Discovering our true passions can feel like solving a puzzle. Can you tell me about yourself? What activities make you light up? These kinds of questions often leave us scratching our heads as they shape the first impression others have of us.
As new trends pop up and catch our attention, we are encouraged to tie our future plans to our genuine interests. It is no wonder that during our teenage years, we see this decision as a big deal. And you know what? It's not entirely wrong. Our youthful enthusiasm tends to blow things out of proportion. Deciding what really excites us is a big responsibility, and it comes with its fair share of worries and stress. Society, especially our family, adds to the pressure we feel. We are either irritated by how often we're asked about our passions, or we're frustrated by the gap between what others expect from us and our own reality. In this article, I want to share my own experiences and thoughts with you. If you're in the same stage of life, I might have some advice that could help you navigate this exciting yet challenging period.
As a teenager with a strong idealistic streak, I was constantly grappling with the fear of making the wrong choices. I found myself uncertain about what I really wanted to pursue, all the while being haunted by the fear of disappointing not only myself but also those around me, especially my family. My schedule was jam-packed with numerous activities, leaving me with barely any free time. I dabbled in a wide array of endeavours, from ice skating to launching startups.
Each new experience brought its own sense of enjoyment, and every time, I believed wholeheartedly that "this is it" - this is what I want to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to. The challenge lay in the fact that I found myself loving everything I tried. So, in the midst of all this, the big question loomed: What am I about? What is “my passion”? Finally, what should I choose as my final destination?
As a teenager with a strong idealistic streak, I was constantly grappling with the fear of making the wrong choices. I found myself uncertain about what I really wanted to pursue, all the while being haunted by the fear of disappointing not only myself but also those around me, especially my family. My schedule was jam-packed with numerous activities, leaving me with barely any free time. I dabbled in a wide array of endeavours, from ice skating to launching startups. Each new experience brought its own sense of enjoyment, and every time, I believed wholeheartedly that "this is it" - this is what I want to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to. The challenge lay in the fact that I found myself loving everything I tried. So, in the midst of all this, the big question loomed: What am I about? What is “my passion”? Finally, what should I choose as my final destination?
Here's a perspective to consider: let's allow ourselves the liberating freedom to embrace both the enormity of everything and the simplicity of nothing all at once. As I delve into this idea, I can confidently affirm that the concept of a definitive endpoint is elusive.
In reality, I firmly believe that the majority of us lack unwavering certainty about our life paths, and that's perfectly fine. It's essential to grasp this truth from the very beginning of our journey. It's completely natural for our decisions to ebb and flow; in fact, such fluctuations often serve as indicators of our personal progress. Let’s not forget that we are human beings endowed with the remarkable capacity to evolve, glean wisdom, and push forward on our voyage of growth. This journey is as much about the transformations we undergo as it is about the destinations we aim for.
As I journeyed through different areas, I began noticing consistent patterns in my likes and interests. A significant realisation occurred when I understood that my genuine passion wasn't limited to one specific subject or activity - it was bound within the common threads connecting them. Giving myself the freedom to not fit into rigid categories and acknowledging that diverse interests are natural fundamentally changed how I perceived passion. It became clear that being a mix of interests was a true reflection of myself. The key insight was recognizing the shared element that linked them all.
For me, that common thread unveiled a deep fascination with people and a genuine love for understanding them authentically. In this journey, I discovered that my passion thrived in the realm of communication, observation, and analysing human behaviour. This ranged from decoding subtle gestures to studying the intricacies in their voices while discussing life. It wasn't solely about the words they used, but also about the unspoken messages conveyed through their body language and the tones they chose to conclude their thoughts. This detailed exploration of human interaction became my guiding light, leading me towards the core of my true passion. It became clear to me that the underlying currents of human connection and communication were the true sparks of my curiosity and enthusiasm.
However, translating my passion into a concrete career path was a whole new adventure. Armed with just the idea of studying in the vibrant city of London, I set out to uncover the vast array of possibilities hidden within its universities. What I discovered was truly eye-opening - there were countless options spanning across various fields of study, each holding the potential to connect with my own interests. It was exciting to realise that there's something out there for everyone, waiting to be explored.
As I delved into the details of different courses and delved into the essence of their studies, I finally stumbled upon what felt like a perfect fit for me – Neuroscience and Psychology. Gaining a clear understanding of the exact subjects that would be part of this journey was a game-changer. It helped me decipher the unique path this choice would lead me down. Once I knew this was where my passion lay, I took my exploration a step further. I turned to TV shows, YouTube videos, books and reached out to people who had already walked this path to gather their insights and experiences.
Up until a certain point in my life, I held onto this inspiring idea like a guiding star. It fueled me daily, giving me a clear direction to aim for. But then came that crucial moment - the countdown to choosing the field I would dedicate myself to. Strangely, I found myself more uncertain and lost than ever before. The cacophony of opinions from those around me seemed deafening. Doubt crept in, and suddenly, every decision I had made came under scrutiny. It was as if the solidity of my dream began to blur.
In the midst of this chaos, however, there were those who became my anchors. They helped me silence the noise and tune into my own voice. They reminded me of the passion that had driven me, the dreams I had nurtured, and the path I had envisioned. With their guidance, I learned the value of embracing solitude and introspection. In those quiet moments, it hit me - the turbulence I felt was rooted in fear. The fear of stepping into the unknown, the fear of making a wrong choice, and the fear of change. It was a normal response, a natural part of any significant decision-making process. In the face of such fear, I realised the importance of standing firm.
Yes, uncertainty can be unsettling, and the pressure to conform to prevailing trends can be overwhelming. But staying true to one's authentic calling is essential.
It's about recognizing that fear is just a visitor on the journey, not a permanent resident. It's about allowing your dreams to outweigh the doubts, and your passion to overshadow the noise. In the end, the path you choose is yours alone to tread, and it should reflect the whispers of your own heart, unswayed by passing fads or external pressures.
It's equally crucial to reconnect with the child within you and reflect on your early aspirations. What did you dream of becoming when you were little? Personally, I always aimed to be a paediatrician. However, this doesn't necessarily mean I still desire that exact path. Now I realise that the essence of my childhood dream was rooted in a desire to make a positive impact on the world, to contribute something of significance to people's lives. This heartfelt longing remains true within me - my soul aspires to create meaning and be a source of help and positivity to both the world and the lives of others.
Understanding one's passion is not without its challenges. Doubts and uncertainties often arise, leading to moments of introspection and reevaluation. For me, the fear of pursuing a passion that did not align with societal norms or conventional career paths was a significant hurdle. Overcoming this challenge required a balance between practical considerations and personal aspirations. Through research, conversations with mentors, and evaluating potential paths, I learned that passion need not be limited by external expectations.
