What are passionate about? Have you thought about how you could make a living doing what inspires you? Do you know what inspires you?

Today I’d like to challenge you in several ways:

• Examine what inspires you.
• Examine your values and personality.
• Go after a career doing what inspires you.

Find your passion and do it.  I chose my college major by making a list of all the things I enjoyed doing. I knew I was leaning toward being a teacher. However, my interests were so varied I couldn’t decide what subject to commit to. The list showed me that all of my interests fit into the subject of Home Economics – not just cooking and sewing, but interior design, communication, interpersonal relations, child development, teaching basic life skills, and more, all in one major! It lined up with my traditional values perfectly. And so, it led to a long career I never found boring, and I believe, made a difference in many lives.

Have you made such a list? What activity do you lose track of time doing because you are enjoying it so much? What are your natural gifts? What do you love to do and wish you could be paid to do? Make the list!  If you are struggling with knowing what you are passionate about, perhaps you have not tried enough new things to find out what excites you. Step out and find out, my friend!

Then think about your values and personality. What on the list lines up best with your top values? Do you know what they are? If you are not sure, check out my previous blog on Values. In that blog is a link to a values survey. Your personality should also match your career if you are going to find it satisfactory. Are you a people person? Are you competitive? Are you empathetic? Explore careers that are a good match for your personality by taking this widely used test designed for just this purpose:

Holland Code quiz

These steps may sound like common sense, but the facts are that most college students change majors several times, and many adults job hop because they hadn’t completely thought through what career best suits their personality, values, and interests. Perhaps they took a job because a friend or relative set it up for them, or they did not realize specific parts of the job were not a good fit. Do not become one of those people who are miserable in their job! Explore options and examine yourself carefully.

Go after a career that inspires you! Follow your passions, know your gifts and strengths, and research careers thoroughly so that you have a realistic picture of what the day in day out activities will involve.  If possible, job shadow someone in that career. Interview them! It is worth making the extra effort to really know a job before committing to that path.

Do not compromise or lack courage to pursue your dream job. I was told by several educator friends of my parents that I would have a hard time finding home ec jobs, that I should choose a basic academic subject to teach. I had no problem finding a job. What if I had listened to them? They meant well, but I am so glad I followed my heart.

You were born with specific personality traits and strengths that will be your gift to the world. Your unique blend of characteristics coupled with that passion in your heart will set you up for a life that no doubt will still have bumps along the way but will give you the feeling you are on the right road. That is priceless, my friend!

-Jan Jones

For more inspiration on using your passion to find your life purpose, enjoy this video!