Do you have a burning desire within you? Something that fires you up and gets you really excited? Are you getting to do that every single day?
Well, it's possible, but first you have to find some answers, some of which may have been lying dormant in your heart for a really long time, I know it can be done because I had to do this myself a long time ago. But I can tell you that the process works and it's worth it.
So, let's take a minute or two to explore what that specifically means for you.
My own experience led me to create a process designed to assist you. In fact, I've written a book about it that will be out soon. The process is called the "Ignite Your Passion Process". Start by asking yourself these three questions:
- What do I love to do?
- What do I do that I can't help but do?
- What do people tell me I'm good at or that I'm a natural at?
This will help you open up your mind and get your creative juices flowing. Next, start thinking about what you want your life to look like. Dream a little about the possibilities.
A Personal Experience Using the Ignite your Passion Process
I once had a client whose name was Kathy. She was struggling to find direction in her life; she knew that she wanted something more, but she wasn't quite sure what that meant for her. She was in her mid-forties and told me that she felt that maybe it was too late for her to start over. I wanted to ignite Kathy's passion, so I took her through this process, and asked her these three questions. The first question -- "What do you love to do?" -- started her thinking about what she was most passionate about. Soon, Kathy came to the realization that she really loved nutrition and learning how what you eat or don't eat can affect the way you look and feel.
It turns out that she had struggled with her own weight for several years. She had been embarrassed at how she looked and oftentimes had very little energy. Through educating herself on health and nutrition she was able to lose a significant amount of weight and felt ten years younger. That experience led her to be very passionate about anything that had to do with health and nutrition. When I asked the second question -- "What do you do that you can't help but do?" -- she shared that she can't help but assist others with their health challenges and help them get healthier through proper nutrition and diet. Finally, when I asked her the final question -- "What do people tell you you're good at?" -- she, not surprisingly, mentioned that people were always telling her she should start a business counseling people on health and nutrition since she had so much knowledge about the topics and was so generous in helping others.
So, the exercise made it crystal clear that she was incredibly passionate about health and wellness and that she had a natural gift for helping others in this area. Following this exercise, Kathy made a decision to get a wellness coach certification so she could help other women who were struggling with their health and/or weight. She told me that she had never felt so sure about anything in her life. What a great moment for her!
You see, it's never too late to find your passion and follow your dreams. We have all been blessed with incredible gifts. It is our responsibility and privilege to share those gifts, and it's our best opportunity to make an impact in the world. In some cases, due to life circumstances, schooling, kids, etc., our passion may temporarily be suppressed. But, when that spark inside ignites, don't ignore it; it's time to listen, gain clarity, realize who you are and act accordingly. Take steps every day, even small ones, toward your dreams.
And, by the way, if you're scared -- do it anyway. You'll be glad you did. Let your "why," your passion, drive you and motivate you each day to move you closer to your destiny. There will be many times on the journey that you will feel frustrated, scared or even feel like giving up. When this happens, go right back to the "why" or your passion. That will help you push through the frustration and fear and move past it, breaking through to the other side. The struggles are worth it, if it means that you get to live a fulfilled life and make a difference.
The great poet Maya Angelou said it best: "You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you."
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