Yesterday, I told you about the importance of doing what you love, and not simply chasing a fat paycheck. Because – say it with me – “Money can’t buy you happiness!”

That said, I don’t think we all realize where our true talents, which are often tied to our true passions, lie.

The late Civil Rights leader and academic Howard Thurman urged us to: “Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

People who have come “alive” and are not simply present in their jobs get things done!

Here are a few suggestions for questions you can ask yourself, to help assess those actions and areas that are your “calling” – where you can truly be alive and engaged. Read on:

• What puts a smile on your face?
• What subject(s) could you talk about forever?
• What comes easiest to you? Skills? Strengths?
• What would you do for free (if money were no object)?
• What do others compliment you on? (or also come to you for advice, have built a reputation around, etc.)?

Long before I could help guide others to know more about themselves, I got to know more about myself. During this journey, I became more conscious of my true passions and aptitudes, which were always present but I just needed to recognize a little more.

Relationships are my driver. What makes me come alive is being a part of a growing or improving team, perhaps embarking on a new project. That advisor side of me is also inspired by encouraging and challenging others. The “people side” is my sweet spot – making connections, establishing rapport, earning trust – it’s my oxygen.

In many ways, my career revolves around the activities I just described. I will continue to seek opportunities to identify and strengthen relationships.

My hope is that you, too, will find the thing that really makes you tick, makes you want to get up every morning, and establish your life’s work around whatever that passion(s) may be.

What is your “sweet spot”?