Just start. Don’t start by asking, ‘what is my passion?’. Start by asking, ‘what are the problems that need to be solved? Which ones attract me?’ And take a step towards that.”

Jacqueline Novogratz

We get hung up on the idea of what our passion or purpose is. We feel constant pressure to have it all figured out. We go on social media, and it certainly looks like everyone else has it all figured out (or do they really?).

I think all of us struggle to do the best we can and figure it out as we go along.

Why not let go of that pressure? Focus on taking one small step in a direction that interests you. And if it’s not the right direction, you will learn pretty quickly.

Jacqueline’s advice above is helpful. She continues:

“Take one step, and the work will teach you where you need to take the next step. Build tools in your toolbox. If you still don’t know what your passion or your purpose is as you take those steps, follow a leader, and learn from that leader. There is something so powerful in apprenticing. I would say I apprenticed for 15 years.”

Jacqueline Novogratz

Don’t underestimate the value of apprenticing under a proven leader in your chosen field. Robert Greene dives into this idea in his book Mastery. What an opportunity that would be to learn from a true master.

Reflection

What are the problems that need to be solved? Who is a leader I could follow?

What stands out to me as exciting or interesting?

Can I take a step in that direction?