A few years ago, I hit a wall, unsure how to find my passion and purpose. I wasn’t exactly unhappy, but I felt off. I was going through the motions, checking off tasks, but something was missing. I couldn’t quite name it until one quiet Sunday morning, when it hit me like a ton of bricks: I had no clue what I was passionate about anymore.
If you’ve been there—or you’re there now—you’re not alone. Figuring out how to find your passion and purpose isn’t always a lightning-bolt moment. Sometimes it’s a slow burn, a process of unlearning expectations and reconnecting with what makes you come alive.
Here’s how I got unstuck—and how you can too.
1. Start With What Already Makes You Feel Alive
This was my first real clue. I asked myself, When do I forget to check the time? For me, it was when I was deep into writing, brainstorming ideas, or helping someone work through a challenge.
Think about your own moments like that—when you’re totally absorbed, content, or energised. It might be dancing, cooking, sketching, organising, or teaching. But it doesn’t have to be polished or profitable. It just needs to light you up.
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink this. Passion often hides in the things we dismiss as “just hobbies.”
2. Make a Joy List (Seriously, Write It Down)
It sounds simple, but listing what makes you feel joyful is surprisingly revealing. I did this over coffee one morning and ended up with 23 wildly random things—from early morning walks to the smell of old bookstores to deep conversations.
Your list might include moments, people, activities, or even small comforts. The key is to get it all down—no filtering, no judgment.
Then, look for patterns. What shows up again and again? That’s where the breadcrumbs of your passion often begin.
3. Know Your Strengths (They’re Clues Too)
Sometimes, the things that come easily to us feel too ordinary to be special. But those strengths—whether it’s empathy, problem-solving, creativity, or leadership—are big clues.
Think back to what people always ask for your help with. What do you get complimented on? What feels natural but makes others say, “How did you do that?”
Quick Win: Use a free online strengths assessment to get perspective. It’s like a mirror for your hidden talents.
4. Explore With Curiosity, Not Pressure
Not every interest has to lead to a five-year plan. When I felt lost, I gave myself permission to follow curiosities without expecting them to be “the one.”
I took weekend photography walks, signed up for a pottery class, and even tried my hand at coding (spoiler: not my thing). But the act of trying opened doors in my brain—and life—I didn’t know were there.
Pro Tip: Think of this as “life sampling.” Try something new every few weeks with zero pressure to commit.
5. Narrow It Down Without Stressing Out
When I found myself overwhelmed with too many ideas and no clear direction, I realised I wasn’t asking the right questions. So I shifted my focus and started digging deeper: What would I still do if I didn’t get paid? Which activities make me lose track of time? What kind of work makes me feel like I’m actually contributing to something meaningful? Those questions helped cut through the noise. Narrowing things down isn’t about eliminating possibilities—it’s about tuning in to your gut. I’ve learned that the things that excite me the most often come with a little fear—and that’s usually where the magic lives.
6. Talk It Through With Someone Objective
I was resistant to this at first. I thought I should figure it out on my own. But the truth is, talking to a coach or mentor helped me get out of my own head.
Sometimes you just need someone to reflect things back to you, help you connect the dots, or challenge you when you’re playing small. They won’t give you your purpose, but they can help you recognise it faster.
Pro Tip: Can’t access a coach? A thoughtful friend who’s a great listener can also work wonders.
7. Bring Passion Into Your Daily Life (Even if It’s Just 15 Minutes)
Your purpose doesn’t have to show up as your full-time job—at least not right away. For a while, my purpose showed up in side projects, weekend writing sessions, and quiet hours spent learning new skills.
If you wait for the “perfect time,” you might miss years of fulfilment. Start small. Start now.
Quick Win: Block 15 minutes each day for something that excites you. Guard it like a meeting with your future self.
Key Takeaways
Figuring out how to find your passion and purpose isn’t a straight path. But it’s not supposed to be. It’s an unfolding—one insight, experiment, and spark at a time.
Be patient with yourself. Stay curious. Try what scares you (a little). And remember: passion isn’t something you find once—it’s something you create and keep choosing, over and over again.
You’re not lost—you’re exploring. Keep going.
