Why you should find your passion project

Providing happiness, satisfaction and a sense of purpose – finding your passion project can reduce stress and improve well-being.

A ‘passion project’ is a project you work on outside of work that you feel excited about doing and leaves you feeling satisfied. It is something you do to relax and escape the day’s stresses; it is your personal contribution to the world.

Many of us would relish a passion project, but the idea of fitting it into an already stretched schedule may seem more trouble than it’s worth. So instead of looking to our passions for a hit of happiness, we rely on the Internet, social media, coffee and sugar for spikes in dopamine.

Rather than relying on these temporary fixes, here are six reasons we believe you should prioritise finding a passion project:

1. You will tap into your flow

Your ‘flow’ can be described as the state you are in when everything but what you are working on disappears into the background. Time seems to stand still and you feel entirely focused on the task at hand. This generally only happens when we are working on something we feel passionate about, usually something athletic or creative (such as mountain climbing or painting).

2. You’ll lower stress levels

In today’s fast-paced society, stress is on the increase – with stress hormones like cortisol running through us almost constantly. A great way to stop these hormones is by engaging yourself in a pleasurable activity – for example, your passion project.

3. You’ll get a hit of endorphins

Endorphins are released during things like massages or during meditation. Working on something you truly feel inspired about will have the same effect, helping to improve mood and make you feel generally happier.

4. It can help you build on talents

Your passion project may help you tap into a lost skill or talent. If you are not sure what to do as a passion project, look back at what you enjoyed doing as a child – what made you look at things in a different light?

5. You may find an alternate career

You may enjoy your passion project so much that you decide to make it a side or even alternate career. If nothing else, it can serve as a back-up should your current opportunities come to a stand-still.

6. It gives you a reason to get up in the morning

On those days when you feel as if you have nothing to look forward to, your passion project can offer motivation and excitement. You may not be inspired about your day at the office, but knowing you will spend time on something you truly care about can help make your day feel more meaningful.

If you feel as if your life has lost direction, or that you have become stuck in a rut – seeking guidance from a life coach could prove useful. Find out more by visiting our personal development page.

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