Jump to section
Finding a passionate purpose is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Without it, our goals become scattered, leading to wasted energy and frustration. Whether you’re a young adult navigating the early stages of your career or a seasoned professional feeling unfulfilled, finding your passionate purpose is key to living a life of meaning, one where you look forward to what comes next.
Ikigai, Wheel of Life, and Design Your Life are valuable tools, but they’re most effective when fueled by a pre-existing sense of purpose. True, it would be easy if passion was a magic trick. But where’s the fun in that? Passion is a journey you undergo as you discover yourself as a person, one day at a time.
The Passion Gap: A Problem for Young Adults
Many young adults (ages 18-25) struggle with a lack of passion, which stems from a deeper sense of purposelessness. Disconnected from peers and often misled by adults, they turn to social media for connection, which can have negative consequences. This loneliness and lack of direction can even lead to suicidal ideation.
The Discontented Achievers
I’ve also encountered many successful North American clients who’ve achieved wealth and power at a young age, yet remain deeply unsatisfied. Their current path doesn’t bring them joy, and they’re unsure what will. They represent a generation grappling with confusion and a lack of purpose.
Unearthing Your Passion Through Metaphors
When I ask these clients to describe their passion or purpose, they often struggle. But by using metaphors, we can tap into the subconscious mind. Carl Jung believed metaphors emerge from our deepest selves. Many historical and mythological metaphors are ingrained in our subconscious through stories heard in childhood. For example, some may resonate with figures like Rama or Krishna, inspiring them to embody those qualities.
My personal metaphor is Shiva, the dual androgynous Ardhanareeswara. This metaphor represents the duality within all of us, a concept many overlook. When we truly understand this metaphor, it provides meaning in life.
Nature as a Metaphor
Clients may also describe themselves through elements of nature. Someone who identifies with water, for instance, might be further described as an ocean, a lake, or a river. The specific form they choose reveals the function they wish to fulfill in life. Someone who identifies with the vastness of the ocean might crave a career that allows them to make a global impact, while someone who resonates with a flowing river might be drawn to a path that involves constant movement and progress.
The Mystery Muse
One client described her metaphor as a person she could only see from behind. Intrigued, she persisted, and eventually, the figure turned around, revealing her older self – a powerful image that provided purpose and direction. This story highlights the power of perseverance in the self-discovery process. Sometimes, the answers we seek aren’t readily apparent, but with dedication and introspection, they can be brought to light.
Finding Your Passion: Different Paths
Metaphors are a powerful tool, but there are other ways to discover your passion. Reflect on experiences that brought you joy as a child. Is there a common thread in these experiences? Did you enjoy helping others? Were you drawn to creative pursuits? Identifying these patterns can shed light on your intrinsic motivators.
Volunteer and Experiment
Volunteering your time and skills to a cause you care about can also be a great way to explore different passions and discover what truly ignites your fire. Perhaps you’re passionate about environmental issues; volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center could be a fulfilling way to test the waters. Maybe you have a knack for working with children; consider volunteering at a mentorship program. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Embrace the Journey
It’s important to understand that finding your passionate purpose isn’t a linear process. It’s a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. There will be moments of frustration and self-doubt, but don’t let them discourage you. Remember, the destination is less important than the journey itself. The experiences you gather along the way will shape you and ultimately lead you to a place of fulfillment.
Reflect
Some people live to work (unhealthy). Others work to live (unfulfilling). But the happiest people work to help others live. Do you live to make a difference? If that resonates with you, coaching could be your calling. At Coacharya, empowering others is our mission. Ready to find your purpose and make an impact? Explore our program calendar or contact us at support@coacharya.com to get started today!
(Originally published on Coaching the Spirit – a LinkedIn Newsletter by Ram S. Ramanathan: How to Discover Your Passionate Purpose?)
