Welcome to the Passion vs. Purpose Series!
This is a three-part series subdivided into age groups that I have been meaning to write for a long time but life got in the way somehow. But I trust that universe had a reason for waiting until I was ready to finally buckle down and share my thoughts with the world. If this entry does not resonate with you age-wise, perhaps you know someone who could benefit from this instead. I often encounter young people at a loss with what to do with their lives when they are fresh out of high school or university and end up choosing studies or careers paths that have been chosen for them, rather than taking the time to discover what they are really interested or passionate about.
Our late teens and early 20s are a magical time — a bridge between adolescence and adulthood, where the world feels full of endless possibilities. But it’s also a time of intense pressure. Society often tells you to map out your life right now: pick a degree, choose a career, define your purpose, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to have it all figured out yet. In fact, this is the time to explore, dream, and to make mistakes. Life is about more than ticking boxes or following a pre-set script. It’s about discovering what fires your passion and gives your life purpose — through experience, curiosity, and boldness.
Passion vs. Purpose: What’s the Difference?
This is a question that very few adults have figured out even when they reach their 60s, so don’t fear, you are in good company. But if you will allow me the to share the benefit of my hindsight with you, let’s take a closer look:
- Passion is the spark. It’s what excites you, what makes you lose track of time. It could be art, technology, travel, activism, or connecting with people. Passions can shift as you grow, and that’s okay.
- Purpose is the guiding force that aligns your actions with what you value most. It’s how you make an impact on the world.
At this stage in life, your passions are the building blocks for finding your purpose. The best way to discover both? Explore the world beyond the classroom. Don’t be concerned about your purpose just yet, that will come in due time once you have garnered sufficient life experience to do a checks and balance of your life. Now is the time to ignite your passion for life and follow that curiosity burning within you that you’ve been suppressing all these years.
Life Is Your Best Classroom
I am not here to dispute that formal education is not as important as life experience, however, you need to understand that the classroom is not the only way to learn. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons you will learn in life are not learned within the four walls of the the academia. While degrees are valuable tools, but they don’t define you. Your true character will emerge from living fully — stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting new people, and embracing new experiences, both triumphant and painful. Yes, never forget that pain is part of life and often times the most power teacher you will encounter because this is the one teacher that is hell-bent on failing you.
Why does life experience matter anyway? It teaches you resilience and adaptability; broadens your perspective; and connects you to passions you all never find in a textbook.
Take a moment to pause and let that sink in.
It’s easy to feel like you’re “falling behind” if you don’t follow the traditional path. But taking time to explore and experiment is one of the smartest things you can do. You’re not wasting time—you’re investing in a life that’s authentic to you. Gap years are wonderful for this, and if you are reading this and have already entered the work force, then sabbaticals are your answer. When I took my gap year I was saddled with guilt for not following the path outlined for me, or doing what was expected. But taking the time off to try different things helped me filter out what I did and did not want to do later in life. Think of it as a major reality check that nobody tells you about or prepares you for, especially if you do volunteer work in another country or take a non-traditional job that your entire family will frown upon! Each of these experiences will help you figure out what lights you up—and what doesn’t.
Travel Is a Game-Changer
Travel is one of the most transformative things you can do in your 20s. Whether it’s a road trip to the next state or a backpacking adventure across continents, travel forces you to see the world differently. It builds independence and confidence; cultivates empathy by broadening your understanding of humanity; and last but not least, it sparks creativity. Seeing new landscapes, art, and lifestyles can inspire fresh ideas and doesn’t really require a a big budget — start small if you have to and combine it with the volunteer work I referred to above. The point is to get out there and fall in love with life. Chase sunsets. Read books that make you think differently. Take a dance class just because it looks fun. Spend hours talking with friends about your wildest dreams. The more you immerse yourself in life, the clearer your passions and purpose will become. Purpose doesn’t arrive fully formed; it grows as you do.
Don’t Fear “Wasting Time”
One of the biggest myths about your 20s is that every decision must directly lead to your career or future success and has to be set in stone already. You will learn in due time that “detours” are often the most important parts of the journey. They shape who you are and give you the wisdom to make choices aligned with your true self. Some of the most successful and fulfilled people didn’t take a straight path: Oprah was fired from her first TV job; Steve Jobs explored spirituality and calligraphy before Apple; J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter while struggling as a single mom. At 18-25, your life is an open book, and you’re the budding author. No bestseller came into existence with the first draft, and you are in for a lot of fights with all the life editors in your inner circle, but stand your ground and collect experiences, take risks, and explore what makes you come alive.
We live in times when the world needs more people who are truly alive — and that journey starts with you.
The Esoteric Frog 
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