What if I don't have a passion?
"What if I don't have a passion?"
Has the thought ever occurred to you that you may not have a passion? That you might be one of the few people in the world that after months/years of searching, there just may not be something you'd be happy to devote your life to?
The thought crossed my mind during my search. It didn't last long since I came to this realization from my discussion with others:
If I can't find a passion, it's because I haven't tried enough new activities.
One of my key findings from interviewing passionate people was that I couldn't just hope to find what I'm passionate about by sitting around thinking about it. I would have to go out and search, and more importantly, try new things.
In fact, there's a good chance that you've come across a passion of yours in the past, possibly without even realizing it. I think back to all of the time I spent as a child building and constructing things, and how years later I had all but forgotten this time. Even as I thought back, I still couldn't immediately see how LEGO bricks and a chemistry set could possibly be indicative of a passion.
I mean, I liked building a spaceship here and there, but nothing like the creations of the truly passionate.
A VERY large LEGO spaceship.
It took talking and reaching out and experiencing new thing to really draw those activities as well as others together into something I find to be exciting. And it was only then, after connecting with people, that I was able to pay attention to what I enjoyed doing and realize that I could work with that.
Also, with the internet at our fingertips, it's easier than ever to find people doing things that never crossed your mind, but immediately engage you when you see it.
Take this guy for example. He makes homemade laser weapons and other handheld devices. Most of these are pretty dangerous if used incorrectly, but you won't be able to create your own futuristic army with them. He builds them by hand and offers to sell many of them to fans.
One of my favorite gadgets is his Iron Man gauntlet.
Not only is he amazing at what he does, he's turned it into a money making opportunity and found a way to financially support his passion. This in turn has spurred me on a journey, which I'll share with you as time goes on.
By looking at what's out there, you can find inspiration or motivation for many things you didn't even know existed.
How have you found your passion? Are there some clues from your past that make sense now in hindsight?
- Ryan