Finding Your Element

Picture this: you wake up on Monday morning, and instead of dreading the day ahead, you feel energized. The work you're about to dive into doesn't feel like work at all—it feels like play, like something you'd choose to do even if no one paid you. This isn't a fantasy reserved for the lucky few. Research shows that only 20% of people can strongly say they like what they do each day, while the vast majority simply endure their lives, waiting for weekends and dreaming of retirement.

What separates those who thrive from those who merely survive? The answer lies in finding your Element—that magical intersection where your natural talents meet your deepest passions. When you discover this sweet spot, everything changes. Time flies by when you're engaged in meaningful work, energy flows instead of drains, and you wake up with purpose. The journey to finding your Element isn't always straightforward, but it's perhaps the most important quest you'll ever undertake. This path requires honest self-reflection, courage to challenge assumptions about yourself, and willingness to explore new territories both within and around you.

Understanding your natural aptitudes forms the foundation of finding your Element. These aren't just skills you've learned—they're the activities that come easily to you, the things you seem to "get" without excessive struggle. Think of aptitudes as your raw potential, waiting to be developed into abilities through practice and experience.

Consider the story of Derek, whose mechanical aptitude revealed itself early. By age ten, he was dismantling motorcycles to understand their inner workings, then reassembling them so they ran better than before. While other children might have created expensive scrap metal, Derek had an intuitive feel for engines. He could listen to them like a horse whisperer, diagnosing problems and understanding solutions. His encyclopedic knowledge of brands and models, combined with his ability to draw precise technical diagrams, all pointed to a natural gift that extended far beyond what any classroom could teach.

To discover your own aptitudes, start by paying attention to activities that energize rather than drain you. Notice when you lose track of time because you're so absorbed in what you're doing. Ask yourself: What did you gravitate toward as a child when left to your own devices? What do friends and family frequently ask for your help with? Sometimes our greatest strengths are so natural to us that we take them for granted, like Derek initially did with his mechanical abilities.

Remember that you may have hidden talents you've never explored. Your aptitudes aren't limited to what you've already tried. Be open to new experiences and notice what comes surprisingly easily. The key is distinguishing between what you can learn to do and what feels naturally aligned with how your mind works. When you identify these natural strengths, you've found the raw material for building your Element.

While aptitude shows you what you're naturally good at, passion reveals what you love. Being in your Element requires both—you need that intersection where natural talent meets genuine enthusiasm. Passion isn't just fleeting excitement; it's a sustained attraction that feeds your spiritual energy rather than depleting it.

Take Emily Cummins, who discovered her passion at age four when her grandfather handed her a hammer. While most adults would hesitate to give such a tool to a young child, this moment ignited something profound. Emily spent countless hours in her grandfather's shed, fascinated by his ability to create toys from leftover materials. She loved not just the building process but the excitement of playing with her creations afterward. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for invention and problem-solving that eventually led her to create refrigeration systems for communities in Africa.

To identify your passions, pay attention to what consistently lifts your spirits across different contexts and time periods. Notice activities that you return to again and again, even without external pressure or rewards. Ask yourself: What did you love doing as a child that adults might have dismissed as "just playing"? What topics can you discuss for hours without getting bored? What problems in the world make you feel compelled to take action?

Sometimes passion emerges gradually rather than in a sudden flash of inspiration. You might discover that you've been expressing your passion in small ways throughout your life without recognizing its significance. The key is distinguishing between temporary pleasures and sustained sources of meaning. True passion connects you to something larger than yourself and gives you energy even when the work itself is challenging. When you find this deep well of intrinsic motivation, you've uncovered the fuel that will power your Element.

Your attitude toward your own potential may be the most critical factor in finding your Element. Many people operate from a fixed mindset, believing their abilities are carved in stone at birth. This perspective creates unnecessary limitations and prevents exploration of new possibilities. In contrast, a growth mindset recognizes that talents can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Consider Ellen MacArthur, who discovered her passion for sailing at age four during a family trip to the coast. Growing up far from the ocean in inland England, with limited financial resources, professional sailing seemed impossible. Rather than accepting these apparent limitations, Ellen embraced what others might call obstacles. When poor test scores and illness derailed her university plans, she saw opportunity instead of defeat. She recognized this setback as "the best thing that could have happened" because it freed her to pursue her true calling. By age twenty-two, she had become the fastest person ever to sail solo around the world.

