7 Tips to Discover Your Passion
Updated: Aug 9, 2020
There are those of us that have always known what we wanted to do in life, and those of us who have yet to figure it out. Regardless of which person you are we should never spend a life time moving without purpose.
Below you will discover the 7 tips that have helped me discover my passion.
Let it be known that I have always considered myself a creative. From the tippy-top of my afro to the soles of my feet, "I am artsy." In 2011 I entered Georgia State University here in Atlanta, Georgia with my heart set on becoming a creative entrepreneur; specifically a fashion designer. Today, my intent to be a fashion designer hasn't changed but my outlook on life purpose has. Now, I believe that in order for me to be fulfilled at the end of this life I must achieve more than the establishment of a successful clothing brand. I must help others accomplish their goals as I seek to accomplish mine.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
We've all been asked this question before at some time or another. I believe that the better question is "WHO do you want to be when you grow up?" Clarification of who I am, what my passions are, and how to fulfill my life's mission have taken precedence over designing clothing.
1. Identify Your Talents
Before you can offer your best to the world you have to identify what you are good at!
Ms. Melanin Beauty, you are inherently good at something; possibly many things.
Do people often compliment you for your ability to build relationships? Speak in public? Draw? or Develop reports?... Take the time to write down those things that people express their appreciation for and what you love to do; the things that you are naturally good at. Identifying your talents is the first step to finding your purpose.
2. Develop Talents That Transcend Time
Once you've identified your talents you'll notice that you enjoy exercising some of these talents more than others. One of the talents that transcend time for me is painting. I often lose track of time as I add new colors and shapes to my canvas'. Right before, during, and after painting I feel more relaxed. I am at peace; rejuvenated. What talents transcend time for you? Identify those. Do your happy dance. Then, enroll in some classes or watch some videos to help you improve those talents specifically.
3. Spend Time Alone
Life gets hectic. Social media is always poppin. Your friends are always on the go and your job or business can be demanding. I advise that between moments of chaos you need to take some time out for yourself and get comfortable with being alone.
No phone. No homies. No boo. Just you and your thoughts...
Give yourself time to rejuvenate, recenter, and focus.
At least three times a week I take time to meditate and reflect. Make time for yourself!
4. Follow the Whispers
Every morning I listen to at least one motivational speaker. One of my favorite speakers is none other than melanin mogul, Oprah Winfrey. In a video titled Listening to Life's Whispers, Oprah discusses being aware of the moments that life sends you signs or "whispers" that you should pay attention to when aspiring to change your circumstances.
Prior to the creation of Melanin Glow (MG), the universe continuously introduced entrepreneurs to my life in all shapes and forms of business. We would discuss the benefits and griefs of entrepreneurship. As an aspiring business woman I loved having these conversations but I hadn't quite pieced together the why for Melanin Glow until I seen this article in Forbes declaring black women as the the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S. while doing research.
Was that a whisper or a thump?
Either way, I got the message and started working on an idea to help women like me lead the lives they deserve.
5. Create a Personal Mission Statement
In August of 2018 I started focusing more on my self development journey. One book that I recommend to everyone seeking to embark on a similar journey is "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. In this book Stephen explains how having a personal mission statement drives you to act with intention. When you want to move in alignment with your goals you have to strategize. So, I thought about the woman that I am and the woman that I will become and developed the mission statement below:
“My mission in life is to use my creativity and intelligence to serve my community and the world around me with integrity, style, ambition, and grace.”
6. Visualize Your Future
Vision boards will give you life! I mean this literally. Every morning I wake up and stare at the vision board to the right side of my bed. Having vision helps me stay focused on what is most important to me and hone in on what I what truly hope my life will transpire. The best vision boards illustrate career, love, health, family, and personal self goals for your future.
My vision board includes images that relate to activism, fashion, travel, entrepreneurship, friendship and love. I believe that I am manifesting what I want from life because I stay focused on my vision.
7. Be Curious, Keep Learning
Do you know what most successful humans and companies have in common? Most successful individuals and companies realize the importance of continuous learning and improvement. The world is ever-changing. Every day some new philosophy or technology changes the way we operate from day to day. Challenge yourself to stay ahead of the curve. Take calculated risks and learn new skills, even those unrelated to your field of expertise. You may find that your purpose and strength lies within a field that is currently unknown. Or, you may learn to improve your business processes in a way that revolutionizes that industry.
Click this link to create your personal mission statement today!
"I hope that this article guides you to find your purpose or motivate someone else to find theirs. Let us know if you liked this article and feel free to share your purpose and personal mission statements with us. "
Author:
Cortney Patterson
Owner & Business Coach
Melanin Glow
businessinquiries@melaninglow.org