Discovering Your Path in Life: A Journey More Than a Destination
At the age of 28, I am still exploring what my passion is. Unlike what many may perceive, my life has always been an intricate journey, not a neatly defined destination. Professionally, I'm a martial arts athlete and coach, and I also write extensively about my experiences on platforms such as Quora, Medium, and Substack. From traveling the world to competing, teaching, and writing, I live what many would consider the dream life.
However, the part that fills me with a sense of imposter syndrome is that I didn't exactly dream up this life path when I was a child. Real life is not as black and white as choosing to follow or not follow your passion. When I was younger, I had a myriad of interests. I loved reading books and watching movies, and for a time, I aspired to become a professional baseball player, then the NFL dream took over. Unfortunately, the roles that I wanted to play were both outside of my reach. I lacked the necessary talent for professional baseball, and my height and physical attributes didn't suit me for football. It was the disappointment of missing out on the school basketball team that led me to the wrestling mat, and from there, my journey into martial arts and self-improvement began.
It was on this path of self-improvement that I found my way into writing and storytelling. My life is a passionate one, but it wasn't always about discovering a singular passion. Rather, I live a life filled with action, moving forward, and experiencing the world around me. If you're lost and struggling to find a passion, here's a simple advice: do something (even if it's small). Act, move, live. The passion will come. However, if you do nothing but ponder, you will likely never find it.
Why Passion Finding is Overrated
There's a widespread idea that we need to find our passion. The problem is, this concept can be harmful rather than helpful. When you're told to pinpoint your passion, you can get stuck in a rut of perpetual contemplation, never actually taking action. Instead, the act of living a life full of experiences is more likely to lead you to find something you're deeply passionate about.
A career test, for example, like the one offered by Sneha Grover, can certainly provide insight into your strengths and interests. However, such tests are more about guiding you towards a path that aligns with your natural abilities rather than definitively mapping out your life's purpose. Trusting the process of actively engaging in life experiences is often more effective than sitting still trying to define your passion.
The Changing Nature of Passion
The concept of passion also changes over time. When I was 12, I found my initial interests, but technology and society rapidly evolved, making those interests obsolete. Then, I found a new passion in construction work, although it was too late for a full career transformation. This shows that passions can change as our lives and the world around us change. Staying open to new experiences and possibilities can help you adapt and find new passions as your life evolves.
So, remember, your journey is more important than trying to find a single passion. Embrace the adventure, explore, and learn from each step. Your passion may change, but the journey of self-discovery and growth will continue to deepen your understanding of who you are and what truly drives you.