How to find your passion?

1. Revisit Your Child–Like Curiosity

Start by asking: If money didn’t matter, what would you do every day? This question helps uncover activities that energize you. As one Reddit user put it:

“What would I do my entire life if there was no such thing as money?”

Notice what sparks your attention—maybe you're drawn to books, sports, cooking, or coding. Often, your passion is already unfolding in how you spend your free time.

2. Track Moments You Lose Track of Time

Pay attention to times when you’re fully immersed—flow states where hours pass unnoticed. Indeed.com's career advice suggests questions like:

When do I forget to look at my phone? What feels like active meditation?

These clues often point directly to what you're truly passionate about.

3. Reflect on Childhood Obsessions

Recall what fascinated you as a kid. A guide from The Good Trade says:

“Reflect on your childhood obsessions… What features stand out?”

Maybe you spent hours playing instruments, exploring nature, or drawing characters. Those early passions can resurface into fulfilling adult pursuits.

4. Ask Others for Insight

Seek feedback from friends and family. They often notice patterns you miss. Someone might say, “You light up when you talk about climate change” or “You’re always sketching.” These reflections serve like mirrors—revealing your natural inclinations.

5. Test & Iterate

Don't wait for a perfect moment—start small. Want to bake? Try selling cupcakes to local friends. Interested in nonprofits? Volunteer for an afternoon. Leaders.com outlines a tested approach: identify skills, research opportunities, experiment, and then network.

Real-World Examples That Inspire

Guy Kawasaki – Passion Discovered at Apple

Guy didn’t start as a marketer. He found his niche as a Macintosh “software evangelist,” a role he stumbled into that matched his talents and interests. His openness to exploring led to lifelong passion .

Arianna Huffington – From Debating to Launching a Media Empire

Initially struggling with her accent at Cambridge, Arianna discovered a love for public speaking through debate. That spark grew into launching The Huffington Post and her lifelong passion for communication.

Bernard Harris – Childhood Dream Transformed into Reality

Dr. Harris, inspired by "Star Trek" and the moon landing, pursued space. He became the first Black astronaut to walk in space—showing how humble childhood dreams can lead to historic achievements.

Lili Taylor – Birdwatching as a Window to Life Balance

The actress turned to birding during emotional burnout. Her newfound passion offered focus, calm, and a deeper connection to nature—and even led to a memoir.

Steph Davis – Answering the Call of the Vertical Life

Steph built a stable academic future, but none of it resonated. Her true passion emerged on the cliffs, free-climbing El Capitan and founding a women’s BASE-jumping company. She didn’t just “find” passion—she leapt into it.

Tips for Bringing Your Passion Into Your Life

• Start small. No need to quit everything—side hustles, classes, or clubs work perfectly.

• Embrace exploration. If a class on photography excites you, dive deeper.

• Balance risk and reward. Success may start slow—as it did for Humans of New York’s Brandon Stanton, who kept going despite initial obscurity.

• Be patient and persistent. Steve Jobs famously said:

  “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle…”.

• Network and learn. Surround yourself with people who share your interests. Their passion can fuel your own.

Putting It All Together

Step	What to Do	Why It Helps
1. Reflect	Ask: “What would I do if money wasn’t a concern?”	Reveals genuine interests
2. Observe	Note when time flies for you	Shows where your flow lies
3. Ask loved ones	Get external perspectives	Surfaces blind spots
4. Test ideas	Try classes, side gigs	Allows experimentation
5. Iterate	Adapt and refine	Builds a sustainable path

Final Thoughts

Finding your passion isn’t about a dramatic epiphany—it's about small, meaningful steps. It could be as simple as that lunchtime sketch or as profound as launching a nonprofit. The stories of Arianna Huffington, Bernard Harris, and Steph Davis show that passion often waits quietly beneath the surface—ready to be discovered and brought out into the world.

Your journey begins with curiosity, reflection, and the courage to explore. And who knows? Your own passion could someday inspire someone else.