Passion is the driving force behind a fulfilling and meaningful life. It gives us energy, direction, and a sense of purpose. But many people struggle to identify what truly lights them up. If you feel stuck or uncertain, you’re not alone. The good news? Passion isn’t something you simply “find”—it’s something you cultivate.
As best-selling author and career coach Simon Sinek says, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.”
So how do you figure out what truly excites you? And how do you turn that passion into momentum to build the life you want?
1. Self-Discovery: The First Step to Passion
Passion starts with self-awareness. Many people believe they should already know what their passion is, but the truth is, most of us have to actively explore to uncover it.
Start by asking yourself:
- What activities make me lose track of time?
- When do I feel most energized and alive?
- What challenges do I love solving?
- What do people often come to me for help with?
Dr. Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in emotional intelligence, emphasizes the role of self-awareness in personal and professional success. He explains, “The better you know yourself, the better able you are to make decisions that align with your true passions.”
Try this: Keep a “passion journal” for a few weeks. Write down moments that bring you joy, fulfillment, or deep curiosity. Patterns will emerge, giving you clues about what truly excites you.
2. The Power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0) in Finding Passion
Discovering your passion isn’t just about what you enjoy—it’s about understanding yourself at a deeper level. That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in. The EQ-i 2.0 model helps assess key areas that contribute to self-awareness and decision-making, including:
- Self-Perception: Do you truly know your strengths and values?
- Self-Expression: Can you communicate what excites you?
- Decision-Making: Do you trust yourself to take action on what matters?
Building emotional intelligence helps you filter out external pressures (what society thinks you should do) and tune into what truly matters to you.
3. Experiment & Explore: Passion is Built Through Action
You don’t have to know your life’s passion right now—you have to start exploring. Too often, we wait for passion to strike like lightning, but it rarely works that way. Passion is discovered through action.
Author and self-improvement expert James Clear says, “Passion is not a plan; it’s a byproduct of action. The more you experiment, the clearer things become.”
Try this:
- Take a class in something new.
- Volunteer in a field that excites you.
- Start a side-project just for fun.
- Have conversations with people whose careers or lifestyles inspire you.
Every experience—good or bad—teaches you something about yourself and helps refine your path.
4. Overcoming Fear & Doubt
One of the biggest roadblocks to discovering and pursuing passion is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of making the “wrong” choice. But the truth is, no one gets it perfect on the first try.
Mel Robbins, motivational speaker and author of The Five Second Rule, says, “If you only ever do the things you don’t doubt, you’d never grow.”
Your passion doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to excite you enough to take the next step.
5. How Coaching Can Help You Build Momentum
Finding and pursuing your passion doesn’t have to be a solo journey. A coach can help you:
✅ Gain clarity on your strengths and interests
✅ Identify limiting beliefs and mindset blocks
✅ Create an action plan to turn passion into results
✅ Stay accountable and keep the momentum going
Are you ready to take the next step? At Elin McLeod Coaching, we help ambitious individuals uncover their passions, build confidence, and create a life that genuinely excites them.
Book a free consultation today and start building momentum toward the life you want.
Your passion is waiting—let’s go find it!
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