Tips to find your life’s work: The Passion Formula

I had recently given a mindset talk to a group of high performance athletes and after the talk a student, probably 15 years old, came over to me and asked the following questions “how does one know what it is that you want to become or do with your life?” This brought to mind a quote from Will Smith's autobiography, "I Am Will," in which he emphasizes the importance of two fundamental questions we all face in life: "What do I want?" and "How do I get what I want?"

In the following article I will be exploring this question of passion and one’s life’s work. I will also be sharing some ways that can help you on this journey of discovery.

At some point in our lives, we will all grapple with the question of what we should strive for. This question can come in various forms, such as identifying our passion, determining our life's purpose, or deciding what our next step should be. Essentially, it all boils down to figuring out which path we should take.

I've come to realize that there's no perfect answer. Life is a journey of uncovering and discovering, and we all have to figure out what we want to do along the way – and yes, what you want will change and evolve.

However I do believe that it is important to set a meaningful target of some sort that helps direct your attention and energy.  I know this might be difficult for many since you are not sure which target to set your sights on, so you are tempted to just go through the motions. Going through the motions can be dangerous for several reasons, but arguable the most dangerous part is losing out on the sense of self-belief that you develop from working on and moving toward a goal.

Aim for meaningful

What is meaningful to you will differ from what is meaningful to me – this is subjective, but you can use your values to help you guide your decision on what you find meaningful.  Ask yourself what is important to you?

Your past adversities

In addition, the adversities that you had faced in life often offers a window into what you will find meaningful. Take for example as a teenager and in my early twenties I struggled significantly with self-belief and confidence. This sparked a natural curiosity and interest within me, which I nourished by delving into research and studying psychology, identity development and the concept of self. This then paved the way for me to help others who struggle with similar challenges since I found the work meaningful and rewarding.  

Be open to making mistakes

The truth is that mistakes and taking calculated risks will form a vital part of the journey. It's better to set your sights on any meaningful target and move towards it rather than not making a decision at all. Even if you don't end up where you thought you would, at least you will have learned and gained experience along the way. Remember that not making a decision is a decision in itself.

Reflect often

Reflecting on your journey is also crucial to determining if you are on the right path and what you should do next. Reflection helps you gain insights into your journey that would otherwise go unnoticed. Some of my biggest breakthroughs, discoveries and insights came as a result of reflecting on my experiences. You can do life without reflecting, many people do – but to find depth in life, you have to reflect. So, take the time to reflect often and use those insights to move forward with greater purpose and conviction. Ray Dalio highlights the importance of reflection in one of my favourite quotes “Pain plus reflection, equals progress”.

High utility skills

When setting your aim on a target, it's important to identify the skills that you will be developing and how they can be useful in a wider range of pursuits. You want to find high-impact skills with high utility, so even if you decide that this path is no longer for you, you can take the skills and experience capital into a different industry or path altogether. This will give you more flexibility in the long run and help you pivot if necessary.

An example from my own life, while I was studying I worked as an instore promoter. Though this job was just an means to an end, it provided me with the opportunity and environment to develop the confidence to speak to prospects and sell, a skill which I later leveraged when I started my first business after graduating.

If you can’t find a specific career or path that seems meaningful, then use skills as a way to make your decision. Instead of asking yourself will I enjoy this, ask yourself could these skills be potentially useful in my future.

It's also important to remember that what you want to do with your life may change over time. Life is not static, and we all have to be adaptable to change. The key is to remain open to new possibilities and to keep learning and growing.

Think in terms of seasons

If you are finding it difficult deciding on one specific path for your life, then perhaps it is better to ask yourself what is it that I could do or pursue during this season or the next season of my life. This allows you to turn off the pressure of finding the perfect target.

I have seen this with the professional athletes that I work with who are nearing retirement, they often put so much pressure on themselves to make the right moves that it leads to fear, anxiety and inaction. Instead, I often suggest that they should ask themselves what they want their first and second year of retirement to look like. This is a great way to turn the pressure off.

In the same way, you can ask yourself, what do I want the next one, two or three years to look like.

This often provides the freedom and willingness to explore new things.

Try new things

Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Take risks and challenge yourself. Trying new things can help you discover what you are truly passionate about and what brings you joy.

If you have always been curious about a particular sport or activity, try it out and see if it's something you enjoy. During a recent conversation with a client, he mentioned his newfound passion for soccer as a hobby and how impressed he was with his progress. Despite having previously felt inadequate and apprehensive about playing or joining a team, he overcame his fear and gave it a try. To his surprise, not only did he enjoy playing soccer, but he also discovered that he had a natural talent for it.

Trying and experiencing new things is truly important but doing it with an open mind is essential.

Finally, it's important to remember that the path to discovering your passion and purpose is not always straightforward. It can be a winding road with many detours and unexpected twists and turns. Be patient with yourself and stay focused on the long-term vision of discovering meaningful work. With dedication and persistence, you can find the path that's right for you and lead a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, uncovering your passion and purpose is a journey that requires self-reflection, experimentation, and persistence. It's not always easy, but it's essential for leading a fulfilling life. By identifying your values, trying new things, and reflecting often you can discover what you want to do with your life and pursue it with passion and purpose. Remember, a deliberate life is a fulfilling one, so don't be afraid to take risks and follow your dreams.