Written by: Barbara B. Maietta, CFP®
What Is Passion?
Passion is that fire inside you—that deep excitement that lights you up when you think about a particular activity, cause, or idea. It’s more than a hobby or a passing interest. Passion is what makes you lose track of time. It’s what fuels your desire to create, to help, to solve problems, or to make a difference.
But perhaps most importantly, real passion will keep you going even when the road gets tough. It’s the emotional energy that helps you persevere through challenges and setbacks.
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive but in finding something to live for” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Why Is It So Hard to Discover Our Passions?
If passion is so powerful, why is it sometimes so difficult to figure out what we’re truly passionate about? The truth is, many people struggle with this—and for valid reasons.
1. Societal Expectations
From a young age, many of us are conditioned to please others. We worry about whether our dreams are “good enough” or “realistic.” This fear of judgment makes us vulnerable and hesitant to explore what really lights us up. But here’s a powerful truth:
You don’t need permission to pursue your passion.
Your feelings matter. What excites you is valid—no matter what anyone else thinks.
2. Limited Experiences
We can’t be passionate about something we’ve never encountered. Sometimes, the key to unlocking your passion is stepping outside your comfort zone. That means trying new things, exploring unfamiliar topics, or revisiting interests you once loved but let fade.
3. Passions Evolve
What excited you five years ago may not light you up today. And that’s okay. Life changes, and so do you. It’s not that you were wrong before—it’s that you’ve grown. Embrace the evolution of your passions as part of your journey.
Where Do You Find Your Passions?
Finding your passion requires both introspection and exploration.
Look Inward:
- Reflect on your life experiences. What activities have brought you joy, pride, or a sense of fulfillment?
- Journal a few times a week. Capture your ideas, feelings, and inspirations.
- Ask yourself powerful questions, like:
- When do I feel most alive?
- What topics do I naturally gravitate toward?
- If money or time weren’t an issue, what would I do every day?
Look Outward:
- Talk to people about what excites them. Their stories can inspire ideas you hadn’t considered.
- Start a passion project group with friends—read a book together, try a new experience, or discuss your dreams.
- Stay curious. Try a class, join a community group, volunteer—each new step can unlock something powerful.
Remember: Discovering Your Passion Is Not Linear
Some days you’ll feel inspired. Other days you’ll feel stuck. That’s normal. Think of passion not as a destination but as a journey. It’s okay to take wrong turns or change course. What matters is that you keep exploring.
What Do You Want From Life?
Exploring You Exercise
To live a life guided by passion, you need to explore more than your wish list—you need to look at what gives your life meaning. Use this chart to reflect on different areas of your life. Write down what you would like to do or achieve in each category. Then, highlight your top 7–10 and begin planning small steps to explore them further.
What are your dreams? At the end of your life, what will you regret that you never tried?
| Physically Things to do or own |
Emotionally Feelings, relationships |
Intellectually Learn & Expand |
Spiritually Connecting with Yourself or Your God |
Hard to Categorize |
Leave a Legacy Exercise
This powerful exercise will help you uncover your core values by imagining how you want to be remembered—not for what you did, but for who you were.
Write down 10 words you’d love for others to use to describe you at your best. Not your achievements—but your essence. Here’s an example:
“She was a dreamer and a leader. She could enter a room and brighten it with her smile.”
Now, prioritize your words. Which ones do you aspire to be remembered for? These will help guide you toward what’s truly important.
Eulogies focus on character, what a person was like, without comparisons.
| Words You Want To Include | |
Prioritize each word 1 to 10 or High, Medium or Low. Write 3 paragraphs that you want your best friend or child to deliver at your funeral.
What Will You Start Doing Differently?
You don’t have to make massive changes overnight. But if you’re feeling the stir of passion and possibility, that means it’s time to take a step—any step—forward.
- Will you try something new?
- Start journaling?
- Talk to a friend about your dreams?
- Read some books?
Three of My Favorite Books
- BREADCRUMB Legacy, How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering by Jann E. Freed, PhD
- From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks
- The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho
Whatever you do—just begin. Because the world needs more people living lives filled with purpose, authenticity, and passion.
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