Want to find your true passion? Ankur Warikoo shares 5 steps every young adult can follow

Finding a true passion is often seen as a defining goal for young adults, but entrepreneur, author, and content creator Ankur Warikoo emphasizes that the journey is rarely straightforward. In a recent LinkedIn post, Warikoo outlined five truths about discovering passion, offering guidance that challenges common misconceptions.

1. Passion Is About Fulfillment, Not Money
Warikoo stresses that passion is rooted in personal fulfillment rather than financial reward. Many believe that following a passion guarantees wealth and happiness, but he observes that the most passionate individuals he knows are simply content. They find peace and satisfaction in their pursuits, regardless of monetary gain. This perspective shifts the focus from external validation to inner contentment.

2. Most People Discover Passion Later in Life
Contrary to societal pressure, Warikoo notes that only a few individuals find their passion early. Young adults are often urged to "pick a passion" quickly and commit, but he advises using one’s twenties as a period of exploration. This stage should be about experimenting, learning, and understanding personal interests rather than settling prematurely.

3. Financial Stability Should Not Be Overlooked
The advice to "quit your job to follow your passion" is, according to Warikoo, misguided. Pursuing passion without financial security can turn it into a source of stress rather than fulfillment. When people depend on their passion for income from the outset, it risks losing its intrinsic joy, ultimately diminishing the very enthusiasm they sought to cultivate.

4. Passion Is Unique to Each Individual
Warikoo reminds young adults that passions cannot be found in standardized templates. They are shaped by individual experiences, habits, and personal quirks. Attempting to emulate someone else’s passion rarely leads to genuine engagement. True passion emerges when people embrace their own unique journey and interests.

5. Failures Often Reveal True Passions
Failures, Warikoo explains, can be more instructive than successes in identifying genuine interests. Moments of struggle and disappointment often highlight what resonates deeply and where one can authentically express themselves. These experiences guide individuals toward pursuits where they feel most aligned with their true selves.

Warikoo’s insights encourage young adults to view passion as a journey of self-discovery, patience, and personal alignment rather than a shortcut to success.