21 answers
kazim
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Updated
1585 views
i need help finding my passion and building a strong foundational skills
I am a wildly curious person about life as we all are but I think that one of the things that I am lacking is that I have no passion and that I don't have an interest. I also feel that I lack a strong foundation and I have no foundation when it comes to anything and I am not good at anything. What are some of the ways in which I can find something I am passionate about and pursue it? and how can one build solid concerete skills such as money skills? I have just recently graduated high school with an immense amount of struggle and had a hard time getting grades. I have struggled with math pretty much my whole life and I do have a learning disability known as NVLD which is a non-verbal learning disorder. This was extremely difficult for me to comprehend and has somewhat shattered my confidence in life but as we all know life is not fair. I am at a point in life now where I have to build that strong foundation and really know what I want to go after. I also need help having some structure and balance in my life and really sticking to a daily routine.. #college
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21 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1372
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
So how do you retain the your passion kazim – or even reignite it?
TAKE A BREAK – This may sound counter intuitive, but it really can do you and your passion a world of good to step away from school for the summer – or maybe even a month. Your mind works in mysterious ways. It sometimes works better when you aren’t consciously trying to break through a plateau or obstacle. That's what your Summer and Winter breaks are for to re-charge the batteries.
GET VISUAL – Hit the books, search the Internet – and do some research into how others have succeeded after encountering similar frustrations. Watch a few videos of others who’ve enjoyed tremendous entrepreneurial success. Their excitement and joy is a great motivator! You’ll want to dive right back into your Passion.
FIND A MENTOR – It’s great having someone to turn to when things get rough. Especially when that someone is a person who was once where you are now. Someone who learned the secret to success – and is willing to share it with you! Another super way to keep your entrepreneurial passion alive is to hang out with optimistic and encouraging individuals. Jettison the naysayers and cozy up to the “you can do it” crowd. Negative people are like energy vampires that can suck the life – and passion – out of you.
LEARN TO DELEGATE – It’s your dream and your team. But that doesn’t mean you have to carry the ball on every play. Divvy up the duties among the members of your team. They’ll feel empowered and more important – and you’ll be able to focus on big-picture matters rather than the daily grind. You’ll feel less stressed and more focused if you don’t try do everything yourself. Staying focused is really a key when you are trying to enrich your life and lives of other's. Constant starts and stops are stressful and can leave you feeling unfulfilled after a long day’s work.
FOSTER INNOVATION – When new opportunities and problems arise, you must be able to think of new ways to address them, while also questioning existing assumptions about what is possible and what may work best for the given situation. Innovating in a virtual setting can raise a new set of challenges without the immediate stimulus of working in the same physical space as others. It’s important to create a shared virtual work environment – to foster “collisions” that sparks the fires of your burning passion.
The bottom line kazim, do whatever you can to keep your passion or get it back. Life without passion is… well, it’s work! The great thinkers and doers of the world have been fueled by their passion.
TAKE A BREAK – This may sound counter intuitive, but it really can do you and your passion a world of good to step away from school for the summer – or maybe even a month. Your mind works in mysterious ways. It sometimes works better when you aren’t consciously trying to break through a plateau or obstacle. That's what your Summer and Winter breaks are for to re-charge the batteries.
GET VISUAL – Hit the books, search the Internet – and do some research into how others have succeeded after encountering similar frustrations. Watch a few videos of others who’ve enjoyed tremendous entrepreneurial success. Their excitement and joy is a great motivator! You’ll want to dive right back into your Passion.
FIND A MENTOR – It’s great having someone to turn to when things get rough. Especially when that someone is a person who was once where you are now. Someone who learned the secret to success – and is willing to share it with you! Another super way to keep your entrepreneurial passion alive is to hang out with optimistic and encouraging individuals. Jettison the naysayers and cozy up to the “you can do it” crowd. Negative people are like energy vampires that can suck the life – and passion – out of you.
LEARN TO DELEGATE – It’s your dream and your team. But that doesn’t mean you have to carry the ball on every play. Divvy up the duties among the members of your team. They’ll feel empowered and more important – and you’ll be able to focus on big-picture matters rather than the daily grind. You’ll feel less stressed and more focused if you don’t try do everything yourself. Staying focused is really a key when you are trying to enrich your life and lives of other's. Constant starts and stops are stressful and can leave you feeling unfulfilled after a long day’s work.
