Finding your passion or purpose in life can sometimes feel like an elusive quest.
We’re often told to “follow our dreams” or “find our calling,” but these phrases can be daunting when you’re not even sure what that calling is.
The truth is, getting closer to what you want to do in life often involves a journey of discovering what you don’t want to do. And the best way to do that is by trying a lot of things, letting go when they no longer interest you, and moving on to the next opportunity.
Think about a child playing with toys.
They pick up one toy, play with it for a while, and then, when they get bored or find something more interesting, they let it go. There’s no guilt, no hesitation—just a natural progression from one interest to another.
This process of exploration is a key part of discovering what truly excites you.
As adults, we often lose this sense of play and experimentation. We feel pressured to find our passion quickly, as if we’re on a tight deadline. But rushing the process can lead to frustration and confusion.
Instead, we should approach life more like that child with their toys—curious, open-minded, and willing to let go when something no longer resonates with us.
This isn’t about being flaky or indecisive.
It’s about understanding that each experience, even the ones that don’t ultimately stick, is a step towards self-discovery. By trying different things—whether it’s a job, a hobby, a course of study, or a new skill—you gather valuable insights about yourself.
You learn what excites you, what bores you, what challenges you, and what makes you feel alive.
And here’s the magic: one day, something will stick to you like superglue.
You’ll find yourself deeply engaged in an activity or a pursuit, and it won’t feel like a chore. Instead, it will feel like a natural extension of who you are.
That’s when you know you’ve found your thing.
But to get to that point, you have to be willing to experiment. You have to be okay with trying things out and letting them go when they’re no longer fulfilling.
It’s a process of elimination, where each “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” Each thing you walk away from clears the path for something better to come into your life.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your direction, don’t be afraid to dive into different experiences.
Embrace the idea that discovering what you don’t want to do is just as important as finding what you do want. And remember, it’s all part of the journey to uncovering your true passion and purpose.
Keep exploring, keep letting go, and trust that the right thing will find you when the time is right.
With love, yours truly, Cristian, in collaboration with ChatGPT.