To cultivate a growth mindset, start challenging the stories you tell yourself about your limitations. Instead of saying "I'm not good at this," try "I'm not good at this yet." Replace "I could never do that" with "I wonder what it would take to learn that." When you encounter setbacks, ask what you can learn rather than what this says about your abilities.

Practice viewing challenges as opportunities to grow rather than tests of your worth. Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes. Surround yourself with people who believe in growth and possibility rather than those who reinforce limitations. Most importantly, remember that your starting point doesn't determine your destination. Every expert was once a beginner, and every master was once a disaster. The difference lies not in where they started, but in their willingness to persist and grow.

Finding your Element isn't a solitary journey. You need to discover and connect with your tribe—people who share your interests, passions, and values. These connections provide affirmation, guidance, collaboration, and inspiration that can be crucial to your growth and success.

When Craig Dwyer felt trapped in his unfulfilling banking job in Toronto, he took a bold step that changed everything. Watching a Japanese movie one night sparked his interest in living abroad, and he applied to teach English in Japan despite having no teaching experience. This leap led him not just to a new country, but to a completely different professional community. Working as an assistant language teacher, he discovered educators who encouraged creativity and innovation. One teacher's assignment to create a market simulation in the gym opened Craig's eyes to education's potential for engaging learning. This experience connected him with a tribe of innovative educators who shared his passion for making learning meaningful and fun.

To find your tribe, start by exploring both online and offline communities related to your interests. Use social media and search engines to locate groups, forums, and organizations. Don't just observe—participate actively in discussions and events. Attend workshops, conferences, and meetups where you can connect face-to-face with like-minded individuals. Consider volunteering for causes you care about, taking classes in areas that interest you, or seeking internships in fields you want to explore.

Remember that your tribe doesn't have to be local. Digital connections can be just as powerful as in-person relationships. The key is finding people who understand your passion, share your values, and support your growth. When you connect with your tribe, you gain access to collective wisdom, opportunities for collaboration, and the encouragement you need to persist through challenges. These relationships often open doors you never knew existed and provide the support system essential for living in your Element.

Living in your Element isn't just about personal fulfillment—it's about creating a life of meaning that contributes to something beyond yourself. When your natural talents align with your deepest passions and serve a greater purpose, you experience the profound satisfaction that comes from knowing you're making a difference.

Consider Yasmin Helal, a professional basketball player and biomedical engineer who discovered her true Element through an unexpected encounter. While driving home from a festival in Cairo, she was stopped by three street children begging for money. This moment awakened her to the stark inequality surrounding her and inspired her to start an initiative sponsoring underprivileged children's education. Despite having successful careers in sports and engineering, Yasmin found her greatest fulfillment in founding the Educate-Me program. She quit her engineering job to dedicate herself fully to this mission, discovering that helping others pursue their dreams through education gave her life unprecedented meaning and energy.

To create your life of purpose, start by identifying the problems in the world that genuinely concern you. Ask yourself: What injustices make you angry? What needs do you see that others seem to overlook? How could your unique combination of talents and passions address these issues? Don't worry about starting with grand gestures—begin with small actions that align with your values and interests.

Look for ways to connect your Element to service. Whether you're an artist who teaches creativity to children, a tech expert who helps nonprofits improve their systems, or an athlete who mentors young people, there are countless ways to use your gifts in service of others. Purpose often emerges when you stop asking "What can I get from the world?" and start asking "What can I give?" When you find work that energizes you while contributing to something larger than yourself, you've discovered not just your Element, but your calling.

Your Element lies at the intersection of what you're naturally good at and what you love to do. It's that sweet spot where talent meets passion, creating a life of energy, meaning, and contribution. This journey requires honest self-assessment, courage to challenge limiting beliefs, connection with supportive communities, and commitment to growth. As Martha Graham wisely observed, "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all time, that expression is unique."

The path to your Element isn't linear—it's organic, full of unexpected turns and discoveries. You don't need to plan your entire journey; you just need to take the first step. Start by paying attention to what energizes you, what you're naturally drawn to, and what problems in the world call for your unique contribution. Your Element is waiting to be discovered, and the world needs what only you can offer. Take that first step today, and begin the most important journey of your life—the journey home to yourself.