I had a great interview with Scott Barlow of Happen To Your Career recently. He awakened me to the concept of ‘the clues lie in your past’.
We were talking about how someone can figure out what they are great at. He is a career coach, so his advice centers around helping people discover that very thing for their career. But this concept goes beyond work, and seeps into passion.
To understand what you are really great at, dive into your past for a minute.
Do you remember when you were a kid? Can you think of what you could do better than other kids your age?
How about, just doing things you enjoyed more than anything? What were those things?
And when you have something in mind, think of something you love doing today, whether you get paid for it or not. Does it resemble the things you did as a kid in any way?
For me, it was the discovery of fixing things and learning how they worked. I always like taking things apart to see what caused them to run. So when I think about all the stuff that I really enjoyed doing over the years, it usually comes back to what I enjoyed doing in childhood.
Even now, I do the same thing as a coach. When I originally received my certifications in hypnosis, I soon came to realize that working with the subconscious mind is basically like working with a piece of complex technology. Our brains are wired for specific functions, but most brains have very different programs running in the background. Working with these programs that run on the technology of the brain, keeps me engaged and coming back for more. I am totally passionate about it.
My passion evolved from what I loved to do as a child.
Scott was right, the clues do lie in the past. What you need to focus on when it comes to finding your passion is what you used to focus on when nothing else in the world mattered. As a child, you were totally present with what you were doing.
As adults, we tend to rational-lies everything we do! We get worried someone might laugh at us, or think we’re crazy (or dumb!), if we say or do something that they wouldn’t do. We actually start sculpting our lives through the eyes of others.
And we wonder why so many people aren’t fulfilled in life.
But when you can pull off your protective armor, and allow the world to see you as you are, your passion will shine through. The first step isn’t always the easiest. But when you’ve found your rhythm, and you end up knee-deep in something you’re totally passionate about, the happy dance will never end.
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Thanks Paul! It is so true that if we return to the thoughts of our innocent and carefree childhood it can help identify those passions. For me is was learning and helping others figure out complex things. It’s so nice to have your posts to bring in the reinforcements on things we should be able to figure out, but get muddled by our adult brains. Thanks for the reminder to think like a child!!
Thank you Celest! I think there are a lot of people that feel stuck doing something they don’t like, and have probably never liked. They just haven’t figured out how to figure out what they are passionate about! I appreciate your comment.
Paul, I like reading your blog, but I love listening to your podcast. Another great podcast, but I am really just waiting for the next episode.
Ha ha, thanks Alex! It’s possible I may up the number of episodes per week in Q1 of next year. Thanks for the encouragement to do so!
I love the change on the word “rational-lies”. Brilliant. 🙂 Digging in to the past to make sure we’re being true to ourselves. Great advice!
Ha ha, thanks Justin.
Paul, great post. I love your statement: “We actually start sculpting our lives through the eyes of others.” This is exactly why surrounding yourself with like-minded people is so important. It’s tough to try and explain to someone why you would want to spend 12 hours in front of a computer when it’s a Saturday, 75 degrees out and the ocean is 2 blocks away. But if you want to get there, you’ve gotta just do it.
Well said Kate! I agree, so many people wonder why I’m leaving a paying position to pursue what I love. The ocean may be near, but when you’ve found something that compels you even more, you know you’ve found a passion. Love that example.
Keep it coming Paul. I truly resonate with this post and it’s really great to hear people going through some of the things I have experienced when starting a business. Your customers and audience love when the armor is off and they get the real you. Thanks Paul!
Love it Entreprenative! Thanks for adding to the conversation. Great show by the way! I appreciate your input.
When your passion meets your source of income, wow, that is powerful! Thank you for commenting and sharing that Eric!
Paul, I am working to make that happy dance never end! And this article is a great piece that makes me reflect and ensure that what I’m doing will lead me to that ultimate happiness and success (in my mind). But it goes back to the beginning… Great stuff here! I truly enjoy your work.
Thank you Austin! Ha ha, love your comment on the happy dance. Thank you so much for your feedback!
Am so glad to read this post. Perfect advice here: “The first step isn’t always the easiest. But when you’ve found your rhythm, and you end up knee-deep in something you’re totally passionate about, the happy dance will never end.” Powerfully plain and clear that I’m amazed beyond my senses, I’m definitely (re)inspired. Thanks a lot.
Oh wow! Just another great thought-provoking and inspiring podcast. “I am the solution to someone else’s problem” is the perfect mantra to keep me motivated as I begin to monetize on being my best self!
Thanks for this Paul. I believe that doing something your totally passionate about makes it more fulfilling. I been able to live that life where my passion is my career and its awesome.