If you’re free to’t seem to find something you’d love doing, you’re not alone.
Many of us struggle with what our own ideas of what a “dream job” would be.
Take a step out of your comfort zone and experience new things.
When you’restuck in your bubble, you’re afraid of being uncomfortable.
Branch out and see what’s out there.
Eventually you’ll encounter something that gets you excited.
Where should you look?
You must have some idea of what interests you a little bit.
Thennotice your own reaction.
Curiosity (which I talk about fairly often) is a wonderful thing.
It’s that feeling of “I
really
want to find out more about this.”
It’s like a mental and emotional itch to understand that you just have to scratch.
you might also ask yourself the simple question of “what do I find myself doing?”
They remind me of a dog chasing a tennis ball… find your tennis ballthe thing that pulls you.
A big factor in finding your passion is also recognizing what you’re good at.
You are good atsomething, guaranteed.
Maybe you have a way with numbers, or maybe you have an eye for design.
One way or another, you have an ability that’s probably untapped.
Think back, as far as you’re able to, to jobs, projects, hobbies.
This could be your passion.
Or you may have several things.
Start a list of potential candidates.
So, what’s your tennis ball?
That’s still progress.
Think of all the ideas you have for what you’re passionate about asflowers that need to be pruned.
For your ideas to grow they have to be trimmed down into something that can flourish.
They had 24 hours in a day just like you.
If your job allows it, find time at work to do what you love.
Every little bit counts.
Set attainable monthly, weekly, and daily goals for yourself and reward yourself.
Move toward your goal step by step.
In factdepending on what your passion istrying to make your passion your job could be a really bad idea.
It could lead you to financial ruin or even push you to despise what was once your passion.
There are plenty of other avenues for you to go after that special something in your life.
Work a job that’s good enough for you and go after your dream on the side.
There’s no rule that says you might’t do both, and it’s more common than you think.
If not, this one’s all on you.
This really is the test for how passionate you are and how much you want something.
Are you willing to sacrifice your weekendfreelancing?
Are you willing totake night classesafter a long day of work?
The time is there, but will you use it?
It’s entirely up to you.
If you have no free time, find a way to make it.
Get a babysitter, take online classes from home, or get a friend involved.
One way or another, you have the power to find time for what you love.
You just have to find the right balance for you.
No one gets it right the first time.
In our world, failure is everywhere, but fortunately, it’s also what keeps us all going.
People get there because they’re afraid to fail doing something else, something uncomfortable.
What harm is it if you want to start painting or play in a band?
So what if the first play you act in is a disaster?
With each failure, you get better and you get closer to doing the thing you love.
Break that big, scary goal down into a lot of little goals.
Make each goal a step in the right direction.
On her Linkedin blog, Dr. Julie Connor suggestscreating SMART goals:
A SMART goal is SPECIFIC.
What do I want to accomplish?
Why do I want to accomplish it?
What are the benefits?
Where will it be located?
A SMART goal is MEASURABLE
.
How much is needed?
What tools do I need to measure progress?
What targets will I establish as I progress towards my goal?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
A SMART goal is ATTAINABLE.
How can my goal be accomplished?
How is my goal action-oriented?
How much will it cost to launch and support my goal?
What knowledge and skills are needed to reach this goal?
A SMART goal is REALISTIC
.
Why is my goal meaningful?
Why is there a need for this goal?
Why is this the right time to pursue this goal?
Is this goal aligned with my core values?
A SMART goal is TIME-BOUND.
Is there a time frame for implementation of this goal?
When will this plan be implemented?
What will I do within the next six months to reach my goal?
What will I do within the next six weeks to reach my goal?
What will I do this week to reach my goal?
Know exactly what you’re doing every step of the way and confirm it’s quantifiable.
Don’t make it overwhelming, but try and challenge yourself.
Whatever you set for yourself, the challenge will help keep you interested.
Lastly, just get started.
Taking that initial leap isthe most important part of any path.
If you don’t know what to write, just start typing.
If you don’t know what to paint, just start making brush strokes.
If you don’t know what to cook, just start pulling things out of the fridge.
Force yourself to make a move and you’ll jump start your motivation.
Maybe you have children, or maybe you have to keep two jobs to stay afloat.
It’s not easy.
If things are bogging you down too much, remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
If you hide behind a facade people will assume everything is good and won’t extend opportunities or suggestions.
I’m not talking about whining and complaining.
It’s even better if you have some clarity about your aspirations.
It’s been my experience that pursuing passion is often a balancing act rather than an either/or proposition.
Without support it’s twice as hard to take on the weight of a new project.
And on the financial side, you need their help to trim expenses and/or provide additional sources of income.
Talk with friends and family, significant others, or even close coworkers.
Let people in on what you’re doing and how it’s affecting you.
It takes a lot of strength and courage to realize you need it and ask for it.
“I’ll Get to It Later”
No, you won’t.
You’ll just keep telling yourself that until it’s too late.
You have the time to do it right now.
