Listening to Your Inner Voice to Discover Your Passions

Have you ever felt the excitement of the little voice inside your head encouraging you to explore what you’re truly passionate about in life? If you're someone who enjoys evolving and discovering new paths like I do, you most likely have. Throughout my journey, I've embraced various roles such as a television promo producer, a youth pastor, legal assistant, law school graduate, and a travel writer. Now, I'm thrilled to be immersed in the world of destination marketing. Embracing the guidance of my inner voice has been a fulfilling adventure.

What is your inner voice? It is the small voice inside your head that helps you navigate the tough decisions in your life. It can also be defined as listening to your heart. If you let fear of rejection and failure get in your way, it opens the door for self-doubt.

If you're unsure how to start listening to your inner voice, here are some tips to help you uncover your passions.

How to Figure Out What You're Passionate About?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve questioned my purpose. It's usually because I have lost sight of what what ignites my passion and brings me joy. I begin by making a list of the variety of things that make me feel alive and inspired. If you are trying to figure out what your inner voice is seeking to reveal, the following questions may help:

1. What did you love to do when you were a child? 

Travel back in time to discover who you used to be before other people weighed in on who you should be. Make a list of things you loved to do during your childhood. What activities were you good at in high school? What passions have been with you all along? See if you still connect to any of these activities now.

2. Who is already successful in this area? 

Identify people who are doing the things you’re passionate about and learn how they achieved their success. Learning about someone else’s journey can help you get started on yours. 

Instagram is a great resource for this process. Chances are, you are already following Instagram users who have similar interests to yours. Seek out individuals who discuss their successes and setbacks and are dedicated to guiding others. Personally, I have found inspiration from accounts like @glographics, @libryiajones, and @worldtowning.

3. What inspires you?

Make a vision board, a collage of images, poems, quotes, and words. The idea is as you create this visual list, it will help reveal the things that inspire you, and get you focused on your passions.

4. What are you drawn to? 

Look around your house. What is hanging on your walls? What books are on your shelves? Where do you travel? What television shows do you enjoy watching? Paying attention to what you are drawn to gives you insight to what you like.

5. What are you good at? 

Identify the activities that make you lose track of time. List the activities you excel at effortlessly, take note of the areas where others acknowledge your proficiency. Basically, it will be a list of your strengths and it is probably what you should be doing.

Practice Your Passions

When you discover your passion, do it. You’ve taken the time to ask the hard questions and figured out what you’re good at, now focus on it. Buy some paint, brushes, and a canvas. Go back to college, or push yourself to perform live. If it’s photography, get out and take lots of pictures. Commit to moving toward your goal. The more you practice, the more motivated you will be to continue.

Overcoming Stage Fright

Overcoming the fear of failure and rejection can help you unlock your full potential by removing self-imposed barriers. Many of us seek approval from others, and fixating on potential rejection can hinder our progress.

A Lot of us get nervous when we have to speak or perform in front of an audience. But there are some of us who are so filled with anxiety and dread we panic and pass up opportunities, even if we are passionate about the activity.

I have been guilty of ignoring my inner voice out of fear. I dismissed my creative talent without giving it a chance. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you work through these fears.

First, acknowledge these feelings exist. Ignoring you have fears makes it hard to move past them. The next step is to focus on the joy the activity brings you. Try not to focus on what could go wrong. Embrace your passion, not the fear. 

What's Next?

The last time I sat down to redefine myself, I was making a change from youth ministry and wasn’t sure what came next. I began by creating a vision board, where I included all the things that interested me. Additionally, I compiled a list of my previous jobs and discovered a common theme: my passion for writing, travel, and videography.

It was clear what came next for me. To document my travels and get back on the road so I can have something to write about, My Rooftop Stories was born. In 2019 alone, I traveled across four continents; I wrote over 10,000 words, lived in Asia, and spent 127 days away from home. I have embraced destination marketing and remain dedicated to my passions. I am always shaping this new chapter. Keep following to discover my next adventure.

When we listen, we can discover our passion, realize our potential, conquer challenges, and give a voice to the quiet inner thoughts within us.

What are you passionate about? Post it in the comments. Are you ready to figure out what your inner voice is telling you?