Guide to Discovering your Passion

When we talk about life calling, it is important to rid ourselves of the expectations of others - family, friends, society. It is important to live our lives according to our own norms.

Prioritize your own values and aspirations before delving into exercises to determine your life's direction.

If you're reading this, you're likely seeking answers. Perhaps you're questioning your life's direction, feeling stuck, or struggling to believe in your potential. Life's uncertainties often lead us to contemplate our purpose.

‍When reflecting on our lives, we often question our decisions and long for past successes. It's important to take a moment to breathe, ground ourselves, and let go of the past. No matter how perfect it was, the past is the past. Focus on the present and embrace the future.

Before we begin our journey of self-discovery, let's acknowledge these 3 potential challenges:

1. Pressure from others to conform to certain standards or expectations.

2. Living in the past can activate self-criticism and erode self-confidence.

3. A series of negative experiences can lead to self-doubt and limiting beliefs.

These internal barriers can significantly affect your daily life and well-being.

To fully explore your purpose, passion, and compass, it's essential to work on overcoming these mental blocks.

Before diving into self-discovery exercises, take steps to manage stress and anxiety. A calm and centerd mind will enable you to make decisions that reflect your authentic self, free from the influence of fear and worry.

To complete these exercises, you'll need 60 minutes of your time, five A4 sheets of paper, and a pen.

‍Key Influences on your Life

As we journey through life, various experiences and relationships shape our paths. On a blank sheet of paper, list 4-8 significant influences that have significantly impacted your current life.

Examples:

• Family
• Friends
• Teachers
• Mentors
• Travel experiences
• Life events (e.g., divorce, loss)
• Cultural background
• Hobbies or passions

Exploring Identity and Values: A Journey Through Time

Let's delve into your personal journey by reflecting on your pre-school and post-school experiences.

Questions:

Pre-school period: What were your favorite activities?

What were your favorite Movies/Cartoons/Heroes/Careers/Occupations? Who were the people you talked to/could rely on?

Post-school period: What were your favorite activities?

What were your favorite Movies/Cartoons/Heroes/Careers/Occupations? Who were the people you talked to/could rely on?

Activities and Emotions: Finding Your Flow

Michaly Csikszentmihalyi, a renowned psychologist, introduced the concept of "flow" in the last century. CareerfIT adapted his ideas to suit the modern world and its challenges.

Beyond listing activities you enjoy, let's explore a broader range of activities you've engaged in. Consider everything from exercise and hobbies to daily tasks like emails and meetings.

Here's a starting point:

• Exercise (e.g., running, yoga, weightlifting)
• Hobbies (e.g., painting, playing an instrument, gardening)
• Social activities (e.g., spending time with friends and family, attending events)
• Work-related activities (e.g., meetings, presentations, projects)
• Leisure activities (e.g., watching TV, reading, gaming)

Next to each activity, note the emotions it typically evokes.

Here are some examples:

Exercising - energy

Walking - peace

Writing emails - mild anxiety

Traveling - excitement and freedom

‍

Additional examples:

New projects - risk, excitement, challenge

Presenting to large groups - anxiety, nervousness, satisfaction (upon completion)

Learning new skills - excitement, accomplishment, fulfillment

Helping others - joy, satisfaction, purpose

Over a week or month, recall as many activities as possible and analyze the emotions associated with them.

Discover your Direction

Before embarking on this exercise, ensure you've shed any external expectations and embraced your own values. Take a moment to cleanse yourself of societal pressures and step into your authentic self.

Your life's direction is a personal compass, guiding your journey. We all possess an innate understanding of our purpose, though external influences and self-doubt can sometimes obscure it.

Reflect on the previous exercises and identify five topics, activities, or areas that you're passionate about and unwilling to compromise. These elements form the core of your life's purpose.

Example: People, travel, freedom, passion, business.

‍Designing your Ideal Week

This final exercise will help you bridge the gap between your desired lifestyle and your current reality. Imagine your ideal week, filled with activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

By visualizing your ideal week, you'll gain a clearer understanding of your life's purpose and passion. These activities can serve as daily reminders of your direction and help you find happiness in your everyday life.

Once you've outlined your ideal week, compare it to your current routine. Identify any missing elements and gradually incorporate them into your daily life.

‍Want to know Why Pursue a Career in the Tech Industry?

CareerfIT’s clients Ivona, Irena, Sonja, Marija, Ksenija and Maja pursued their career in tech and got hired as Project Managers.

Scoring is the first step in evaluating how well your resume aligns with your dream job.‍

Use CareerfIT’s HR backed AI tool for FREE.

‍

‍