Finding Your Passion: My Journey, Lessons, and Insights

Introduction

You’ve probably heard the word “Passion” many times before. But do you truly understand its meaning? If not, then this article will guide you through everything related to passion—what it really is, how to find yours, and how my own journey led me to discover mine.

My Story

When I was younger, I always dreamed of becoming a GD Pilot in the Pakistan Air Force. I even wrote it down in my diary, which I still have today. I was inspired by the life of fighter pilots, their missions, and their uniforms. One of my biggest inspirations was Marium Mukhtiar, a female PAF pilot who became my role model.

However, my father wanted me to pursue studies in medical. So, in college, I enrolled in Pre-Medical. But with time, I realized that wasn’t for me. I had always loved math in school, so I decided to switch to Engineering. At one point, I even bought a book and prepared for the PAF test, hoping to still chase my dream. But when the test date arrived, I didn’t have my CNIC, which was mandatory for appearing in the test. I discussed it with my father, but he insisted that I take admission in an Engineering university instead.

I ended up joining the University of Karachi for a degree in Software Engineering. At first, I regretted not being able to join the Air Force, but over time, I realized that this was where I was meant to be.

Redefining Passion

For a long time, I believed passion was about chasing a specific dream. But after entering university and learning to code, I discovered a new perspective. Coding was something which I found thrilling—solving complex problems, facing new challenges, and continuously learning made me excited. It gave me the sense of purpose and I discovered that this is something which I can do all day without feeling bored.

Now, if someone asks me what passion really is, I’d say:

• If you have passion for something, it won’t feel like work. You’ll enjoy it, and you won’t hate Mondays because you love what you do.

• Passion doesn’t mean you won’t experience burnout. Burnout is real, even when you’re passionate about something. The key is how quickly you can recover and get back on track.

• Passion can evolve. What you once thought was your passion may change over time as you grow and explore new opportunities.

How Can You Find Your Passion?

Finding your passion is a journey, and here are some ways you can discover yours:

1. Explore Different Fields

Start by trying out different areas of interest. Experiment with new skills, projects, or industries. Within a month, you’ll start to recognize whether a field excites you or not.

2. Identify What Keeps You Engaged

Think about the activities that you enjoy doing without feeling drained. What tasks keep you so engaged that time flies? This is a strong indicator of passion.

3. Recognize Your Strengths

Take note of what you’re naturally good at. Your passion often aligns with your strengths. If you have a unique skill, find ways to apply it in a meaningful way.

4. Avoid Overthinking

Don’t waste too much time trying to figure out your passion. Sometimes, passion is discovered through action rather than deep thinking. Start somewhere and refine your direction along the way.

Conclusion

My journey towards finding my passion was unexpected. I once believed my passion was becoming a pilot, but life led me to software engineering. Your journey might be different, and that’s completely okay. Passion is not something you always find immediately—it’s something you uncover over time.

If you’re still searching for your passion, keep exploring, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things. The right path will reveal itself in time.

What’s your story of finding passion? Let me know in the comments!

Moreover, stay tuned for more such articles! - Rumaisa Naveed