Are you someone who is dragging yourself to work each day, later, constantly glancing at the watch, counting minutes until the end-of-office hours?
Simply means you no longer enjoy what you do. But, don’t fret; you’re not alone.
There are countless people out there, who continue doing the same job, the same activity, day in & day out, for the sake of that monthly paycheque.
Most are unaware of what they truly want or, if they do, don’t want to risk the comfort of a stable income for something they really desire.
So, do you want to be another face in that crowd or want to take on something that fully consumes you – physically, emotionally, mentally, even spiritually?
But, how to figure out what excites you – when you perform that activity, it enthuses you, drives you, provides boundless joy, and work doesn’t seem like work anymore.
Here are 5 steps to transforming your passion into your profession for a meaningful and contented life:
1. Discover your passion
Only a few fortunate individuals find their “true love” early in life. Most of us course through life without assessing what powers us; we either take up something that’s expected of us or follow careers that are trending (read – get in the quick bucks!).
When realization dawns, we’re probably middle-aged.
Pause and ask yourself – Can I view myself in this routine for another decade?
If your response is no, then it’s time to conduct an introspection exercise to discover your passion.
A passion may or may not be a hobby that’s your go-to for energizing yourself. For example, you love baking, but can you imagine it as a means of livelihood?
Reflect, jot down things that’ve interested you, things you found deeply satisfying, take it up as a hobby initially, then work your way through to realize your potential in doing it. This is the most crucial step in the passion-to-profession transformation – finding your thing, your calling!
“If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” Steve Jobs
2. Reach out to your network
During the reflection exercise, have elaborate discussions with people who encourage, support, and value you while providing their honest opinion.
It’s possible that currently you’re not the best in what you’ve chosen but do you have the potential and the will to convert it into something enterprising?
Further, seek out people who belong to the vocation you intend to chart; insights about the target industry or job may alter or make your plans even more resolute.
Finally, you should be deciding the road to embark on – if it’s something you love, reaching your destination sooner or later will not be an issue – in fact, even taking this journey will give you the high an adventure gives!
3. Be patient and upskill
Being aware of your passion, then striving to make a career out of it can be an arduous process. If you’ve spent ages in a job you never did like, consider it a privilege that life’s given you a 2nd chance.
Don’t hurry or stress in this new phase – if pottery is your new-found love, explore classes to hone your skills, read books, research online and gain as much knowledge about your preferred pursuit.
A good friend employed with a reputed hospital decided to take up her love for crafting – initially using recyclable paper to make greeting cards, later advancing to varied materials like wood, resin and continuously innovating with different kinds of products for her firm.
Always be on the lookout for updating your talent, put efforts into gaining certifications in your relevant area, expand your body of work as you get more confidence. Effectively utilize social media while moving determinedly on your chosen track.
4. Financial planning
Prudently plan finances such that the initial years are smooth. Without a sizeable saving, continuous upskilling, and chasing your dreams will be impossible. Strategize, so you don’t regret quitting a plush corporate job. Grab free internships, offer pro-bono services to places offering meaningful experiences, thereby building your portfolio. Don’t bother about the pay; slowly but surely, if you possess talent, funds will trickle in.
Another contact moved from an operations team-led role in a leading publishing firm to start a solo venture. She discovered her passion for training and, in a decade’s time, set up a training firm employing like-minded people. The fact that she was inexperienced in the human resources arena never deterred her from acquiring qualifications, then experience in her chosen field.
“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life; dream of it; think of it; live on that idea. Let the brain, the body, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” Swami Vivekananda
5. Live your passion
Passionate people are obsessed with their ideas, their work and are therefore alive each and every moment. Derive inspiration from such people who’ve taken efforts and the necessary strides to accomplish their goals. Else we’re not really living; we’re only existing.
You’ll face obstacles, there’ll be harrying days, moments you’ll feel low and are filled with self-doubt, yet you’ll find the strength and the power to relentlessly pursue your ideas.
You’ll be getting out of bed, excited, active, bursting with energy to work on the dreams you’ve visualized as they are, ultimately, your dreams, your desires, and only you can actualize them.
Discover your passion, live your passion, live your life!
