How many times have you heard that to be successful you need to follow your passion and freaked out because you just didn’t know what your passion was. Read below to find out why you shouldn’t stress out about finding your purpose or passion.
The topic of finding your why, knowing your purpose and following your passion are discussed often in the world of personal development. The general consensus is that in order to be successful you need to focus on one thing and that should align with your why, your purpose or your passion. Now that all sounds great, but what happens when you don’t have a passion?
I remember feeling doomed to be unsuccessful because I couldn’t find my purpose and no way could I choose one passion. I am a multi-passionate purpose and proud! In fact, that is probably why I feel in love with Marie Forleo and joined B-School because she absolutely supports people who are multi-passionate, like myself. (View Marie’s top tips on being multi-passionate without looking flaky here).
So when I read Rebecca Campbell’s Light Is the New Black I felt relieved. Rebecca’s approach to finding your calling isn’t to sit there thinking about it until it pops into your head. Instead, Rebecca focus is to get into the world and fill your days with job and activities that light you up.
Rebecca writes –
“Start small and follow the invisible trail of the things you love; before you know it you will land smack bang in the middle of your calling.”
I love this idea because it takes the stress out of trying to find your calling. Instead, the focus is on doing what you love and trusting at some point your calling will reveal itself.
Following what brought me joy was exactly what I was doing when I started PropelHer. For months and months I knew I wanted to do something to support women. I had always been passionate about equality in the broadest spectrum and I loved personal development. So in the first instance I thought running a book club would be a great way to support women. I absolutely loved it, but I could only share 1 book a month, so I started writing my own book blog. Running the London book club introduced me to a whole world of women online who were interested in PropelHer’s Book Club so I started building the Facebook Group and soon I will be launching a membership community – PropelHer’s Inner Circle. At the same time, during London book club sessions I realised I could give more to women so started offering 1:1 coaching and leading group workshops.
I didn’t have all of those ideas in the beginning. I took it step by step and the truth is that doors appeared that I never would have even realised if I had tried to sit down and think.
There is no need to stress out about finding your purpose, your mission or your calling. However, if it is important for you to be able to find out that answer then spend some time thinking about the following questions
What brings me joy?
How do I like to spend my time?
How do I like to serve others?
What work would I do even if I wasn’t paid?
Then go do those things. Don’t look for one answer yet. Take the multiple answers you have and start incorporating those activities into your life as much as possible. Then trust that over time your calling will be revealed.
I would love to know what brings you joy so please comment below.
Chisomo
21 June 2017 at 8:17 amI totally agree with this, this is how I accidentally ended up on my current path.
I started my first business simply for 2 reasons to make money whilst my youngest was at home. This business failed and ultimately I didn’t feel connected with it. But by starting something it led me into personal development and online business which I fell in love with. I also realised how a big a deal mindset was and starting to break free of anxiety and limiting beliefs holding me back in life. I wanted that for other women too. I then added into that mix things I was already good at and interested in – design, stationery, print. And ended up where I am.
So I really recommend the above advice, start doing things you enjoy and you’ll soon find a path for you.
Charelle
21 June 2017 at 8:14 pmHey Chisomo,
I am so glad to hear that you agree with this post. I truly to believe the hardest thing is getting started, but once you start doing you will quickly what feels wrong and what feels right. And then by following what you enjoy and what feels right, you will most likely find a way.