Have you ever watched someone talk about something they truly love? Their eyes sparkle, their energy is contagious, and for a moment, the world feels brighter. That’s the power of passion—and every single one of us has it within us, let’s just say from birth. The challenge is finding it, fuelling it, and aligning it with how we live day-to-day.

I want to talk about how you can ignite your own passion, figure out what lights you up, and take steps toward doing what you love—because life is too short to spend it stuck in autopilot.

The Spark: Recognizing What Lights You Up

Finding your passion often feels like a daunting task, especially when the world bombards you with messages about who you are and what you should be doing. But here’s the thing: passion doesn’t come from what others expect of you. It’s deeply personal.

So how do know what lights you up, what you’re enthusiastic about? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• When was the last time you lost track of time? Think back to moments when you were so engrossed in an activity that hours flew by, or you sometimes forgot to eat. What were you doing? Chances are, that’s a clue to what lights you up.

• What topics can you talk about endlessly? Pay attention to the conversations that fill you with excitement. Whether it’s teaching, baking, sports, cooking, working with children, technology, or social justice—those interests matter.
• What would you do if no one was watching? When external validation isn’t a factor, what brings you joy? Sometimes, passions are quieter and deeply personal—like journaling, gardening, writing, looking after the elderly or learning a new language—but they’re just as powerful.

Fanning the Flames: Overcoming Doubts

Once you find what you’re enthusiastic about, doubt often creeps in. Is this practical? Am I even good at this? What if I fail? What will my friends or family think? You need to know that everyone who’s enthusiastic about something has faced those questions. The difference is, they didn’t let the doubts win.

• Stop waiting for permission. You don’t need anyone’s approval to pursue what you love. Whether it’s starting a catering business, childminding, or volunteering, take that first step for yourself.
• Be okay with being a beginner. It’s easy to look at someone excelling at their passion and think, “I could never be that good.” But they didn’t start there. Give yourself permission to learn and grow. With consistency comes growth.
• Carve out time for it. Life is busy, but your passion deserves space. Dedicate at least 15 minutes a day to what lights you up—you’ll be amazed at the ripple effect that can have.