For this first exercise, try not to censor yourself or respond in ways you think you “should.” Be as honest as possible. Only you will see this!
Get out a piece of paper and get ready to jot down whatever comes into your head:
- When I was a kid, I dreamed of…
- I can’t pass up a book or movie about…
- If I played hooky from work for a week, I’d spend the time…
- Most people don’t know this about me, but I really enjoy…
- I am the Go-To person when my friends need help with…
- If I could star in my own how-to TV show, it would be about…
- If I were to make a homemade gift, it would involve…
- I’ve tried it only once or twice, but I really enjoy…
- The closest I come to a runner’s high is when I’m…
Now we’re going to narrow down your list to just your top 5 passions: Compare each of your answers two-at-a-time. Ask yourself, If I had to choose between the first activity and the second, which is more appealing to me? Circle that one.
Then take the one you circled and compare it with #3 and so on. Once you’ve gone through the list and identified your #1 choice, put an X next to it.
Now, start over again, comparing pairs of activities (excluding the one you put an X next to). This gives you your 2nd choice. Rinse and repeat until you have your top 5.