When was the last time you felt passionate? I’m not talking about sexual passion. Though that’s what most people think about when the word is used. I’m talking life passion.
When you have passion in your life, you wake up excited about the day ahead of you, and you take on projects with enthusiasm. With passion in your heart, you become the person who goes for it, even when what you’re going for is daunting or difficult.
A passionate you is a powerful you, but if you’re like most people, you probably haven’t felt the fire in a long time. (It’s tough to feel passionate when you’re drowning in your own life.) The topic of passion itself can feel tough to grasp. What’s the big deal anyway? What difference does it make? Take it from a life coach, it makes a BIG difference.
You see, a life without passion can turn you into a member of the Walking Dead. In case you haven’t watched the popular show, those are flesh-eating zombies I’m referring to. They’re entertaining to watch, but nobody wants to live like one. If you’re stuck in zombie land, going through the motions, and just trying to make it through the day, this blog is for you.
A life without passion is a life without joy. You deserve so much better than that. Let’s go claim your better right now, okay? We’ll do it by creating your very own personalized passion formula. There are three parts to our equation.
Part 1 – Name your strengths.
You were born with gifts. In the coaching world, we call these attributes your strengths. They’re the things you do so easily you might not think they’re important or impressive. (How could something so natural matter so much?) They matter.
There is purpose to your gifts. You were born with them for a reason, and when you use them intentionally you become more authentically yourself. Living with authenticity makes you feel more passionate.
You probably already know what your strengths are. They’re the talents people acknowledge and rely on you for. Maybe you’re a great listener, or you organize effortlessly. Perhaps you’re a persuasive communicator or a brilliant teacher.
Write down three of your strengths right now. If you’re not sure what they might be, ask a close friend or family member for input. (Positive people only please. Do not ask a critical person for feedback.)
Once you’ve got your list, start consciously bringing these skills with you into new situations. Look for ways to add value by offering up what you’re good at. You’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable everyday activities become when you participate while using your strengths.
Ah, the passion is starting to bubble.
More please…
Part 2 – Define what you value.
In Western society the term values refers to morality. We’re not talking about that here. In the life coaching world, when we talk about values we’re talking about WHAT you value.
What are in you interested in? What lights you up? When you bring qualities that excite you into your daily life, you really start burning. (In a good way.) As it turns out, the things you’re interested in are clues to your values. You can start to uncover them with a few questions.
· When you go into a bookstore (physical or virtual) which section do you head to? Why?
· Which blogs do you seek out each week? Why?
· If I could give you a free day, what would you do with that found time? Why?
Your answers to these questions can help you name what you value. For example, I’m addicted to self-help books, and the first blogs I seek out every morning can be found on Thrive Global (who I’ve just started writing for). Why? Because I love to learn and teach, and I value wellness, growth, and transformation.
How about you? What do your answers tell you about what you value? Once you’ve got an idea, start trying your values on for size. When you’ve landed on an authentic interest, you’ll know because it will feel RIGHT.
I’ve had clients tell me they feel more like themselves when they’re in the realm of values. It’s as if your square-pegged-self has finally found a square opening that fits. (No more shaving those edges.) Authentic values invite you to engage with life, and engagement stokes the fires of passion.
Now we’re smoldering.
Part 3 – Live purposefully.
The greatest myth told about life purpose is that it’s some mysterious thing you’re supposed to do or find. But thinking about it that way will actually keep you from experiencing it. Your life purpose isn’t about any one thing you do. Your life purpose is about how you do everything you do.
You find your life purpose when you begin living with purpose.
Living with purpose is about approaching your experiences with a combination of service and intention. How will you add value? What can you offer to improve the situation at hand? How can you make a positive impact? When you meet life with this level of awareness, you do it differently, and if you want to feel passion, the way you do your life matters. Okay, it’s time. Let’s create your personal passion formula.
Strengths + Values + Purpose = PASSION.
My passion formula is Teacher + Transformation + Empowerment = KIM ON FUEGO
Your turn…
Your strengths____ + Your values____ + Your purpose____ = YOU ON FUEGO
Please don’t just read this passively. Roll your sleeves up, and craft your formula. Then start using it in real life. When you do, you’ll be amazed at how your life changes. You’ll make contributions that allow you to have impact. You’ll focus on solutions instead of wallowing in your problems, and you’ll start to meet your experiences with a new level of openness and intention.
No matter what’s you’re dealing with right now, you CAN feel passionate again. No more zombie living for you, okay? Start using your passion formula today. Your life will thank you for it.