Are you satisfied with your job?
No, really. Ask yourself and be honest.
Job satisfaction is higher when when your occupation fits in with your interest. True story. People perform better when they do what interests them. Not only that, they are more helpful to coworkers and stay at their jobs longer.
I won’t lie to you. Stress from the state political climate has sparked many a time of my questioning whether or not I still found enjoyment at my day job. Civil service is often thankless work, so the perseverance must come from within. Also, food costs money. Even in following your passion, you need to recognize the need to earn a living.
Don’t worry. You’re not doomed. Most grit paragons Angela Duckworth interviewed spent plenty of years exploring several interests. I indulge in so many interests, I lost count. At this point in time, blogging and reselling take up the majority of my side hustle time. I’m building my brand!
Scientifically, a lot is unknown about interest. Like all human behavior, we do know you inherit aspects of interest, and your life experiences cultivate them. Passion takes time. It’s a little bit of discovery, followed by a lot of development and a lifetime of deepening your interest.
Discovery
Look to your childhood. You probably did not know what you wanted to be, but you began exploring interests. Think about your teen years. What were your hobbies? Need a refresher? Write down what you think about frequently. Where does your mind wander? What matters to you? Feel free to guess if you truly feel lost right now.
Development
Find ways to trigger your interest repeatedly through interactions. Be kind and patient with yourself. Nita Strauss didn’t become a guitar virtuoso just through name legacy. Your knowledge and expertise will grow over time, and with this your curiosity and confidence in your passion.
Deepening
Here comes the lengthiest process…because it takes your entire life. This is your passion, right?! Rome wasn’t built in a day. This is a marathon, not a sprint. This is a journey; don’t think about the destination yet. Perfection. Nuances. Novelty. Your brain will crave the precision. This is how you become an expert. Focus on the details.
Unlike Homer, encourage others around you to pursue their interests, and keep yourself around others who reciprocate. You need and deserve a team of supporters including parents, teachers, coaches, and peers.
Remember, before hard work comes play.
What do you like to think about at this point in your life? Leave your answer in the comments!
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