What’s your passion? ??

Lee, here! ?? Last time you heard from me, I gave an overview of the Japanese philosophy called Ikigai, your “reason for being”. Today, I’ll dive deeper into the first of the four essential elements of Ikigai: identifying your passion, aka what you love. ??

Passion acts as a compass, guiding us all toward a path that aligns with our interests, values, and talents. But how do we find those passions and what’s the big deal anyway? Let’s discuss. ??

Finding your passion ???

Passion is way more than a fleeting interest. Passion is an intense, lasting enthusiasm for something! It's that feeling that makes your heart race, your eyes light up, and your energy levels soar. ?? Whether you’re freshly out of school and newly embarking on your career, or someone who’s been in your field for many years, we can all benefit from taking time to reconnect with what we truly love. But…how do you put your finger on that overarching motivator? (And don’t worry, you can have more than one. The more passion, the merrier!)

These questions are a great place to start:?

What makes you lose track of time? Think about activities or subject matter that wraps you up in thought or action so deeply that you lose track of time when engaging with them. Oftentimes, these moments of "flow" are a big indicator of something you’re passionate about! ??

What were your childhood dreams? Revisit that inner child. What were your aspirations and dreams? What did you want to be when you grew up? Sometimes, these early desires can point you in the right direction. ??

What are you curious about? Think about the subjects, hobbies, or career fields that spark your curiosity. What was that last Wikipedia wormhole you fell into or the section you keep finding yourself in at the library? Your genuine interests can guide you toward potential career passions. ??

What are your patterns? Examine patterns in your life. Are there recurring themes or activities that have consistently brought you joy? It’s okay that you haven’t done it for many years; These patterns might hold the key to uncovering your true path! ??

If you’re wondering what my passions are, the answer is art and entrepreneurship! ????

My passion for entrepreneurship is my guiding light here at Confetti. As for my love of art, I haven’t made that my profession…yet! But more to come on that topic next time… ???

Talk Again Soon ??

That’s all for this Culture Corner! ?? This wraps up our second edition of a six-part series on Ikigai! I’ll be back next time to dig into the next element of Ikigai: your profession and finding what you are good at.?

Tell me! What are you passionate about? Do you have any thoughts stirred up by today’s Culture Corner? Reply here — let’s keep the convo going!?

With love,?

Lee Rubin (she/her)?| CEO & Founder of Confetti