Fulfillment comes from concentrated effort

We like to think of our passions as something that we find.

But the reality is that our “passions” emerge as a result of the things we do.

Fulfillment (a word that I encourage my job seekers to use, rather than passion) is found through the actions we take. And the insight emerges in how engrossed we are as we complete the activity.

This is a tough thing for job seekers to consider, and, I believe, for good reason.

When we get to the point that we’re asking the question, “how do I find my passion?” it’s usually because something has taken place that’s created major discontent in our lives.

Our natural response to any form of suffering or discontent is to escape it, push it away, and disengage with it as much as possible. We don’t typically think, “I must work harder and longer at this problem in order to understand it.”

But the longer we choose escape as a solution, the harder it becomes to change the habit - especially to something like deep focus and concentrated effort.

Concentrated effort is hard. I’d even go so far as to say that concentrated effort creates even greater frustrations and discontent, especially as we work to understand our true calling.

If our already built-in response to discontent is escape, I’m sure you can guess what any kind of concentrated effort will make us want to do. ;)

But if our heartfelt desire is to find real fulfillment in our lives, this is the challenge that we get to embrace.

We get to actively participate in the exploration of our talents, gifts, joys, and the things that move us spiritually.

We get to venture into what brings us true meaning and significance.

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