1. Stay Present.
Having a goal is great, absolutely fantastic! But how in the world do you find your way there? Most people become overwhelmed when faced with all the work that must go into reaching that ultimate goal. To stay sane, focus on the present. What can you do today? Take it one day at a time, and you’ll knock out all those steps in no time.
2. Give it All a Try.
Make a list of all the things you think may be an outlet for your true passion and give each of them a try. You may not be able to develop a comprehensive sense on each direction; but you should be able to cross a few options off the list. Don’t be afraid to try the most outlandish of whims; you never know, it may be just what you’re looking for!
3. The Answer is Always “Yes.”
If you’re given the opportunity to have a completely random experience, even though it may seem like something you’d never normally do, say yes! New opportunities bring new experiences, and new experiences ultimately bring knowledge and wisdom. Open yourself up to grow and become wise.
4. Set Goals.
Set milestones along the way toward your ultimate goal. Though your goal may still be foggy in your mind, set milestones to keep your motivation going strong as well as to serve as achievement markers to celebrate along the way.
5. Toss Your Plans.
Perhaps you thought you would be a lawyer by the time you were 22. Now that your 23rd birthday has come and gone, and you’re not even close to being a lawyer, it’s not the worst thing in the world. Do you even still want to be a lawyer? Toss those plans and don’t feel bad about it if you no longer find them compelling.
6. Do What You Want!
Never follow the plans set for you by others. Consider the thoughts and opinions of those around you, but when it comes down to taking action, follow the path that is right for you.
7. Represent Yourself.
On your search to live your passion, a great starting point is to blend your favorite activities with the things in which you excel. If you’re lucky, you may stumble upon a career that encompasses the things that already make you happy.
8. Actually Like Your Peers.
Surrounding yourself with enjoyable people can make all the difference in living your true calling. Even the most enthusiastic and positive people can have their spirit beat down when encircled with negativity and gloom.
9. Don’t Set Anything in Stone.
Leave some wiggle room for a change of plans or a complete change of direction. Don’t limit your own options; your future is up to you.
10. Seek the Words of the Wise.
Learn from the experience of others. By speaking with those who’ve come before you, you may avoid making mistakes that could have been easily prevented.
11. It’s Deep Research Time.
Your perception of the life of a schoolteacher, for example, may be completely different from the life of a schoolteacher in reality. Spend a good amount of time researching what sort of education requirements are needed, what an average workday would look like, and what the realistic pay may be for each profession you’re considering before you get in too deep. Check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics website for a good start.
12. Find a Mentor.
Who better to aid you on your way to fulfilling your true calling than someone who has already achieved it? You may find the information they share to be a motivator for staying the course. On the other hand, the guru may shed some light with an experienced perspective and help you discover that something you imagined as perfect may not be so wonderful in reality.
13. Invest Time, Not Money.
Feeling-out your options before plunging into a financial commitment will help leave your options open in case you discover a different path or change your mind completely. You may find that spending thousands on additional college courses is completely unnecessary. Don’t spend the cash until you have a firm grasp on your route to success.
14. Stay on Your Toes.
Easing into a comfortable routine means that you’ve stopped improving. Constantly striving for more will only bring you closer to finding a career that is truly fulfilling, not just comfortable.
15. Reflect, Don’t Project.
Not to throw mortality in your face, but imagine the types of things you could regret not doing while on your deathbed? Finding your true calling can sometimes become much clearer when you work backward, rather than attempting to find your path from where you’re standing now. It’s overwhelming to sort through the countless paths in front of you without first having a clear destination.
16. Learn from Your Mistakes. Don’t Let Them Weigh You Down.
Every decision you make won’t be perfect. There will undoubtedly be mistakes made as you go along. The important thing is to not let those little slips become big barriers in the future. Use your new knowledge to try a different approach to reach your true calling.
17. Give Yourself Permission to Fail.
Constantly worrying about the repercussions of failure is the single greatest reason why those in search of their true passions ultimately do fail. Not only does this cause ridiculous amounts of daily stress, it will set you off on your search in a negative frame of mind. By giving yourself the opportunity to fail, you’ll be that much closer to finding success.
18. Keep Forward Momentum.
Investing countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears in your search to find your true calling can be utterly exhausting. If you find yourself slowing in progress or losing motivation, take a time-out and reevaluate your direction. With the extra experience under your belt, sticking so stringently to your original plan could cause you to pass up on an even more fulfilling career. On the other hand, if things become easy and routine, then strive for more.
19. Stay True to You.
Following the opinions of others and straying from what encompasses the authentic you will inevitably lead to unhappiness in any career. Guard your integrity and listen to your own thoughts, opinions, and intuitions.
20. Just Let Go.
Striving to find your passion will be a journey filled with plenty of hard work, frustrating failures, and exhilarating successes. If you’re truly doing all you can, relax; your path will lead you in the right direction.