FOSTER INNOVATION – When new opportunities and problems arise, you must be able to think of new ways to address them, while also questioning existing assumptions about what is possible and what may work best for the given situation. Innovating in a virtual setting can raise a new set of challenges without the immediate stimulus of working in the same physical space as others. It’s important to create a shared virtual work environment – to foster “collisions” that sparks the fires of your burning passion.
The bottom line kazim, do whatever you can to keep your passion or get it back. Life without passion is… well, it’s work! The great thinkers and doers of the world have been fueled by their passion.
Thank You Douglas. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
Doc Frick
Thank You Zach. “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” – Erma Bombeck
Doc Frick
Thank You Cassandra. “Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” — Natalie Portman
Doc Frick
Thank You Stone. “Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James Durst
Doc Frick
Thank You Kishore. “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pike
Doc Frick
Thank You Kelly. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Doc Frick
Isha S.Sharda
Research analyst
4
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Isha’s Answer
Hi kazim,
As your question says you are wildly curious person and want to go for every aspect of learning for helping people.
That's a great thing to think for helping others.
But in that only you know your best area where you could excel and help others.
Realize and work on that thing.
1. Write down your interests and hobbies.
2. Most favourite interest or hobby and how it could help others in what way.
Open your diary daily and read your daily routine. Write down how you are progressing with dates.
3. Study and research more. Make notes and try to find the best teacher in that subject. Email , call and clear your questions.
4. Look for its opportunities and internships.
5. Meditate and spend at least 1 hour on your mind and body.
6. It will eventually signal you about your best area where your curiousity would take you long way.
7. Next level you would realize with time.
In all this patience and realization would come on its own. With time you would get a solution.
As your question says you are wildly curious person and want to go for every aspect of learning for helping people.
That's a great thing to think for helping others.
But in that only you know your best area where you could excel and help others.
Realize and work on that thing.
1. Write down your interests and hobbies.
2. Most favourite interest or hobby and how it could help others in what way.
Open your diary daily and read your daily routine. Write down how you are progressing with dates.
3. Study and research more. Make notes and try to find the best teacher in that subject. Email , call and clear your questions.
4. Look for its opportunities and internships.
5. Meditate and spend at least 1 hour on your mind and body.
6. It will eventually signal you about your best area where your curiousity would take you long way.
7. Next level you would realize with time.
In all this patience and realization would come on its own. With time you would get a solution.
Sachin Mathew
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Sachin’s Answer
Hi Kazim,
Try to experience as much as possible. Don't be afraid of new things. When you look back, you'll be grateful at the memories and also glad of how much those experiences have made you grow as a person.
For now, take that extra subject, do that extra project, apply for that interesting internship, go for the exchange program volunteer, make friends. Don't hesitate too much to step out of your comfort zone.
All the best! :)
Try to experience as much as possible. Don't be afraid of new things. When you look back, you'll be grateful at the memories and also glad of how much those experiences have made you grow as a person.
For now, take that extra subject, do that extra project, apply for that interesting internship, go for the exchange program volunteer, make friends. Don't hesitate too much to step out of your comfort zone.
All the best! :)
Enrique Mendez
Manager
2
Answers
Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Enrique’s Answer
Hell Kazim,
Hope you are safe.
I believe that from the get go, as we start searching for a job that truly fits us, passion is not yet evident. Passion is something we do day in and day out. As we become more experience in what we do, as we spend more hours trying to be better at our jobs, as we broaden our network, for me, that's when we become passionate. Hope this answer helps.
Hope you are safe.
I believe that from the get go, as we start searching for a job that truly fits us, passion is not yet evident. Passion is something we do day in and day out. As we become more experience in what we do, as we spend more hours trying to be better at our jobs, as we broaden our network, for me, that's when we become passionate. Hope this answer helps.
Robert Riley
Human Resources Professional
2
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hello Kazim,
Go experience the world. New cultures and places will help you in your journey.
Overview of the Five Senses: Taste, Smell, Touch, Hearing and Sight.
We are at our best learning by experiencing the world through immersion.
The memories of your experiences will shape you as an individual.
*TIP: Travel with others and share memories together but it is also just as important to travel alone sometimes and be able to reflect on your own.
Go experience the world. New cultures and places will help you in your journey.
Overview of the Five Senses: Taste, Smell, Touch, Hearing and Sight.
