Looking for new things to be passionate about this year?
Passion is what motivates us to do the things we love. It is that strong desire that allows you to create something extraordinary—the fuel that keeps the fire burning.
Being passionate about something gives you a sense of purpose. It gives you that feeling of significance—the feeling that you are meant to do great things in life.
If you are looking for things to be passionate about, you’ve landed on the right page. Read on to see which one best suits your taste and personality.
1. Learning
If you are the type of person who likes experiencing new things, then learning is definitely for you. Pick whatever excites you—learning a new language, starting a blog, creating a website, engaging in foreign trade, etc.
Learning a new skill (or improving one that you already have) can be a good way to discover other passions, too. If you literally have no idea what to be passionate about, you can use this as a stepping stone.
Not all activities will suit your taste and capabilities, but that’s okay. There are tons of things you can learn—just keep on trying new stuff and your search will eventually lead you to your one true passion.
Make learning one of your passions while you are busy discovering your greater passion. This serves a dual purpose: You become more knowledgeable about things, and you take pleasure in the process while discovering your highest potential.
2. Creativity
There is a common misconception about creativity. Some people think that it is a gift, one that is only for those who have been given an eye for art. But this is not true.
Creativity is for everyone. Whether you are an artist or not, you can be creative in your own special way. In fact, an artist will tell you that creativity lies within you—it’s there, sleeping, waiting to be unleashed.
Even if you are really not into art, you can still be creative through innovative thinking. You can be original and productive in the work you do, in dealing with people around you, and even in the comfort of your home.
Get passionate about being creative. Shake things up and broaden your horizons. You will be surprised how your creative brain can bring out new possibilities and unique ideas that can help you become a happier, more satisfied human being.
3. Personal Growth
This is related to the first two things (learning a new skill and being creative). Generally speaking, if you want to be passionate about something in life, you need to understand yourself first.
Make a self-evaluation and find the areas where you probably need some improvement. Is there something in your attitude or actions that needs some transformation? Or perhaps you need a new habit to develop?
Start by reading self-help books. If you have a counselor friend, ask for some advice. Find a mentor as well, if possible. Exhaust your resources to bring out the best in you.
Be passionate about improving yourself and your self-worth. Stop sabotaging yourself, and get over that inner critic in your head. Believe in yourself and you will soon discover your happiness.
4. Mindfulness
Do not dwell in the past or worry about the future. Be attentive and focus on what is happening around you in the present moment. How can you be passionate about things if your mind is somewhere else?
People say that practicing mindfulness is difficult, but if you are serious about it, that doesn’t have to be true. Take time to actually learn how to do it, things will and you can’t go wrong.
If you have a clear view of reality, you become more relaxed and focused. This will also help you be more grateful and appreciative of the things in your life.
As you practice mindfulness, you also become more creative and productive. In addition to actually living a happier, more goal-oriented life, you also help your body become healthier by reducing stress and anxiety.
Make your life worthwhile by being passionate about mindfulness and its endless benefits. A brighter and happier future awaits.
5. Helping & Uplifting Others
You should not only be passionate about things that make a better you but on things that actually help others. Helping others is not completely altruistic. It also makes you feel better about yourself.
Have you ever felt happy because you were able to help someone get through a difficult time? Didn’t it feel amazing?
Psychologists believe that showing empathy and kindness actually makes people happier. They feel appreciated and purposeful.
Helping others does not just mean physically offering your services. You may also do this by learning how to listen (not just hear) to other people when they open up. They may or may not need advice, but what is more important to them is that you spent some energy actually being there when they needed someone to talk to.
If you want to be passionate about helping others, you can also try volunteering with organizations that help different kinds of people. Be part of a support group that can save people’s lives. This will definitely not just increase your happiness, but also the happiness of those who you are helping.
6. Decluttering
Decluttering is one simple way to simplify your life. Get rid of the things that you no longer need, that no longer bring you joy and that no longer serve a purpose. Look around you and make a checklist of what you need to dispose of.
The art of minimalist living can be addictive. It might be hard to let go of the things you once considered valuable, but once you start to give them up, you might find yourself wanting to simplify even further.
Remember that decluttering is not just for things. It also applies to your activities and commitments, and even the people in your lives. If some of them are making you feel stressed and burned out, it is probably better to just get them to go.
Decluttering can help you to find your true passion. As your let go of the things that no longer make you happy, you create room for the things that will truly give you satisfaction.
7. Health and Fitness
Many people are starting to be more health-conscious. They focus their attention on things that can help them live healthier, longer, happier lives.
