Hey, there, fellow purpose-searchers and passion-seekers! If you’ve ever found yourself pondering the meaning of life or questioning your true interests, you’re not alone. Self-reflection and discovering our passions can be an exciting yet daunting journey. Fear not! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of self-assessment and unlocking those hidden gems that make our hearts sing. And, I thought, let’s have some fun since it can sometimes be awkward to think about: WHAT IS MY PURPOSE? When thinking about that question, do you see yourself climbing a mountain to find a guru sitting in a cave who will have all the answers for you? You’ll find it’s simpler than that; you start by reflecting on yourself.
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born,
and the day you find out why.
—Mark Twain
So decide today to figure out your why.
You could start with assessment tools. There are many free ones, including the 16 Personalities Test and The Enneagrams Personality Test.
Speaking of self-assessment, I recently (the ink is still not dry) spent two days of extensive training to complete my DISC certification. One of my passions is human behaviour, and I’m thrilled to be certified in this evaluation model for human behaviour and communication styles. (DISC describes the four main personality profiles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.) This certification equips me with the knowledge and tools to effectively analyze personality traits, adapt my communication approach, and build stronger relationships. I’m excited to apply my new comprehensive knowledge to enhance collaboration, improve team dynamics, and create better outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life
that is less than the one you are capable of living.
—Nelson Mandela
Another Tool
Almost eight years ago, I felt lost and stuck and never thought a Passion Test would give me some clarity. It was so simple, and I liked it so much that I became a Passion Test™ Facilitator to help people zone into what matters to them. This tool has helped some of my stuck clients. Making inventories is essential to understanding ourselves and clarifying what we want.
But sometimes, it’s less about the tools and more about digging further within yourself and spending time in your own company. You never know. You might like yourself better.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and prepare for a friendly, casual, and slightly humorous (I think) guide to finding your true passions!
Embrace the “Soul Detective” within.
Have you ever wondered what Sherlock Holmes and Scooby-Doo have in common? They’re both skilled detectives! When it comes to self-reflection, channel your inner detective and start investigating your soul. Grab a journal, find a cozy spot, and ask yourself the big questions. “What activities make me lose track of time?” “What sparks my childlike curiosity?” “What do I love talking about, even if others roll their eyes?” These clues will lead you to your true passions. And hey, don’t forget your magnifying glass!
Dive into the sea of experiences.
Life is an ocean of experiences; the more we dip our toes, the better we understand ourselves. So, jump in with both feet! Try new hobbies, explore different cultures, read various genres, and leave your comfort zone behind. Remember, it’s not about finding the perfect passion right away; it’s about learning and growing along the way. And who knows? You might discover a hidden talent for juggling flamingos or knitting superhero capes!
Laugh, explore, and embrace your quirks.
Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a fantastic compass for self-discovery. What makes you giggle like a hyena? What makes your eyes twinkle with joy? Those moments of pure, unadulterated laughter often reveal what truly lights up your soul. And let’s not forget about your quirks! Embrace them with open arms because those eccentricities can hold the key to your passions. Love collecting rubber ducks? Organize a “Quacktastic Convention” and watch your passion soar!
Seek inspiration from others.
You’re not alone on this journey of self-reflection and passion-seeking. Inspiring individuals who have embarked on their own quests for purpose are everywhere. Look to them for guidance, read their stories, watch their TED Talks, or join communities that share your interests. Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others; it’s about drawing inspiration from their journeys and finding your unique path. And hey, if you stumble upon a role model who shares your undying love for ice cream, you’ve hit the jackpot!
Anything and everything you have experienced has been purposeful;
it has brought you to where you are now.
—Iyanla Vanzant
Congratulations, intrepid seeker of passions! You’ve made it through my silly guide to self-reflection and identifying your true interests. Remember, this journey is a lifelong adventure, and there’s no rush to find the “perfect” passion. Embrace the process, laugh at your quirks, and allow yourself to explore. Who knows what marvelous surprises await you around the next corner?
So, go forth with a smile, a spring in your step, and a heart open to new experiences. Your passions await to be uncovered, and the world eagerly anticipates the magic you’ll unleash. Happy purpose-searching, my friend!
Are you considering a career change? Just reply to this email if you would like to chat.
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Until next week,
I remain your sounding board.
Joanne Savoie-Malone
P.S. If you know somebody who would benefit from this information, please have them subscribe to my blog at www.joannesavoiemalone.com, and they will get a free guide on acing their interview.
Hi Joanne
I like your post, especially at the end where it says that we look to others for inspiration or guidance and not to copy them. That is what we usually forget and we end up comparing our lives with theirs. We start desiring to have exactly what they have, which is so bad because it destroys our personality, we lose who we are and become even more lost. We need to remember that we will never be the same, we should learn from those who succeeded before us to get inspiration but not to copy them or want to become them.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Adyns,
Self-awareness should be a priority, so we can appreciate the others and contribute our uniqueness. Wishing you all the best!
I really enjoyed this upbeat article Joanne about Purpose Searching with a Side of Laughter while Unleashing Your Passions. This inspirational type content is something that I think we should have more of and people would benefit from a more mindful mindset toward the technology and communications that we consume.
I had never heard of the DISC certification and the personality profiles dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness but can see how that would be very helpful in helping people come to terms with the path they are on, whether they realize how they got there or not.
Thank you, Joseph! The DISC model is relevant in both personal and professional, and a great tool for behavioural evaluation. It’s effective in your self-awareness, communication and teamwork, Leadership and management, conflict resolution and hiring and talent management. Wishing you all the best!
I wanted to express my appreciation for your post, particularly the insightful message at the end. It reminded me that seeking inspiration or guidance from others is valuable, but we should be cautious not to simply copy them. It’s a common tendency to compare our lives with theirs and develop a desire to possess exactly what they have. Unfortunately, this mindset can be detrimental as it erodes our individuality and leaves us feeling even more lost. It’s essential to remember that we are unique, and while we can learn from those who have achieved success, we should never strive to become their exact replica.
Thank you for sharing such an important reminder.
Best regards,
You are welcome, Freddie! Wishing you all the best.