Part 1: Discover Your Passion and Purpose: The Mindset Shift You Need to Take Action

Have you ever met someone whose eyes light up when they talk about what they do? There's an undeniable energy about them – an enthusiasm that goes beyond a paycheck or a job title. That's the power of passion and purpose. When you align your life with what truly fulfills you, everything shifts. Work feels less like an obligation and more like an opportunity. Challenges become steppingstones rather than roadblocks. Success is no longer just about external achievement but about the deep satisfaction of knowing you are making a meaningful impact.

The Problem with Traditional Career Expectations

For many people, discovering that sense of purpose may feel elusive. We’re often conditioned to follow a path that others set for us – picking a career based on job stability, prestige, or financial security, rather than genuine fulfillment.

From a young age, we’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and are expected to give a singular answer, Later, the question shifts to, “What do you do for a living?” These questions seem to imply our identity is tied solely to a profession and that our worth is tied to our career choices rather than the deeper purpose that drives us.

High school graduates are expected to go to immediately start college for a specific degree. You may have heard messages like, “God has a work for you.” Sometimes we mistakenly interpret this to mean there’s only one specific path we’re meant to follow. These questions or statements are not necessarily bad – there is something to be said about the power of momentum and direction or identifying a higher purpose in our lives.

In a world that seems to change faster than ever, finding purpose and building a compelling future are not just lofty ideals – they are essential skills. Statistics show that 65% of children entering elementary school today will work in jobs that don’t yet exist (World Economic Forum). Even today, 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet (Dell Technologies). The U.S. labor market indicates that a person, on average, will change jobs 12 times in their life and have as many as 5 – 7 career changes (National Institutes of Health).

Is Fear Holding You Back from What’s Possible?

Sometimes in the process of facing the future, we become metaphorically paralyzed. We don’t want to make a “mistake”. We don’t yet have a life passion, or maybe we do but we don’t feel safe enough to share it. Maybe we’re afraid of making the “wrong” choice or “wasting” our time, energy, and money. As adults, we may feel unfulfilled, sensing there’s something more we’re meant to do. Yet, we have a good job and are afraid of giving up the known safety for the unknown. So, in the process, we don’t do anything or perhaps worse-we give up our dreams. Perhaps the fear of the unknown keeps us in a “safe” spot where we are not growing or fulfilled.

No matter our age or circumstance in life, there is incredible strength in discovering our passions and looking forward to an opportunistic and abundant future. The rapid evolution of the job market and the world underscores a critical truth: We must cultivate the ability to pivot, adapt, and grow in alignment with our deepest passions and purpose. So, how do you discover your passion? What does your compelling future look like?

Step 1:  Discover Your Passion(s)

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose” (Bishop T.D. Jakes).

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to radiate confidence and drive, while others seem to struggle to find their footing. Often the difference is not in their talents or circumstances, but in their connection to their passion and purpose. When you align your actions with what truly excites and motivates you, you create a powerful force for fulfillment, confidence, and long-term success.

Passion and purpose aren’t just buzzwords; they are the keys to unlocking a life of meaning. Metaphorically, they are the North Star in our life, guiding us through difficult times, setbacks, adversity, and fuel us when our motivation wanes. People who are connected to their unique purpose tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges because they know what they are working for. A setback becomes a detour not a roadblock. Their passion infuses energy and focus into daily life, making obstacles seem more like stepping stones.

When you have a clear sense of purpose, you don’t just move through life aimlessly – you move with direction, with intention, and with relentless pursuit. That direction provides clarity, not only in what you do but also in who you want to become. When you knows you’re your “why,” confidence becomes a natural byproduct. You are less hesitant about taking action because you understand why it matters.

Passion fuels purpose, and purpose fuels action. Simon Sinek emphasizes the importance of identifying our why – starting from our heart first (our passion) before we figure out how or what we will do (actions or results). To start crafting your compelling future, identify areas that resonate with your passion.

Ask yourself:

• When in my life have I felt most fulfilled and energized?

• What activities make me lose track of time because I’m so immersed in them?

• What problems or challenges in the world stir my heart and compel me to act?

• What issues am I most passionate about?

• What life lessons have I experienced, or challenges overcome that make me capable of helping others through?

• If I knew it was impossible to fail, what would I do?

Motivational speaker Les Brown reminds us, “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” Recognizing the times you’ve felt alive – whether in service to others, creating something meaningful, or overcoming challenges – helps you identify the passions that cause you to connect deeply with your values and divine potential. Sometimes our greatest passions come from the areas of our greatest difficulties, “you are most capable and qualified to help the person you used to be” (Ed Mylett).

Action Step:  Your Best Moments Hold the Clues – Start Noticing Them

For the next seven days, take just 15 minutes daily to reflect on the moments that brought you the most joy, fulfillment, pride, and growth. Write them down and look for common themes – these are clues to your passion.