We are at our best learning by experiencing the world through immersion.
The memories of your experiences will shape you as an individual.
*TIP: Travel with others and share memories together but it is also just as important to travel alone sometimes and be able to reflect on your own.
Jeff Gauthier
Quality Systems
5
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Kazim - passion takes many different forms. The best advice I have ever gotten, and now give, is find out what you like to do, not what you think you would be good at. I liked chemistry in HS (much to my parents dismay :-) ) but that is what I liked so I stuck with it. Figure that out first then try and find a mentor who is in that area/field. They can then guide you how to pursue specific career paths. Good luck.
Heidi Fast
Logistics Coordinator
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Heidi’s Answer
Hi Kazim!
You just took the first step in finding your passion - reaching out and asking for help and guidance! I didn't know what my passion was right out of high school. It took me some time to find the right career path that was fulfilling and I was passionate about, and I actually kind of stumbled into it.
I would encourage you to don't be afraid to try things! Even if you end up hating it, it will be a learning experience and you will get to know yourself along the way. You might surprise yourself that by trying new things, going after experiences, traveling, meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone, could lead you to your path. Try a new type of job, take a class that seems interesting, volunteer in your community, talk to people you normally wouldn't, find a mentor, listen to the people in your life that you love and trust. These things will get you on the path to a solid footing in your adult life.
Good luck and here's wishing you a bright future ahead!
You just took the first step in finding your passion - reaching out and asking for help and guidance! I didn't know what my passion was right out of high school. It took me some time to find the right career path that was fulfilling and I was passionate about, and I actually kind of stumbled into it.
I would encourage you to don't be afraid to try things! Even if you end up hating it, it will be a learning experience and you will get to know yourself along the way. You might surprise yourself that by trying new things, going after experiences, traveling, meeting new people and getting out of your comfort zone, could lead you to your path. Try a new type of job, take a class that seems interesting, volunteer in your community, talk to people you normally wouldn't, find a mentor, listen to the people in your life that you love and trust. These things will get you on the path to a solid footing in your adult life.
Good luck and here's wishing you a bright future ahead!
Kathy Porter
Learning Experience Producer
9
Answers
Arvada, Colorado
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
You can go to sites like www.careeronestop.org to find information on career exploration, training, and jobs. This site has tons of great information as you begin your search. You can look at different careers and what it takes for you to receive training, watch videos on different job types, and get questions answered.
You can also go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/audience/jobseekers.htm to look at various occupations and learn about the current and future jobs outlook, advancement and training requirements, employment, salary, and a 10 year outlook for those occupations. There are also lots of other topics to explore on this page that will give you great information to help you get started.
Good luck in your search!
You can also go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/audience/jobseekers.htm to look at various occupations and learn about the current and future jobs outlook, advancement and training requirements, employment, salary, and a 10 year outlook for those occupations. There are also lots of other topics to explore on this page that will give you great information to help you get started.
Good luck in your search!
Abhinav Janappareddi
College student
25
Answers
Bothell, Washington
Updated
Abhinav’s Answer
Hi Kazim, you've taken the first and most important step in finding your purpose and drive. I now encourage you to find out what specifically you're passionate about. Then its really about finding out how you can fulfill this passion. Whether it be a course of study, volunteering, community based projects etc. I suggest you really find that passion and then you will easily find activities that you can pursue. For me I loved mentorship so I spent a lot of time volunteering at a refugee center. Incredible opportunities such as these exist and you'd be a great fit!
Matt Tran
Sales
2
Answers
Macau
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hello Kazim,
First, I think your thought which is willing to help others around you is very good! By the way, either you help a grandma cross the street or donate 1,000,000, you're still helping others. So, I think you no need to concern about what you should learn in order to help others better. All you need to do is catch every opportunity which can help others. Through helping people, I think you'll feel the passion about life again. Cheer up!!
Hope this help.
Matt
First, I think your thought which is willing to help others around you is very good! By the way, either you help a grandma cross the street or donate 1,000,000, you're still helping others. So, I think you no need to concern about what you should learn in order to help others better. All you need to do is catch every opportunity which can help others. Through helping people, I think you'll feel the passion about life again. Cheer up!!
Hope this help.
Matt
Cristina Martinez, M.S.
Career Counseling
16
Answers
Glendora, California
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi Kazim!
