A Passions Audit

Categorizing What Animates Us

Last year I started the habit of sitting down and writing out what I call a “Passions Audit.” In the midst of our busy lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the things we are passionate about, or that we aspire to be more passionate about. In an attempt to understand what motivated me, I came up with six categories of things that I am passionate about, and then forced myself to limit each category to five examples. Working through the categories and honestly thinking of and then writing down five things I care about for each category left me with a concrete list of people, places, activities, and things that inspired and animated me.

My “Passions Audit” helped me to gain perspective on what mattered to me particularly. It helped me to better understand that mystery that evades each of us by turn, namely myself. As the years go by, I hope to return to past lists, review them, and then compile new lists as my passions change over time.

Perhaps adding this practice to your life will help you to understand a little bit of your own passions and motivations. Obviously, please feel free to add or modify the categories as needed to fit your present priorities.

Below is an example of a “Passions Audit,” dated June 20, 2022. Some of these categories have changed dramatically over time, but some, like “causes I support,” have remained pretty consistent. It’s been interesting to notice the whims that come and go as well as those fundamental beliefs that we stand by throughout the storms of life.

Five causes that you support:

1. Catholicism

2. Classical education

3. Low tech lifestyle

4. Farming/agriculture/self-sufficiency

5. Intentional living

Five material things that you enjoy:

1. Music

2. Healthy foods

3. Wine

4. Coffee/Coffee Shops

5. Tolkien books

Five hobbies/activities you currently like to do:

1. Reading

2. Weightlifting

3. Interior decorating

4. Fashion

5. Prayer/spiritual reading

Five people that you admire:

1. An anonymous friend

2. Another anonymous friend

3. Peter Kreeft

4. Aristotle

5. St. Thomas Aquinas

Five places you enjoy visiting/want to visit:

1. Virginia

2. Pacific Northwest

3. Rome

4. Ireland

5. Beaches

Five activities you aspire to do (more often, or for the first time):

1. Hike

2. Write a book

3. Travel abroad

4. Regular spiritual retreats

5. Hosting parties