While you are trying to improve your life on an emotional level, you also need to pay attention to your physical well-being. Find a sport or exercise that can bring you tons of benefits physically, mentally, and emotionally. At the same time, start eating food that is less processed and more natural.
For starters, running is one of the most recommended exercise routines. Aside from keeping you fit and healthy, it also advances your mental and emotional capacity by reducing your stress levels.
When it comes to the food you eat, shift to eating organic, natural products. And instead of food delivery, search for healthy recipes and cook them at home. There are many apps and videos that will teach you how to prepare healthy food.
[Do you doubt that health and fitness really impacts your happiness? See the science behind how health and fitness impact happiness.]
8. Career Growth
If you want to put all your energy and time to good use, make your career your passion. Seek to be the best in what you do so you can make a great impact in your industry.
One of the best feelings in the world is when you are at ease with the job you have—effortless, but never too boring. It is effortless because you are so good at it. No matter how difficult the task may be, you know you can always complete it. But it is also never too boring because you love what you do. You put your passion into it.
Finding peace and contentment in the work you do is important if you want to live a healthier, happier life. This is because you are reducing the stress in your day-to-day life.
If you are in a career that is not in line with your passion, it is probably best to look for alternatives. Explore and learn new things, and find what you are most interested in. Once you have done that, look for a new job to put your heart into.
Looking for a career that you can be passionate about? Check out these two career lists below that may inspire you to the perfect career you can be passionate about…
9. Money Management
Money does not make the world go ’round. If you ask me, I would put it near the bottom of my priority list. I do not believe that happiness comes from having a lot of money.
But that being said, you can do a lot more if you have at least some money. For instance, if you want to take advanced online courses to learn new things, you need to be able to pay for them. Likewise, if you find a hobby or business you can be passionate about, you might need some capital to start it.
We are living in a modern world where nearly everything comes with a price. Hence, it is important that you know how to manage your income. You need to learn not just how to save, but also how to spend.
Make money management one of your passions and be amazed at how it can make your life simpler and less stressful. It is not the money that will make you happy—it is the result of being able to manage your money that can help you live a better life.
10. Relationship Health
If there is one thing that is a whole lot more important than money, it is the relationships we have with the people around us. If we do not nurture these relationships, our happiness will surely suffer.
Guard your relationships with other people. Mind the way you treat your family, friends, and romantic partner. Do not give them a reason to pull away just because of your attitude towards them.
How do you do this?
Be passionate about the way you take care of these relationships. Don’t just do it for the sake of not losing them—do it because you want to do, and because you value whatever it is that you have with these people.
11. Kids
If you are a parent, you know that there is nothing more important than family. Nothing compares to the happiness your kids can bring to your life.
What is even better about this passion is that is one you can share with your partner. It feels so much more satisfying when you know that you are both working to keep the family tight and bonded.
Additionally, if you put your passion into taking care of your family, you will also be teaching your kids an important character trait. You will help them become family-oriented people as well. When they grow up and have families of their own, they will value their spouses and children the same way you did.
[Want to ignite passion in your kids? Check out this list of the top TED talks to inspire kids.]
12. Pets
If you are single and looking for something to turn your attention to—or even if you have a large family, but are looking to add one more member—I recommend adopting pets. Animals are less complicated than people, and they give you a much-needed break from the world.
Animals also offer unconditional love. They are easy to deal with, and they can help relieve your stress. If you ever get tired of people (temporarily), you can always turn to your pets to find the comfort you need.
If you want to be passionate about pets and animals, you can try volunteering at animal shelters. There, you can feed them, take them for a walk in the park, or simply watch over them while they play.
[Do pets bring happiness? See the science behind the question of whether pets actually bring happiness to our lives.]
13. Hobbies
There are a lot of hobbies and interests to be passionate about. Here are lists for men and women that you might want to check.
Hobbies can boost your creativity and productivity. If you develop a passion for the hobby you choose, it will help you feel a sense of contentment and fulfillment. This can make your life more meaningful and satisfying.
If you do the same routine over and over again, you might get bored and eventually lose interest. But if you have a hobby that can grab your attention every once in a while, you will find that life can be much more full and exciting.
Final Words on Finding Passion in Your Life
With the list we provided above, we hope you were able to identify the next thing you want to be passionate about. If you want to try one (or many) of the items on this list, just make sure that you put your whole heart into it.
Keep your passion for life burning, and do everything with love and devotion. With that approach, you can’t go wrong.
And if you're looking for additional ideas, then here are 35 passion project ideas that can be added to your life.
Finally, one proven way to improve your happiness and life satisfaction is to focus on goals that truly matter. To get started, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.