It is brave of you to ask this question. It is challenging to try to figure out what to do with our lives. Congratulations on graduating high school! At community college, I took a career exploration class. I was able to take personality and interest assessments to have a clear image of what careers I could pursue that aligned with my goals and interests. If you can take a career exploration class at your local community college, I recommend it! Other options that I suggest would be to search for personality and interest assessments online. Once you find some careers that you are interested in, you can look into the information for those careers. I will add links to some of these websites on the optional next steps section. I also want to share that I changed what I wanted to do with my life a few times. Do not feel bad if that happens to you! We are allowed to have different interests because there are endless possibilities of what we can do with our lives. Sometimes it takes a while to figure it all out. Good luck :)
Strong Interest inventory: https://www.mbtionline.com/?utm_source=CPP&utm_medium=Individuals&utm_campaign=referral
16 Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/articles/our-theory
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh
It is brave of you to ask this question. It is challenging to try to figure out what to do with our lives. Congratulations on graduating high school! At community college, I took a career exploration class. I was able to take personality and interest assessments to have a clear image of what careers I could pursue that aligned with my goals and interests. If you can take a career exploration class at your local community college, I recommend it! Other options that I suggest would be to search for personality and interest assessments online. Once you find some careers that you are interested in, you can look into the information for those careers. I will add links to some of these websites on the optional next steps section. I also want to share that I changed what I wanted to do with my life a few times. Do not feel bad if that happens to you! We are allowed to have different interests because there are endless possibilities of what we can do with our lives. Sometimes it takes a while to figure it all out. Good luck :)
Cristina recommends the following next steps:
mansi guo
sales
3
Answers
Macau
Updated
mansi’s Answer
Firstly, you need to find out what the passion that you interested, take some feedback with your friends or teachers. And, you can join some volunteer group to help some people.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I would start by focusing on basics. Start with living a balanced life by getting your budget in order. Find a job you feel confident maintaining and keep your expenses less than your income. I'd review my expenses once a month to get an idea of where my money was going. Enjoy your life and build a better friendship with yourself. Learn to speak kindly to yourself. Not the cheesy complimenting yourself in front of a mirror. Just notice what words you speak over yourself. You shouldn't speak to yourself in a way that you would never speak to another person. Having a passion will not solve your problems or give you more value as a person. After establishing that foundation, I would try and learn about what's out there in the world and use your curiosity to see what careers sound manageable and what you'd be willing to do to pursue them. There is a lot of pressure out there to find the career of your dreams right away, but self-care and balance are much more determinative of success in life.
As far as time management, the biggest lesson is usually trying to figure out what you should start saying "no" to. I'd write down everything I'd done in the past week and circle which of them are most important to you. Then, I might write down what I wished I'd done this past week. Chances are that doing activities not circled in the first part prevented you from doing the activities you wrote down in the second part.
As far as time management, the biggest lesson is usually trying to figure out what you should start saying "no" to. I'd write down everything I'd done in the past week and circle which of them are most important to you. Then, I might write down what I wished I'd done this past week. Chances are that doing activities not circled in the first part prevented you from doing the activities you wrote down in the second part.
Ron Melvin Dela Cruz
Customer Service Representative
3
Answers
Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Ron Melvin’s Answer
Try to experience new things. You have the world out there and your calling is just out there waiting for you. Be adventurous and get out of your comfort zone. Absorb as much knowledge and skills, by doing that you'll soon find something that you will be really passionate about.
Drew Douglass
Medical Devices Quality Systems
2
Answers
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Updated
Drew’s Answer
Well Kazim you have a lot of suggestions here. I recommend a book called Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans. This book lays out a process where you can identify three or more possible scenarios for your next step of life and how you can prototype them. This is a helpful departure from the typical idea of finding THE ONE THING that you must do. It's a very good book on mindset
Tiffany Cobb
Registered Nurse
6
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Hi Kazim!
I know you've received many different answers, but we all have different advice and experience to offer! Personally, I was in your place after graduating high school. I had no passion and wasn't sure what I was going to do. Unfortunately, I began college with a major I cared nothing about, but it sounded good at the time. The most important thing I can tell you - UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES! I took several personality tests and met with career coaches that were offered at my university. You can also explore websites like career village.org, etc. to aid in exploring career options.
