Uncovering and Engaging Your Passion
April 30th, 2010 by David Utts
I encourage you to take this exercise seriously and create the space to do it. Find a place to engage this where you feel the most expanded. It could be a favorite room in your home, your favorite coffee shop or outdoor bistro, a place outdoors that you relish, etc. The key is to be some place that allows you to be free from interruptions and that inspires you. I find that putting pen to paper is more powerful than typing your responses out on a computer – it just makes the experience more visceral. You can also do this in a few reflective sessions. The key is to do what ever works that allows you to reveal what you care about most. In any event, do what ever you must that will allow this to work for you. Here are the questions to consider:
- If I had no limitations or barriers and money were no object, what do I most want to create through my work and expression as a leader?
Again, do not answer this as a mental exercise… make it an exercise of the heart.
- Now once you have generated your list – for each item ask – What do each of these things give me or what is most important about these things?
What you are looking for in your answers are not material goods or something external to yourself. You are evaluating the emotional experience you are seeking! Are you seeking recognition, accomplishment, freedom, security, etc.? Why do I say this? Because in the end you evaluate your experience based on how you feel – period. For example, we don’t want money for the sake of having pieces of paper in our wallets or an amount in the bank. Certainly that is nice but it is what that GIVES US that we really want. So do yourself a favor and let yourself feel what you want.
- Now once you have boiled down the experience you most want to have – go back and rank order those experiences by following this process:
- First, create a list of those emotional states you are looking to experience on a daily basis and ask yourself – how much does this resonate for me on a scale from 0 – 100%.
- Second, once you rate the items – the rank ordering should become obvious.
In my view, anything at 90% or above is something you are passionate about. Anything between 60 and 80% might be yet you need to ask yourself – “What would have to happen for this to be at 90% or above?” For example, you may find that you really want it but don’t believe it is possible. The question is if there were no obstacles or money was not an issue or you could have life/work be any way you wanted it to be – would these rank higher? Finally, if something does not make 60% – it is likely not something you are very passionate about and I suggest you drop it so you can focus on what really juices you!
Once you have done this exercise you will have a list of your passions. Now to activate this in your life and at work you need to develop your vision for how you would like to see this unfold and then keep your attention on this each and every day. If you are passionate about it – that will be easy. The key is not to turn away from it – life is too short! From this list you can develop your mission statement and commit to live from it each day! If you want to grow your business, be more successful in your current position and make a bigger impact – the only way to do it is through your passion. Therefore I invite you to release it!
