The importance of having passion in life and why we lose it
I remember a time when I was a bold teenager and my parents and I were on vacation. My mom wouldn’t leave the motel room, and I remember asking her why she didn’t want to do anything. She said something like “I don’t want to do anything, there’s nothing I ever want to do other than this.”
It was true, she was a SAHM and all she ever really did was sit around the house, sleep, watch the weather channel, and drink. I didn’t understand until I was older that she was probably depressed and very much an alcoholic. I really didn’t understand the concept of not wanting to go out, explore and have fun on vacation!
Kids having fun on a beach during vacation
It’s sad to see and feel the passion for life fade - passion is the lifeblood of a fulfilling existence! It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning, fuels our ambitions, and brings joy to our everyday lives. Without passion, life can feel boring, repetitive, and uninspired. However, many of us find ourselves struggling to keep our passions alive as we navigate the complexities of adult life.
Passion plays a huge role in health and well being
Passion is a driver of purpose and fulfillment Passion provides a sense of purpose. It helps us enjoy life more, to set meaningful goals and gives our lives direction. When we're passionate about something, we are more likely to invest time and energy into it, leading to a greater sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Enhances well-being Engaging in activities we are passionate about can significantly boost our mental and emotional well-being. Doing what we enjoy brings joy, reduces stress, and increase our overall happiness. Our hobbies and passions serve as a refuge from the demands of daily life and help us maintain a positive outlook.
Fosters personal growth Passion encourages continuous learning and personal development. When we are passionate about something, we are motivated to improve our skills and expand our knowledge. This drive for growth not only enhances our expertise but also builds our confidence and resilience.
Builds connections Sharing our passions with others is fun and can lead to meaningful relationships and a sense of community. Whether it’s through hobbies, professional interests, or volunteer work, our passions connect us with like-minded individuals who share our values and aspirations.
Why would we lose our passion?
Life transitions Major life changes, such as career shifts, family responsibilities, grief or health issues such as depression, can divert our focus away from our passions. These transitions often require us to prioritize immediate needs over personal interests, causing our passions to take a back seat.
Burnout The pace of life today (it’s always something, isn’t it?) can lead to burnout, making us too exhausted to pursue what we love. Burnout drains our energy and enthusiasm, making it difficult to engage in activities that once brought us joy.
Our conditioning Societal expectations and pressures – our conditioning - can stifle our passions. We may feel compelled to conform to conventional paths or prioritize financial stability over personal fulfillment. These external influences can make us doubt the value of our passions and discourage us from pursuing them.
Fear of failure or success Fear of failure or judgment can hold us back from fully embracing our passions. We may worry about not being good enough or fear the criticism of others, leading us to quit doing what we enjoy. And what if we are TOO good? Will people become jealous and cause issues for us? Will it become a burden we have to do instead of wanting to do it?
Lack of Time A full calendar, busy schedule and responsibilities can leave little room for following our passions. When we are constantly juggling work, family, and other obligations, it’s a challenge to carve out time for the activities we love.
So how do we make ourselves a priority and reignite our passion? Here are some ideas…
Reflect on your values and interests Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Identify the values and interests that make you feel alive and fulfilled. This self-awareness can help you reconnect with your passions and understand why they are important to you.
Take baby steps Break down your passion projects into manageable steps. Setting small, achievable goals can help you gradually reintroduce your passions into your life without feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate each milestone to maintain motivation and momentum!
Create a passion plan Develop a plan to integrate your passions into your daily routine. Schedule dedicated time for your interests, just as you would for any other important commitment. Consistency is key to keeping your passions alive.
Surround yourself with supportive people Seek out a community of like-minded individuals who share your interests. Surrounding yourself with people can provide encouragement, inspiration, and accountability. Join clubs, attend events, or participate in online forums to connect with others.
Embrace imperfection Allow yourself to pursue your passions without the pressure of perfection. Embrace the learning process and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Remember that the joy of engaging in your passions is more important than achieving flawless results.
Practice Self-Compassion Be kind to yourself during this journey. Understand that it’s normal to lose and rediscover your passions over time. Practice self-compassion and give yourself permission to explore new interests without judgment.
Passion is an essential ingredient for a fulfilling life. It drives our purpose, enhances our well-being, and fosters personal growth and connections. While it’s common to lose our passions due to life’s challenges, it’s possible to reignite that spark by reflecting on our values, setting achievable goals, creating a passion plan, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people. By embracing imperfection and practicing self-compassion, we can rediscover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a passionate life.
If you're looking to dive deeper into uncovering and reigniting your passions, consider using the Intuitive North "Passion to Purpose" workbook as a guide - you can find it here: Passion to Purpose Workbook. This fun actionable workbook will help you navigate the journey from self-discovery to action, ensuring that you live a life aligned with your true passions and purpose.
If you want to take it even another step further, my 1:1 program can help. Find out more on my “Work With Me” page or schedule a call for further information.