Today, I'm a nurse, but I never thought I wanted to do that because I wasn't passionate about it. I took a CNA class and realized that it was something I liked! You can always try volunteering, taking different classes, and shadowing to find areas you may be interested in. I know it may feel frustrating if you don't like it, but you learned that that's not something for you. As you grow and experience more, you'll find your niche.
Take time to travel, explore the world, educate yourself about things school never taught you, and your passion will find you. It just takes time!
Have a happy day (:
-Tiffany
I know you've received many different answers, but we all have different advice and experience to offer! Personally, I was in your place after graduating high school. I had no passion and wasn't sure what I was going to do. Unfortunately, I began college with a major I cared nothing about, but it sounded good at the time. The most important thing I can tell you - UTILIZE YOUR RESOURCES! I took several personality tests and met with career coaches that were offered at my university. You can also explore websites like career village.org, etc. to aid in exploring career options.
Today, I'm a nurse, but I never thought I wanted to do that because I wasn't passionate about it. I took a CNA class and realized that it was something I liked! You can always try volunteering, taking different classes, and shadowing to find areas you may be interested in. I know it may feel frustrating if you don't like it, but you learned that that's not something for you. As you grow and experience more, you'll find your niche.
Take time to travel, explore the world, educate yourself about things school never taught you, and your passion will find you. It just takes time!
Have a happy day (:
-Tiffany
Gwen Le
Product Management
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Gwen’s Answer
Browse Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/)
1. They have a variety of topics taught by experienced professors and professionals. The topics are well organized
2. It's free if you want to explore the fields
1. They have a variety of topics taught by experienced professors and professionals. The topics are well organized
2. It's free if you want to explore the fields
Pamela Galante
Senior Graphic Designer
23
Answers
Manchester, New Hampshire
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Do you have a chosen major already? If you do, are you able to fit in a minor so that you have some different and extra learning throughout your day?
If you aren't looking to change your major, do you just feel like you have a desire to learn about as much as possible? Maybe something as simple as listening to podcasts/books about varied topics could help fill that itch to learn. There are lots of general/fun fact podcasts, such as Stuff You Should Know, where they pick a topic and talk about it. I love listening to them while cleaning/driving/etc. and get to learn a bit about a topic, and I can always dive into it in another way if I want to learn more about it!
If you don't have a major chosen yet, I would recommend taking as many different classes as you are able to. Exposing yourself to lots of different fields will hopefully help you find the spark that makes you decide to major in it!
If you aren't looking to change your major, do you just feel like you have a desire to learn about as much as possible? Maybe something as simple as listening to podcasts/books about varied topics could help fill that itch to learn. There are lots of general/fun fact podcasts, such as Stuff You Should Know, where they pick a topic and talk about it. I love listening to them while cleaning/driving/etc. and get to learn a bit about a topic, and I can always dive into it in another way if I want to learn more about it!
If you don't have a major chosen yet, I would recommend taking as many different classes as you are able to. Exposing yourself to lots of different fields will hopefully help you find the spark that makes you decide to major in it!
Benson Yau
4
Answers
Macau
Updated
Benson’s Answer
You look at the mirror every morning and say to yourself that I hope to help others. You remember how to enrich life. Not only enrich your life, but also enrich life other's people.When you remember ,how do you enrich life?You will restore your passion.You can change the world.
Christina McFelia
13
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi Kazim- hope you are doing well! In working to find some of my own, personal passions, I found it helpful to ask others what their passions are. This was a great first step for you to take. Hearing from individuals from a multitude of backgrounds will be helpful in enabling you to find what interests you. Once you find something that you might be curious about, ask if you can shadow that individual for a day to experience it for yourself. It might lead you to a new hobby or job. From my own experiences, it might take time. However, the process will be rewarding. Best of luck!
Polly Bautista
Call Center Manager
2
Answers
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Polly’s Answer
Hi kazim!
I hope you are doing well. Do not be too hard on yourself if you are not doing well in academics as it does not define your ability to succeed in life. Do not be afraid to try different things and do not be afraid to fail as well. The more that you expose yourself to different experiences, the more chances of you discovering more about yourself and your interests.
Hope this helps.
I hope you are doing well. Do not be too hard on yourself if you are not doing well in academics as it does not define your ability to succeed in life. Do not be afraid to try different things and do not be afraid to fail as well. The more that you expose yourself to different experiences, the more chances of you discovering more about yourself and your interests.
Hope this helps.