Discovering your passion

Read a very interesting book this past weekend, called the Element by Ken Robinson subtitled How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.

In my case, it was like preaching to the choir, as I know that if one is working on something that they are passionate about, then they are happier, more fulfilled, more productive, more creative, more outgoing. However, the book doesn't really tell you how to find your passion, just gives some hints and signposts. When I was young, I was full of passion. Unfortunately, I was too loud and too full of motion for my place in life. The general consensus was that I should tone it down, be quiet, be a "good girl". Keep a low profile.

That was hard for me to do, and from Ken Robinson's perspective, it was the wrong choice for me. I would urge anyone who reads this to not make the same mistake. If there is something that you love to do, do it. Get good at it. Find places to do it, people to do it with or to encourage your progress. If you resonate with something, find out more about it, study it, get engaged with it. Recognize possible mentors, kindred spirits, but trust your instinct above group think or expert opinions.

So, to up my game on this, I'm starting to look around for what my passion could be at this stage in life. Reverting to youthful passions is not an option. Got to start from where I am now, and so I am starting to look around each day to see what stirs me. (and what doesn't) So far, I see that I like movement - physical, mental, job-task movement. I like interacting with people and do not like the idea of being isolated from the flow of people in the office. It's a start. Let's see what I can notice tomorrow.