I also used to go on many forums, searching for “How to find your passion when you are depressed?” or “I have no passion” until I read this motivating quote by Oprah Winfrey:
The life will be worthier than ever once we have something to pursue that we call “passion.” The more passionate you are about what you learn and things you work, the more positive energy will you have. Everything seems to get happier when you feel your passion.
Unfortunately, not everyone has a clear consciousness when they are asked for “What are you passionate about?”. You might have heard from someone: “I have no passion” or “I don’t have a passion.”
At that time, what to encourage them or even encourage yourselves?
I would like to share something to help.
Table of Contents
Why Is Finding Your Passion & Purpose in Life So Important?
Before you find a direction on how to find your passion, it’s critical to be aware of its importance.
To have a sense of purpose
Passion gives you purpose to chase. Those purposes always rush you to action and make your every day more meaningful. They also help you develop and enrich yourself. Otherwise, having purposes make you more responsible for your future.
To fill your life with joyfulness
Passion allows you to do what you love. It probably the most valuable happiness people always hope for. When working for a passion and with a passion, you can do it better than everything and feel like you are doing an activity to relax. As a result, your work complete without any pressure.
How to Find Your Passion When You Are Depressed? – An A-to-Z List
Ask yourselves
We all feel down, from time to time, especially when we have to cope with stress at work. That time, it is better to ask yourselves first. Then, you might figure out your own answer and be happy again.
Here is my list:
- Why am I down?
- Is this the hardest thing I have overcome in my life/my work?
- Why did I do this at first?
- How far have I come?
- Haven’t I had any positive encounters?
- Do I need a snack or sleep?
- Etc.
Be positive
Everyone keeps telling you to be strong and positive, especially when you are struggling with depression. “How can I?” – I know it is hard – super hard.
However, take advice and manage yourselves. Some questions above might already give you some positive feelings. For example, when you lose passion for work, think about your coworkers instead of the tasks themselves, about how you guys have worked together to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Or, think about your family and friends, knowing that you are never alone to fight against depression.
Create a list of priorities in life
When we think about our passion, we usually encounter conflicts that require us to prioritize something over something else. We want to pursue our dream job, but everything else seems too important to compromise. We want to discover new landscapes, but we’re afraid of long distances with your family. In general, we’re always afraid of making the wrong decisions.
The most important thing you need I’ve learned in those situations is to think about something in the past that I was really excited about and how it inspired and energized me. It quickly boosted my spirit high again.
Asking yourself “What is my passion quiz?” and repeating this question will take you closer to the answer. Then, your priorities will gradually become clear.
Define the person you want to become
Have you got any idol? To whom you admire their achievement?
It’s essential for everyone to define the person we want to become in the future. They might be people doing any jobs or simply people nearby us. Whatever who they are, they give you the inspiration to be a better version of yourself.
We all admire at least one person, and you should know exactly why you do that. Only by understanding the reason, you can make an effort to become that person. Even when you do not admire anyone, in reality, you still have one in your mind.
Eat something – It always helps
I ask many of my friends how to find interest and at least get balanced upon the depression. They introduce me to food as a quick fix.
This makes sense that many health experts have confirmed that diets that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat help charge up your mood quickly. Meanwhile, the arginine, amino acids, and lysine in yogurt are demonstrated to reduce stress and anxiety.
When I don’t have a passion for things and asking questions doesn’t help, then I find myself craving a bar of dark chocolate.
You can try some next time
Find your own values
Your values are what form the principles in your life. They serve as the barometer to assist you in making any important decisions. Once you cannot define your core values, you will inevitably be unhappy and off-center.
If you have nothing in your mind, it’s time to discover them. Write down about five values you think they draw you such as balance, calmness, commitment, confidence, diligence, etc.
Go out with friends
Those asking “How to find your passion when you are depressed?”, dress up and make an arrangement with your best friend. Do not let yourself be alone with a heavy heart. There are always friends and family members who are ready to cheer you up.
Ignore what others define you
Nobody has any negative assumptions given by people. We’ve found familiar with those conclusions about us. We’re ok.
Things just matter once you accept and believe in those definitions from others about us. People say you are not for singing; you agree. People say you cannot become a model with your body; you agree.
How to find your passion in life when you do compromise those assumptions?
Remember that people used to say Beyonce cannot sing, she kept going. So, the point here is: Do not allow others’ words to stop you from discovering your passion.
Kick up hope and excitement
Whenever you ask yourself “What are you passionate about?”, you believe that one answer is waiting to be found out. The happiest way is to keep seeking your willingness. Keep hopeful and excited about a new life colored with your passion.
Listen to music – even sad songs light you up
The fastest way to draw you out of depression is to listen to music. Once you hum melodies, your mind is separated from stressful stuff.
You can even listen to melancholy music if it is your favorite type and you will feel better. What you like will certainly not double down on the sadness.
Open doors to unexpected possibilities
Pursuing passion means you have to learn to adapt everything that can happen as passion is not for those who say no to take risks. Let’s be brave to investigate unexpected opportunities and keep your mind open. In that way, maybe you’ll become a magnet for interesting possibilities.
In fact, an opened-mind person is usually attractive to others by his or her willingness to take calculated risks.
Read a motivating book
Like music, books create inspiration for your life. Here are books about finding your passion:
- Fearless Passion by Yong Kang Chan – My cup of tea
- The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
- The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Attwood
- Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
- Follow Your Heart by Andrew Matthews
- Etc.
Spend time with like-minded people
If you interest in something, don’t hesitate to join in groups or communities of like-minded people. You love singing, just register for the music club at your school. You love painting, just go for a painting course.
New people there can play, help, and share with you about things you concern. Especially, they might be friends who inspire, nurture and accomplish you in your passion. Importantly, like-minded friends keep you positive emotions.
Take some time off
How to find your passion when you are depressed?
First, you need to take bad feelings off your mind. It obviously takes your time, but you initially should do that. A day or even a week off is maybe useful to heal your heart. Fill it with better emotions before you think about finding your passion & purpose in life.
Wrapping up
Now, you’ve got the answer to the question “How to find your purpose and passion in life?”. Passion is not something difficult to reach. Just listen to yourself, open up your mind, and be ready with possibilities. Then, you’ll find yourself with things you love to do.
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