I used to think passion was something you either had or didn’t. Like some people just woke up knowing their life’s purpose, and the rest of us got stuck guessing.
Turns out, that’s not true.
Passion Isn’t Found. It’s Built.
Most people think you stumble into your passion like tripping into a pothole. One day you’re walking through life and boom—there it is. But for most of us, it doesn’t work that way.
I used to waste entire days gaming, binge eating, or scrolling through social media. I kept waiting for something to click. I thought, “If I just keep living my life, maybe my purpose will show up.”
It didn’t.
What finally helped me shift was realizing that passion isn’t something you find. You grow into it by taking action, trying new things, and listening to what lights you up—even just a little.
Start With What You Don’t Like
Strangely, the easiest way to find your passion is by paying attention to what drains you.
- What do you hate doing?
- What leaves you feeling empty or uninspired?
- What kinds of tasks make you dread waking up?
Make a simple list. Write down the things that feel like soul-suckers. For me, it was wasting days online without meaning, eating junk food until I was numb, and living without structure. It wasn’t some deep soul search—just honesty.
Sometimes figuring out what you don’t want reveals what’s left: the things you want more of.
Follow the Spark, Not the Blaze
You don’t need to feel on fire to move in the right direction. Just look for the small sparks.
That’s how it started for me. After hitting my rock bottom—overweight, addicted to screens, and disconnected from real life—I started walking in the mornings. Just 10 minutes. No music. No goals. Just quiet.
Crazy enough, that tiny walk felt like something. I didn’t know what yet. But it was different from the other stuff. That small spark eventually led to running, healthier eating, prayer, and meaningful conversations with people I cared about. That simple, small act grew into a lifestyle I love.
If something gives you even a glimmer of interest or peace, try it a little more.
Experiment Without Pressure
You don’t have to pick one perfect thing. Try different things without the pressure of needing them to be “the one.”
Some ideas:
- Take a free online course in something random
- Volunteer once at a local shelter
- Read a book on a topic you’re curious about
- Try cooking something new
- Talk to a friend about a deep topic you usually avoid
The point is to explore. When I was rebuilding my life, I tried tons of things. Some flopped. A few clicked. One of those was writing. I didn’t think I’d be starting a site like GoodExistence or connecting with people around the world. I just knew it felt right. I kept showing up, and slowly, purpose started growing.
Structure Helps Passion Thrive
Passion doesn’t wait for motivation. It shows up when you build a routine that makes space for it.
Before I had structure, I’d drift through each day. Sleep late. Waste time. Feel anxious.
Now, I live by a simple, steady routine:
- Wake up early
- Take a short walk or stretch
- Do 2–4 hours of deep work in the morning
- Plan breaks to recharge
- End the day with prayer or gratitude
I don’t aim for perfection. I just aim to show up.
You’d be amazed how much momentum comes from doing something small, every day.
Faith Makes Passion Deeper
For me, growing closer to God helped everything make more sense. When I started praying daily and reading scripture, I felt a deeper peace. My habits changed. I stopped chasing comfort, and started looking for meaning. That’s when the pieces of my life started to connect.
Finding your passion means understanding what will actually matter a year, five years, or eternity from now. Faith helps you zoom out and live with purpose. If your passion only serves your ego or your wallet, it won’t last. But if it serves something greater—it sticks.
You’re Not Behind
One of the biggest lies we believe is that we’re late. That we should’ve found our passion by now. That everyone else has it figured out.
Truth? Many people find their path after years of wandering. I didn’t start making real changes until my late 20s. And honestly, I still feel like I’m figuring it out. That’s okay.
Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle. You’re exactly where you need to be to take your next step.
A Simple Action You Can Take Today
Here’s something simple you can do right now:
Take 5 quiet minutes. No phone. No music. Just sit and ask yourself:
- “What made me feel the most alive in the past month?”
- “What’s one thing I’d like to try, even if I fail?”
- “What’s draining the life out of me?”
Write down whatever comes up. That’s your starting point. You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just follow one spark.
Over time, small steps grow into something bigger than you imagined.
You’re not broken. You’re not too late. And your passion is waiting for you—but it needs you to start moving.
Try something today. See how it feels. Follow the spark.
Your passion’s not hiding. It’s just waiting for you to show up.
