In her new book, Own Your Life, 7 Essential Steps to Independence, author, speaker and lawyer Suzanne B. Quinn guides the reader through the seven essential steps to personal and financial security and independence. This article is an excerpt from her book, comprising one of the seven steps.
“Finding your passion ” seems to be a buzz phrase these days. You hear people being interviewed on the television or the radio about their business (whether it be authoring, acting, skydiving, or whatever) and they are excitedly describing what they do for a living. Imagine how different your life would be if you looked forward to work. You were excited to get up in the morning, eager to start your day because you really enjoyed what you do. Doesn’t sound possible? Erase that negative thought from your mind immediately, if you ever hope to achieve “living your passion ”. It can be done.
How do you go about finding your passion ? Here is a plan for you to follow, for you to find your own passion(s):
1. Make a list of the things you love to do. List your hobbies, topics of interest that you read about, things you would like to do but currently don’t, ways you enjoy spending your spare time.
2. Analyze your list for careers or jobs that could arise from your list of interests. This will take a little brainstorming, and you may want to enlist the help of your friends or colleagues. For example, if you love to paint, there are countless types of careers that could incorporate painting, like specializing in wall murals, teaching an art class to children, conduct art camps and birthday parties with a craft focus, and many more. Write down everything that comes to mind.
3. Do some research once you have a few ideas. Go online and google your job choices to flesh out some of those ideas. Interview people who are doing what you aspire to do.
4. Try it on for size. Look for ways to try your hand at one of those possible careers. See if you can volunteer with a company or individual already doing what you would like to do. Start a part time business. Take a course, if your chosen path lends itself to further education.
5. Explore your possibilities, before you make a major change. We all have financial responsibilities, so don’t neglect these to follow your passion. Be sensible about it. At some point your business plan may be sound enough to quit your day job and pursue your passion full time. Until that time, keep an eye on your finances, and work slowly towards your goal.
6. Still having trouble? If your list is sparse, or you are having difficulty figuring out your passion, don’t give up. When you are somewhere enjoying yourself, make note of what you are doing, your new career may be right under your nose. You can also consider career counseling. Do you research on the internet for career counseling services in your area.Keep in mind, this may be something you can make into a career path. Some of them may only be hobbies, or a part time pursuit. Either way, live to follow your passions, and it will lead you to a life of fulfillment.
Suzanne opened her own law practice upon being called to the Bar in Ontario several years ago. The focus of her law practice has been wills and estate planning, real estate, small business corporate, touching also on related issues of family law, administrative law and litigation. Her experience as a lawyer has provided unique insights into a diverse collection of life situations and circumstances of extreme hardship. Suzanne has counseled clients and businesses alike, in a variety of capacities, often outside of the legal realm. These experiences and insights have led her to pen her observations and advice into a guide from which readers worldwide can benefit.
Suzanne has spent a good deal of time throughout her career speaking to diverse groups of varying size on a number of topics. Through speaking engagements, Suzanne teaches others to take back control of their lives, finances, careers and time.
Suzanne currently lives and works in Woodbridge, Ontario. She is married, with three beautiful young children. Her family continues to motivate and inspire her every day.