The Passion That Drives Success

#3 | Discovering your Passion

Passion is often romanticized as an innate, unmistakable force, but in reality, discovering one's passion is rarely a straightforward process. It can be a journey filled with twists and turns, trial and error, and moments of uncertainty. In this chapter, we explore practical strategies and exercises to help you uncover what truly excites and drives you. Whether you're a young adult setting out on life's journey or someone seeking a new direction later in life, these insights aim to guide you toward discovering the passions that can transform your life.

The Myth of the "Eureka" Moment

One of the most pervasive myths about passion is the belief that it strikes like a bolt of lightning—a sudden, clear revelation. While some people do experience profound moments of realization, for many, passion is a more subtle and gradual discovery. It's not always about finding a singular, all-consuming pursuit but rather about identifying activities and interests that bring you joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.

"Passion is energy," said Oprah Winfrey. "Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." This statement encapsulates the idea that passion is not necessarily about a grand discovery but about recognizing and cultivating what energizes you. It's about paying attention to the moments when you feel most alive and engaged.

Steve Jobs story

Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple Inc., offers a compelling real-life example of how passion can be discovered and nurtured. Jobs' journey to finding his passion was not linear; it was filled with exploration, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. As he famously stated, "You've got to find what you love... the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

Jobs' story appeals to ethos, as his credibility and accomplishments are well-recognized worldwide. He embodies the principle that passion often emerges from curiosity and a commitment to learning. Jobs was known for his love of technology and design, but his journey to these passions was marked by a series of explorations. In his youth, Jobs dropped out of college but continued to attend classes that interested him, such as calligraphy, which later influenced the aesthetic appeal of Apple's products. This decision, driven by curiosity rather than practicality, illustrates the importance of following one's interests even when the path isn't clear.

Explore Your Interests

The first step in discovering your passion is to explore your interests. This process involves reflection and experimentation. Here are some practical steps to guide you:

1. Reflect on Your Childhood Interests
Often, the things we loved as children can provide clues to our passions. Reflect on activities you enjoyed before external pressures and expectations influenced your choices. Did you love drawing, building things, exploring nature, or helping others? Revisiting these early interests can help reconnect you with authentic passions.

Steve Jobs, for example, had a childhood fascination with electronics and gadgets. He spent hours tinkering with radios and televisions, disassembling them to understand how they worked. This early curiosity laid the groundwork for his later passion for technology.

2. Identify What You Love to Learn About
Consider the topics you naturally gravitate towards in books, articles, or conversations. What subjects fascinate you? What do you find yourself wanting to know more about, even without any external reward? As author and entrepreneur Simon Sinek notes, "Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion." The subjects you love to learn about often point to deeper passions.

For Jobs, the intersection of technology and humanities was a constant source of fascination. His passion wasn't solely about engineering or design; it was about the fusion of both to create products that were not only functional but also beautiful.