Step 2:  Recognize Your Strengths and Divine Worth

Once you’ve begun uncovering what excites and energizes you, the next step is to recognize how your natural talents and divine worth align with your passions. Everyone is born with, or develops, unique talents and abilities that can be refined, added to, and used to make a difference or to fuel our passions. As Marianne Williamson said,

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We as ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You're playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

We are naturally inclined to negativity bias, focusing on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. This type of thinking impacts our decision making, causes us to be fearful, or leads us to dwell on limiting beliefs. By shifting our inner focus from negativity to strengths we can change the outer action. Recognizing our strengths and utilizing them leads to a happier, more productive, and fulfilled life.

The Power of Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance

The natural inclination within each of us is to focus on our weaknesses or to compare ourselves to others. We often compare our moments of weaknesses to another person’s moment of strength. We may forget to look inward and recognize the unique qualities and strengths that have already made us successful, or which could be applied to our current situation or towards our future. Strengths don’t have to be grand or extraordinary. They can be quiet acts of kindness, determination, the ability to listen, or even the courage to be vulnerable.

Divine worth refers to the innate godlike qualities that we each have. These qualities are designed for us to thrive. Your divine worth is not based on what you do or don’t do…it’s simply there. As we embrace that we are powerful, possessing divine qualities, we create in our lives a foundation upon which we can build our passions and our own compelling future. We can walk confidently on our unique path, whether it’s through leadership, creativity, service, or any other path you want to pursue.

Consider this:

• What do others often complement you on?

• What tasks come easily to you that others might find difficult? Often, our strengths lie in what we take for granted because they feel so natural.

• What activities make me feel alive or energized when I participate in them? What skills or talents might be involved in those activities?

• What strengths do I admire in others? What strengths would be worth building?

Action Step:  Your Strengths are Already Making a Difference – Recognize Them

• Ask at least 5 trusted friends, co-workers, or family members what they see as your greatest strengths. How have those strengths made a difference?

• Take 3-5 minutes each day for 7 days and identify one or two strengths you saw in yourself that day. What was the strength? How did that strength impact what happened? What patterns do you see?

  
  

Step 3:  See the World Through a Lens of Opportunity or Abundance

You now have a glimpse into what excites and fulfills you, and the strengths you have or want to develop. Now, shift your perspective to see how you can contribute to the world around you. The world is abundant with resources and opportunities, offering you countless ways to contribute and apply your passions. Perhaps the most immediate place to begin is right at home, in your immediate relationships, and in your, school, community or workplace. Identify areas where you want to see change.

For example:

• What is your dream of a more connected and compassionate community?

• How would your passions impact education, innovation, or service?

• Is there a problem that you would like to see solved?

Small Actions, Big Impact:  The Starfish Lesson

Loren Eiseley wrote about an old man who went down to the beach to mediate and to write following a big storm. The storm washed starfish onto the beach as far as the eye could see. The old man noticed a boy in the distant walking towards him. Occasionally the boy would bend down, pick something up, and throw it into the water. When the two met, the man asked the boy what he was doing. The reply was simple, “I’m throwing the starfish back into the ocean. They can’t get back by themselves. When the sun gets high, they will die. So, I’m throwing them back into the water.” The man looked up and down the beach and replied, “There must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. How can you even make a difference?” The boy bend down, picked up a starfish, and threw it into the water. Then he turned to the old man, smiled, and replied, “It made a difference to that one!”

There are opportunities right around you where you could make a difference. Renowned life coach Tony Robbins says, “The secret to living is giving.” Our lives become most meaningful when we align our passion with service, contributing to something greater than ourselves…and there is no singular right answer.

Action Step:  Use Your Strengths with Purpose

Write down one or two areas where you’d like to see improvement in your family, your relationships, in your community, school, or world. Reflect on how your unique strengths and passions could intersect in those areas. Do not allow negative or limiting beliefs stop you here. Simply think: If I knew it was impossible to fail, what could I do? Identify one way to use your strength or passion this week.

Commit to Your Growth:  Reflect and Take the Next Small Step

1.        What strengths have you not fully recognized or embraced about yourself?

2.        In strength did you discover? How is this discovery meaningful?

3.        What is one small way you can apply this unique strength this week?

Recognizing your strengths is about looking inward and trusting that the qualities that make you who you are precisely what the world needs. Embrace the process of recognizing and northing your strengths, and you’ll find the confidence and fulfillment that come with living in alignment of your passion.

Once you identify your strengths and start to tap into your true passion, the next step is to build a plan that turns passions into your future. In our next article, we’ll dive into how to set goals, break down milestones, and keep momentum going toward your compelling future.

If you’re struggling to discover your passion and purpose or to know how to take the next step, coaching can provide the guidance and accountability you need. Book a free consultation today to explore how you can live with greater clarity and fulfillment.

https://www.inrelentlesspursuit.com/contact-us