In life, it isn’t always easy to find time for the things that we’re really passionate about. While some people might be able to earn a living from the activities that really excite them – whether that’s painting, hiking, or photography – for most of us, these things are mere hobbies.
But just because you aren’t earning money from the activities that matter to you doesn’t mean that you can’t put that little bit of extra planning into getting the most from them.
Reflect on what really inspires you
Our first step should be to actually decide what it is that you’re passionate about. For many, the answer might be obvious. Others might have to choose between a range of distractions. You might have a dim memory of an activity holiday that really inspired you – or you might have looked at a given pastime with interest, even if you’ve never really gotten around to taking it up.
As you reflect on what matters, it’s a good idea to jot down your ideas. In doing so, you might obtain a clearer perspective on your true priorities.
Create space for what matters
Once you understand how you’d like to spend your time, you can think about how you’d like to make time for it. You can treat this commitment like any urgent work priority – but you don’t need to find too much time. A few hours on a Sunday afternoon might be enough to get you connected.
Make the commitment small, to begin with. If you pledge to draw a single line each day, then the chances are that you’ll be able to stick with it – and, what’s more, you’ll probably end up drawing more than that, once you’ve gone to the effort of setting up your drawing environment.
Transform interests into experiences
If you’re interested in a certain area of study, or you care deeply about something in the real world, then it might be that there’s a natural way to deepen your interest with a real-world trip. If you’re interested in the Reformation, for example, you might visit the museum on the subject, in Geneva. If you have a passion for the natural world, on the other hand, Costa Rica holidays, and the cloud forests that go with them, are often a great choice.
Stay open to growth
If you feel that you’re stuck in a rut, then you might find that the activity you once found rewarding becomes a little bit stale and uninspiring. For this reason, it’s worth constantly looking for new ways to keep things fresh. If you’re learning piano, but you’re getting tired of the classical pieces you’re struggling with, then why not take a detour into the world of jazz improvisation?
Often, you can discover entirely new dimensions of your passion by exposing yourself to a community of like-minded individuals. Remember that your objective should always be to enjoy yourself, and find fulfilment. Don’t smother your passion by being excessively disciplined and goal-oriented, in other words!
