Finding a career is easy, but choosing one that is your passion is the hard part. It’s not impossible, though. You just need to take the proper approach. But how do you turn your passion into your career, or find a career you’re truly passionate about? Let’s take a look at some of the ideas from leading thinkers.
Discover your true north
The first step to turning your career into a passion is to discover your “true north,” a term coined by Bill George. It’s the idea that you want to find something that aligns with your character or higher self. It should be something that gives you fulfillment.
Start by analyzing your interests, hobbies, and activities. Look at what you are already passionate about and develop a plan for how you could implement those skills to make money. You don’t need to monetize all of your hobbies, but if there’s a passion you would love to make your everyday job, it’s worth exploring. Look for outlets that get your creative juices flowing and help you feel energized and satisfied.
Don’t take any chances. Make sure that your passions are fundamental to who you are. Treat exploring them as fun instead of like a traditional job search.
Start your research
The next step is to find out whether any jobs in the economy align with your interests. Network with people and discover resources that help you better navigate the career-related landscape. Attend events, find influencers online, and ask people for chats whenever you can.
During your research, you’ll discover gaps between your present capabilities and what jobs in your target field require. You’ll then need to start developing strategies to bridge those gulfs so you can move into your intended field.
For instance, you might need to learn how to start a nonprofit or get a certification. You’ll also need to leverage any previous experience you have to get internships or enroll in courses.
Take the leap
At first, the change will feel jarring. Prepare yourself for some discomfort and perhaps lower pay temporarily.
One of the best approaches is to start small. Instead of diving right into something and not giving yourself an exit, you can try freelancing in your free time. Getting a sense of what the work is like can help you think about whether it is the right choice for you.
Persevering through slow starts
Starting a new career based on your passion can often mean slow progress, especially in the beginning stages. Whether it is freelance gigs or a small business venture, the initial phase of building your dream career might not meet your expectations for rapid success. It’s important during this time to maintain perspective and patience. Remember that every small step contributes to larger strides over time. In these early stages, focus on learning from each experience, refining your approach, and building a network that aligns with your goals. This period of slow growth is not just a phase to endure but a valuable opportunity to lay a strong foundation for your future success.
You also want to remember that work progress is not linear. It takes time to build anything. You will inevitably experience setbacks.
Remember to keep iterating on your model until you find something that works. The approach you believe is going to help you win is probably quite different from the strategy that will ultimately lead you to the life you want.
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.