The Path to Passion

Life is a continuous journey of exploration. From childhood to adulthood, we are constantly exposed to new experiences, ideas, and opportunities. However, many of us settle into routines, rarely pausing to question whether we are truly fulfilled. What if the key to personal and professional growth lies in the constant pursuit of new interests and the willingness to look within ourselves?

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of continuously discovering new passions, paying attention to what motivates us, and investing in ourselves once we find something that resonates.

Many people struggle to identify their true passions, often believing that they should have figured it out early in life. However, research suggests that passions are not always innate—they are often discovered through exploration (Duckworth, 2016). Trying new things broadens our horizons, exposes us to different perspectives, and helps us understand what excites and motivates us.

In her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, psychologist Angela Duckworth emphasizes that passion develops over time through curiosity and sustained interest. Instead of waiting for a “calling” to reveal itself, she encourages people to engage in diverse experiences to uncover what they truly enjoy (Duckworth, 2016).

While trying different activities is essential, it is equally important to pay attention to how you feel during the process. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel energised and excited when I engage in this activity?

• Do I naturally want to learn more about it?

• Does time seem to fly by when I am doing this?

For example, during my first internship, I started working on a project to prepare a workshop on workplace wellbeing. Initially, it was just a task, but I found myself deeply engaged in the process—researching psychological safety, discussing ways to make workplaces more human-centered, and thinking about how people thrive in professional settings. This experience made me realize that I truly enjoyed working on topics related to HR, psychology, and organizational development. That realisation led me to invest further in this field, shaping my career path.

These moments of excitement and curiosity are signals. They reveal what naturally draws us in and what we might be passionate about if we give ourselves the chance to explore it further.

Once you identify something you enjoy, the next step is to invest in it. Passion alone is not enough—growth requires effort and dedication. Here are a few ways to do this:

1. Learn and Expand Your Knowledge | If you discover an interest in a particular field, start learning more about it. Read books, take online courses, listen to podcasts, or attend workshops. For instance, if you develop a passion for photography, you might take an online course or join a photography club to enhance your skills.

2. Practice and Experiment | Engaging in hands-on experience solidifies your passion. If you enjoy writing, start a blog. If public speaking excites you, volunteer to give presentations. Small steps toward practice will help you refine your interests and build confidence.

3. Connect with Like-Minded People | Surrounding yourself with individuals who share your interests can be incredibly motivating. Networking, joining communities, or finding mentors in the field, can open new doors and provide valuable guidance.

4. Be Patient with Yourself | Discovering and developing a passion takes time. It is okay if your interests evolve or if you try something and later realise it’s not for you. The important thing is to keep exploring and to trust that each experience is helping you to learn more about yourself.

Constant exploration is the key to self-discovery. By trying new things, paying attention to what excites us, and dedicating time and effort to our interests, we can create a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

So, what’s something new you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s learning a language, exploring a new career path, or taking up an artistic hobby. Whatever it is, take the first step today—you never know where it might lead you.

‘Till next time…