Discovering Your True Calling: The Joy of Pursuing Your Passions

Unlocking Fulfillment Through Joseph Campbell’s Timeless Wisdom

Hey there! Ever felt like you’re wandering through life without a clear direction? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to find our purpose, often feeling pressured to follow conventional paths that don’t really light our fire. Fortunately, there’s a way to uncover your authentic self and live a life brimming with purpose and joy. Let’s explore the idea of “Following Your Bliss.”

In this article, we’ll explore how pursuing your deepest interests can transform your life, helping you uncover your passions and chart a course towards greater fulfillment. Whether you’re fresh out of school, in the middle of your career, or contemplating a major life change, these insights might just inspire you to embrace your true calling and reach your full potential.

What Does “Follow Your Bliss” Really Mean?

Joseph Campbell, a fascinating mythologist who came up with the hero’s journey concept, coined the phrase “Follow Your Bliss.” But what’s it all about?

Essentially, following your bliss means tuning into your deepest interests and fascinations. This concept encourages you to actively engage with life, rather than passively consuming experiences. It’s about connecting with your authentic passions and purpose.

Campbell’s own life story exemplifies this principle beautifully. In his mid-twenties, Campbell was on the verge of completing his Ph.D. in literature. However, he found himself losing passion for his thesis topic. Instead of grinding through a project that no longer sparked joy, Campbell made a bold decision. He abandoned his thesis and spent the next five years in a cabin, simply reading and studying topics that fascinated him — mythology, psychology, and comparative religion.

This period of following his bliss led Campbell to develop his groundbreaking ideas about the hero’s journey and universal myths. His work would go on to influence countless writers, filmmakers, and thinkers. By courageously following his authentic interests, Campbell not only found personal fulfillment but also made a significant contribution to our understanding of storytelling and human experience.

How to Spot Your Bliss

Identifying your true bliss can be tricky, especially if you’ve spent years pushing your desires aside. Here are some clues to look out for:

• Activities that make you lose track of time
• Subjects or tasks that naturally pique your curiosity
• Moments when you feel most alive and energized
• Childhood interests you may have abandoned

Remember, your bliss might seem a bit out there or impractical at first. Don’t brush these feelings off — they’re valuable hints about your authentic self.

Finding the Courage to Chase Your Passion

Following your bliss often takes a hefty dose of courage. You might face resistance from others and even from yourself. Here’s how to stay committed:

• Recognize that society often discourages unconventional paths
• Understand that your unique passions are essential to your fulfillment
• Be prepared to make tough choices
• Remember that short-term discomfort can lead to long-term satisfaction and success

Consider the story of Steve Jobs, who dropped out of college to audit classes he found interesting, like calligraphy. This unconventional choice later influenced Apple’s groundbreaking typography and design, showing how following one’s curiosity can lead to unexpected innovations.

Let Your Bliss Be Your Guide

Once you’ve identified your bliss, use it as a compass for your life decisions:

• Treat each step towards your passion as a valuable part of your journey
• Be open to unexpected turns — your bliss may evolve as you explore
• Don’t fixate on immediate financial success; focus on building skills and momentum
• Look for ways to merge your bliss with practical applications in the world

For example, if you love playing with Legos (no judgment here!), you might explore fields like architecture, engineering, or even creating educational content about building and design.

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation

Following your bliss naturally leads to powerful intrinsic motivation:

• True success comes from internal drive, not external pressures
• Pursuing your passions can fuel long-term dedication and mastery
• Look to role models who achieved greatness by following their authentic interests
• Trust that your unique perspective can lead to innovative contributions in your field

Intrinsic motivation is like the secret sauce that separates extraordinary achievers from those who simply go through the motions.

Embracing an Artistic Mindset

Approaching life with an artistic perspective can enhance your journey:

• View your chosen field as an art form, regardless of how “practical” it may seem
• Nurture your inner muse and trust your creative instincts
• Seek to bring passion and self-expression to everything you do
• Remember that even traditionally “serious” professions can benefit from an artistic approach

Instead of being a cog in the machine, strive to be a unique and passionate force in your chosen field.

Your Bliss Awaits

Following your bliss is a necessity for living a fulfilling life. By honoring your deepest interests and passions, you open the door to extraordinary achievements and personal satisfaction. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:

1. Understand what following your bliss really means
2. Learn to recognize the signs of your authentic passions
3. Cultivate the courage to pursue your unique path
4. Use your bliss as a guide for life decisions
5. Develop powerful intrinsic motivation
6. Approach your chosen field with an artistic mindset

As you start this journey, be patient with yourself. Building a life around your bliss takes time, but the rewards are immeasurable. Trust in your ability to create a life that’s true to your deepest self. Your bliss is calling — and you have the power to answer that call.