Do what you love and a meaningful life will follow
We spend more than one third of our adult lives (or 90,000 hours) at work. Shouldn’t we spend that time as wisely as we can, working at things that we love, value and make us happy?
When we are doing something we enjoy, we are more likely to want to do it more. Being passionate about something—whether a job, a hobby, or a relationship—drives us to achieve further goals, as well as endowing an essential sense of purpose.
If enthusiasm and passion are present, we are more likely to be able to counter the difficulties that appear on our paths. People who are passionate about what they do also tend to have a more positive outlook and are more likely to be committed to self-improvement.
Motivation aside, having passion and a sense of purpose also creates tangible physical benefits. People who feel they live meaningful lives have stronger personal relationships, fewer physical health problems, and much improved mental health.
Conversely, when we feel a sense of purpose is missing from our lives, we are more likely to feel stuck or stagnant, lack motivation, and become depressed or anxious.
Starting small - looking back on your childhood dream
A sense of passion can be achieved by changing some of the smaller things in our lives, such as taking up a new hobby, volunteering, or learning something new.
Think back to that childhood dream of yours—is there something you could do now to make that dream a reality? It doesn’t have to be a literal interpretation of your dreams, but looking back on your childhood dreams can be really helpful for discovering your inner purpose.
For instance, let’s say you wanted to be a firefighter when you were a kid. As an adult, that dream might be difficult to achieve - you’ll need physical training, certifications, and years of experience. But a closer look at your childhood dreams might reveal that you want to help your community or do something meaningful.
When we find purpose, our sense of self and strength naturally improve.
The true meaning of success
The true value of success lies not in an over-sized bank balance or the latest car parked in the garage.
Traditional concepts of achievement—a new job, degree, or pay-rise—often aren’t the only measures of success in life. Achievement comes from purpose, and often that sense of direction, or passion, is enough to affect change.
Success can be equated to satisfaction, and for many people, gratification is tied to more intangible elements, such as the pleasure gained from a well-done job or from taking the time to help someone in need.
Aligning our passions with our jobs or lifestyle choices is for many people the true meaning of success. For many, being proud of our achievements and participating in valuable and meaningful work is a concrete basis for life.
Following our dreams is a privilege, but never impossible.
Not everyone has the luxury of pursuing their passion. For some, a stable, 9-5 office job that pays the bills is more important than achieving a lifelong ambition.
However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your passion. There are many ways to incorporate your childhood dreams into your daily or weekly routine for a happier, more fulfilling life. You don’t have to become a national rugby athlete, but you could carve out time to practice with your friends during the weekend. You don’t have to quit your job to open a baking business, but whipping up some of your favourite recipes for your loved ones might bring you joy.
And for those who do choose to follow their passions, there is a greater likelihood that traditional measures of success, such as money, will increase, due to the time and effort invested.