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 girl who goes for it. (Even when you’re going for daunting or difficult things.)
A passionate you is a powerful you, but if you’re like most women, 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, isn’t it?) If you’re deep in the drowning part right now, you may doubt that passion is possible for you, but that’s not true.
Passion is possible for you, and you can claim it today. (I promise it’s true. Keep reading.)
The topic of passion itself can feel tough to grasp. What’s the big deal anyway? Who cares if you have it? What difference does it make? The thing is, it can make a pretty 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. Super fun to watch on TV. Super stinky to live like one.)
If you’re stuck in zombie land, living on autopilot, 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? In our current episode of “GrooveTV” we’re gonna create your very own passion formula. Press PLAY already. Let’s light your fire. It’s time.
Step 1 – Name your strengths.
You were born with gifts. In the coaching world, we call these attributes your strengths, which are just natural talents you’re born with. Strengths are things you do so easily you’re not even sure they’re important or impressive. How could something so natural matter that much, right?
There is no mistake in you. Each strength you were born with was given to you by design, and when you connect with these gifts you become more authentically yourself, which makes you feel more passionate.
You probably already know what your gifts 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….
Step 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 (where all your stuff would get done just the way you wanted it to), what would you do with the 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 just right. (No more shaving those edges.) Authentic values invite you to engage with life, and all engagement stokes the fires of passion.
Now we’re smoldering.
Step 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 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 life matters.
Okay — it’s time. Let’s create your personal passion formula. Because that will help you do life on purpose. Your recipe has three parts. (We covered each part in our steps in this blog, so you’re ready.)
Strengths + Values + Purpose = PASSION.
My passion formula is Teacher + Transformation + Empowerment = KIM ON FUEGO.
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 things change for the better. You behave like your best self and you build your best life. You make contributions. You focus on solutions. You start to meet your experiences with a new level of openness and intention.
No matter what’s going on in your life right now, you can feel passionate again. No more zombie living for you, okay? Start using your passion formula. Make a note in your phone and refer to it before you hop on social media, or do it the old-fashioned way and write your recipe on a note card you carry in your wallet or briefcase.
Share your formula with me and our community in the comments below. I want to know what yours is, and your sharing always helps a fellow sister. Let me hear you!
That’s it for the week. Remember that I never want you to blindly take my word for anything. Only you know what’s right for you. I just happen to have a few coaching tools that can help you get closer to that wisdom. Give this lesson’s advice a test drive in your life, and let me know how it goes. There are three ways for us to interact.
- Comment in the comments section below.
- Chat with me on on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
- Email me if you have something more private you’d like to ask. My personal email is [email protected]. I’m the only one reading your messages, and it’s always me answering them.
- Check out my new blog library for on demand empowerment coaching at your fingertips.
My mission is your empowerment. That’s why I’m here. If you haven’t already joined my community, please do it by entering your email (www.kimberlyfulcher.com). Until we meet again, know that life is happening for you.
And you got this!
Originally published at www.kimberlyfulcher.com
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