5 Ways to Discover Your Passion

8/18/25

5 Ways to Discover Your Passion

"Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights your way."
- Unknown

The Two Forces

Every great journey begins with a reason: a deep, unshakable purpose that calls you forward. Purpose is the “why” behind your actions, the invisible compass that points you toward your true north. It answers the questions: Why am I here? What am I meant to contribute? What legacy will I leave behind?

But purpose alone, without passion, can become a quiet whisper: noble, but lacking the energy to move mountains. That’s where passion comes in. Passion is the fire that fuels your purpose. It’s the enthusiasm that keeps you going when the path is steep. The light that turns challenges into steppingstones of progress and advancement. The force that transforms persistence into joy.

The two must work together:

• Purpose without passion is direction without momentum.

• Passion without purpose is movement without meaning.

When they are united, life stops being a series of disconnected events and becomes a deliberate, vibrant journey toward your highest potential.

Why Purpose Needs Passion to Thrive

Think of your purpose as a powerful ship designed to cross an ocean. The hull is sturdy, the navigation is set, but without wind in the sails, it will remain still in the harbor. Passion is that wind. It’s what keeps you going when you face storms, low tides, or long stretches of uncertainty.

As leadership coach Barry Demp puts it: “Passion gives us the strength and resilience to pick ourselves up and take the next step.” Without that inner fire, the clearest direction can feel exhausting. But when your journey is fueled by something that excites you, challenges become opportunities, and setbacks become part of the story you’ll one day tell with pride.

Discover Your Passion

If passion is the fuel for your journey, then the next question becomes: How do you find it? Contrary to the popular idea that passion is something you simply “stumble upon,” passion is more often cultivated. It emerges from curiosity, experience, and intentional self-discovery.

Here are 5 practical steps to take to discover your Passion:

1. Follow Your Curiosity – Pay attention to what captures your attention repeatedly. What topics, causes, or activities do you find yourself reading about, watching videos on, or discussing with others without being asked?

2. Notice Your Energy Peaks – Keep a simple journal for two weeks. Each day, jot down moments when you felt most alive, engaged, or “in the flow.” Look for patterns.

3. Reconnect with Past Joys – Think back to childhood or earlier stages of life. What activities made hours feel like minutes? What made you lose track of time? Sometimes passion is rooted in the simplest joys we once set aside.

4. Try More, Judge Less – Passion rarely appears fully formed. Experiment. Sign up for a class, volunteer, or explore a hobby without pressuring yourself to be perfect. Passion grows through doing.

5. Listen to Feedback – Often, others see sparks in us before we see them ourselves. Notice what friends or colleagues praise you for repeatedly. It may point to a passion you’ve overlooked.

The Bridge Between Purpose and Passion

Several years ago, a young woman named Claire worked in a corporate role that she didn’t hate, but she didn’t love it either. She was good at her job, met her targets, and earned a steady paycheck. Her purpose, she believed, was to “provide stability for her family.” But something was missing.

One weekend, she volunteered at a local literacy program. She sat with a nine-year-old boy, Marcus, who struggled to read aloud. Claire noticed the way his face lit up when he got a word right, and the joy she felt when he turned to her with pride was unlike anything she’d experienced at work.

She started volunteering every Saturday. That single act of service stirred a passion in her to help others grow through education. Over the next year, she found a way to bridge her steady career with her newfound passion by transitioning into corporate training, teaching employees skills that would help them thrive. Her purpose (helping others succeed) had always been there, but it was her passion (education and empowerment) that lit the way forward.

Application

Purpose can come from many sources: faith, values, personal mission, or deep commitments. Passion often comes from the activities and causes that make you feel alive. When the two connect, your life aligns in powerful ways:

• Work becomes meaningful instead of draining.

• Challenges become surmountable because you care deeply about the outcome.

• You inspire others naturally, because your energy is authentic.

The truth is, finding passion isn’t always instant. Sometimes it’s a series of small discoveries that slowly build into a blazing fire. The key is to stay curious, open, and willing to explore.

About the Quote

Although this quote is frequently attributed to entrepreneur Ryan Blair, there is no verified evidence he originated it. Variations have been credited to others, such as Harvey Smith and Angel Chernoff, but none of these attributions have been substantiated. The most accurate attribution remains Unknown.

Given its uplifting nature and widespread presence on motivational blogs, coaching platforms, and social media, the quote likely came from a modern inspiration-focused voice whose work resonated with millions. Its origin may be unclear, but its truth is universal: Define your purpose, ignite it with passion, and you will set a course toward the most fulfilling version of your life.