As they contemplate their life journeys, many of my teenage patients are seeking to find a vocation about which they can be passionate. In this context, passion can be defined as an activity they love, brings them joy and inspiration, and promotes their emotional well-being. Often, they lament that they cannot find anything in which they are very interested.

I suggest to my patients that there are several factors they should consider as they embark on the journey to identify their vocation and passion.

We discuss that passion usually develops because of experience. I point out that teenagers and even young adults are just beginning to broaden their knowledge and range of activities. Therefore, I encourage them to remain patient with themselves and to push themselves to take on a broad range of academic classes as well........

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