“Follow your passion” sounds great on paper—who wouldn’t want a job that feels like play? But in reality, this advice can leave young people feeling frustrated, stuck, and like they’re failing some imaginary life test. The truth is, most people don’t have one clear, burning passion from the start, and even if they do, interests evolve. What excites you at 18 might not hold the same spark at 22. Expecting to build your entire career around one passion? That’s way too limiting. So, what’s a more strategic approach? Here’s what we recommend:

1) Cultivate Curiosity, Not Just Passion: Passion develops over time. The key is to stay curious and try new things. Studying abroad/away, internships, volunteering, job shadowing, joining student organizations—these experiences give you real insight into what excites and motivates you. The more you explore, the more data points you have to figure out what truly resonates. As Elizabeth Gilbert puts it, “Curiosity taps you on the shoulder very lightly… It gives you clues, not a destination.” Research backs this up—hands-on experiences help build a sense of purpose and direction (Brackett, 2019). Unlike the pressure to find one perfect passion, curiosity is flexible, forgiving, and a whole lot more practical.

2) Leverage Your Strengths: Instead of asking, “What am I passionate about?” try asking, “What am I good at?” When you use your natural talents, work becomes more fulfilling, and success comes more easily. That sweet spot—where your strengths meet opportunities—is where you’ll find the most job satisfaction. Career assessments can help, but they’re just a starting point. They offer insights, not answers. The goal is to identify patterns in what you enjoy and excel at, then explore careers that align with those strengths.

3) Focus on What the World Needs: Passion alone won’t pay the bills. Instead of focusing solely on what you love, consider what’s valuable in the job market. What problems need solving? What skills are in demand? Finding a career that combines your interests with real-world needs is a recipe for long-term success. Resources like O*NET can help you explore growing fields and in-demand skills. The idea isn’t to abandon passion completely but to balance it with practicality.

Passion isn’t something you discover first—it’s something that grows as you develop skills, gain experience, and build expertise. The more proficient you become, the more engaged and excited you’ll feel. Instead of searching for a “perfect fit,” focus on learning, exploring different industries, and making meaningful contributions. Mastery often leads to passion, not the other way around. So, invest in your growth, get really good at something, and let passion follow.

References:

• Brackett, M. A. (2019). Permission to feel: Unlocking the power of emotions to help yourself, your kids, and your society thrive. Celadon Books. (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
• Gilbert, E. (n.d.). On being. Interview with Krista Tippett.