourself in a lively discussion, note what it’s about and reflect on it later. Is it something you could explore further through a class, a book, or a local group? Use this excitement as a guide to lead you toward potential passions.
Notice What You Envy
Envy, while it has a bad rap, is a normal human emotion to have. Instead of pushing it away and telling yourself you “should” or “shouldn’t” have certain feelings, use these as times to get curious with yourself. They are teaching moments. Observe when you feel envious and how your envy can highlight what you aspire to achieve or be part of. So, when you next catch yourself wishing you had what someone else does, stop and ask yourself what aspect precisely you’re envious of. Is it their creative freedom, their entrepreneurial spirit, or their ability to help others? Use these insights to explore how you can infuse these aspects into your own life.
Identify Moments of Pride
We all have our proud moments, even if we don’t openly boast about them. Be intentional and take some time to reflect on your achievements and what made you most proud of yourself. Was it solving a complex problem, helping someone in need, or completing a project? Write these instances down (no matter how big or small) and look for patterns. These patterns often lead directly to your passions. This recognition can serve as a foundation for further personal or professional development.
Mindfully Experiment
Start embracing your inner child and have fun, learn, and approach new activities with curiosity but without the pressure of commitment. For example, if you’re intrigued by photography, consider borrowing a camera before purchasing one, or take a short-term course instead of enrolling in an extensive program.
Have fun learning something new! Take photos that you think are beautiful without overthinking. Tap into that energetic heart flutter.
Document your experiences and feelings towards each trial. Did it feel right? Did you look forward to it? This process of elimination and affirmation can be a powerful tool in discovering your true passions. You’ll likely even meet new people who can further inspire you and get you started in activities you never even thought of… often leading to a passion you never knew you had!
Whether you’re validating and growing a passion that was already there, but dormant, or still searching for that spark, the journey to discovering your passion can be as revealing as it is rewarding. Keep an open mind, be ready for some trial and error, and when you find that thing that feels just right, embrace it with open arms. Passion is not just about what you do, but how it makes you feel—alive, engaged, and entirely you.
Are You Too Old to Chase Your Passion?
Age really is just a number, and when it comes to chasing your passion, that number is even more irrelevant. If you’re sitting there thinking you’ve missed your shot because you’ve celebrated more birthdays than you’d like to admit, we’re here to tell you it’s never too late. The idea that there’s an expiration date on chasing dreams needs to be updated.
If you’re ready to pursue your passion but wrestling with the ‘am I too old?’ question, let’s set the record straight. History is littered with people who hit their stride later in life. You’re in a prime position to use your wealth of experience to your advantage. You’ve got skills, insights, and, let’s be honest, a dash of wisdom that you didn’t have in your youth.
Here’s what you can do to embrace the confidence you need to start living the life of your dreams:
Acknowledge Your Experience: Every year you’ve lived has taught you something. Gather the threads of your past experiences — your triumphs, your mistakes, and everything in between. They are not just memories; they are your private collection of insights and skills. Leverage this knowledge. Applying what you’ve learned to your passion pursuit gives you a head start and enriches your journey with a depth that only experience can provide.
Redefine Success: What you wanted at 20 may not be what you yearn for now, and that’s more than okay—it’s growth. Define what success looks like for you today. It might be more about personal fulfillment than professional accolades. It might be about impact rather than income. Set goals that resonate with who you are today, not who you were decades ago. Your definition of success is allowed to evolve as you do.
Take Small Steps: The thought of starting something new can be daunting at any age, but no action is too small. Break down your goal into bite-sized pieces. Whether it’s dedicating half an hour a day to learn something new or setting weekly goals, these baby steps will create a path you can confidently (and sustainably) follow. An added bonus: With each step, your confidence will grow, making the next one even easier.
Connect with Like-minded Individuals: You don’t have to do this alone— pursuing a more fulfilling life is more common than you think. Research communities and groups, both online and in person, filled with people who share your interests and can resonate with. These folks can offer practical advice, encouragement, and perhaps a new friendship. Their support can be the difference between faltering and flourishing in your new venture. Engage with these communities, share your experiences, and soak up the collective wisdom they offer.
Pursuing your passion isn’t a race against time or panic because you feel like you’re missing something you should have. The path can be just as fulfilling and all-telling about yourself, so practice gratitude and mindfully making the time count. Use your years to your advantage, redefine what achievement means to you, take it one step at a time, and get connected. Your age might just be the asset you need to chase your passion with wisdom and clarity.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now to Chase Your Passion
The next steps are all about channeling that enthusiasm for your passion into action! It’s one thing to know what lights your soul on fire; it’s another to fan those flames into something that warms your days and lights up your life. Ready to get started?
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with your passion. Do you want to turn it into a career, or keep it as a joyful hobby? Setting clear, specific goals gives you direction and a benchmark for success.
- Create a Plan: With goals in hand, draft a roadmap. What are the milestones you need to hit? This might involve setting up a website, enrolling in a course, or simply dedicating regular time to your pursuit.
- Allocate Time: Time is the currency of passion. Carve out dedicated hours in your week for your passion. Treat this time as non-negotiable. It’s as important as any other appointment or commitment.
- Gather Resources: What tools do you need? Whether it’s art supplies, a new piece of software, or a musical instrument, make sure you have what you need to dive in.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t operate in a bubble. Share your work or progress with trusted friends or mentors, even if it’s imperfect. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Constructive feedback and pushing the perimeter of your comfort zone will propel you forward faster than you might think.
- Stay Consistent: Passion thrives on consistency. Work on your passion regularly to maintain momentum and keep your skills sharp, and make sure you are progressing towards your goals. Following through with your promise to yourself is the ultimate way to redefine your confidence and self-trust. Remember that this is the ultimate act of self-care.
You’ve got this! This is the fun part, this is you taking control and turning your passion into a tangible part of your life. This is where you truly will start to thrive and feel more alive!
Chasing your passion isn’t reserved based on the date on your birth certificate; it’s about the energy you feel coursing through you. No matter your age, there’s a thrill in pursuing what you love, an unmatched zest that comes from embracing your interests wholeheartedly. It’s about waking up with a sense of purpose and going to bed with a feeling of accomplishment.
So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got a wealth of life experience, let your passion be the force that drives you forward. Chase it with the knowledge that every step you take is a step toward a life rich with enthusiasm and self-fulfillment. Here’s to finding and following your passion, to living a life that feels as rewarding as it is rich with possibility—today, tomorrow, and every day after.
Looking for even more ways you can live a healthier, happier life? You won’t regret booking an Integrative Coaching Session!
NOV