LIVE YOUR PASSION

Petra Taylor-Smith
Oct 7
4 min read

Updated: Oct 12

The Quiet Challenge of Three Quarter Time

You’ve navigated the marathon of building a life—raising a family, chasing a career, paying the mortgage—and now, you’ve earned your Three Quarter Time. This chapter should be about freedom, fulfillment, and fun. Yet, sometimes, it just feels a little... flat.

It's not that you're miserable, but the feeling of being truly alive isn't always there. If you take an honest look at your schedule and your energy, you might find a frustrating imbalance: the things that bring you the most joy are shrinking, while the things that drain you still take up too much space. This is the quiet challenge of the second chapter.

The great news? Finding your passion isn't about ditching everything and starting over. It's about a simple, strategic shift to amplify the good stuff you already have. You just need to realise where your current energy is going.

Introducing The Passion Graph: Your Current Life Map

I've found the most effective first step is to get honest about where you are right now. I call this the Passion Graph. It’s a simple, straightforward exercise to map the key elements of your current life against your actual satisfaction level.

Before you grab that next cup of coffee, take a moment to jot down the top 7–10 bits of your life. Then, sort them into two clear columns:

Column 1: The BEST Bits (High Return on Joy)

These are the elements that genuinely bring you energy, fulfillment, and peace. They are your joy investments! They might include:

Location: Your backyard, a favourite beach, or your local coffee haunt.
Relationship: Your partner, a specific mate, or spending time with the grandkids.
Expression: Your creative talents, your hobbies, or that feeling of being truly useful.
Health: A solid sleep, your morning movement routine, feeling healthy and capable.

Column 2: The WORST Bits (High Drain on Energy)

These are the elements that cost you time, cause stress, or leave you feeling depleted. We all have them, and that's okay!

Finances: A persistent worry about spare cash.
Time: Feeling rushed, or a work:play ratio that is still a bit unbalanced.
Commitments: Obligations to family or community that leave you utterly depleted.
Self-Care Deficit: Poor sleep, or running on the smell of an oily rag.

Seeing this map laid out is the first step to reclaiming your time. Now, let’s get proactive.

Part I: Maximising the BEST (The Joy Investment Strategy)

Your Three Quarter Time is precious. The goal isn't just to put out fires; it's to strategically invest in the parts of life that provide the highest return on happiness.

Here are 5 Practical Action Steps (taken straight from my coaching framework) to flood your life with more of those 'Best' bits right now:

Max Out Time in Your Favourite Locations: If your garden or the park brings you peace, don't wait for a dedicated slot in your diary. Take your breakfast, your journal, or a work call into that space. Schedule time in your best spots.
Plan for More Trips Away (No Matter How Small): The power of anticipation is half the fun! Don’t wait for a major overseas trip. Plan a weekend getaway, a day trip down the coast, or a picnic by the water. Book something that gives you a horizon.
Express Gratitude Often: This simple practice instantly redirects your focus to your 'Best' column. Start a daily habit of writing down one specific thing you were truly grateful for from the previous 24 hours.
Work for Yourself and Work Smart: If you choose to work, seek roles that give you control over your time and draw on your unique talents. Working doesn't have to be a drain if it aligns with your passion and values.
Do Everything to Ensure Continued Good Sleep: This is non-negotiable payment to your future self. Prioritise sleep hygiene (reducing screens, a cooler room, consistent schedule). Good sleep is the foundation for a life well-lived.

Part II: Flipping the Script on the WORST (The Reframe)

While we can't eliminate every 'Worst Bit,' we can absolutely change our relationship with them. This is the powerful technique of Reframing. It shifts your internal narrative from "chore" to "choice."

The key is to try and frame even the WORST parts in the most positive light.

The Old Script: "I have to take a casual gig at the local place just to earn a bit of extra cash." (Draining)
The Professional Reframe: "Working in a casual capacity allows me to enjoy physical activity, gives my mind a rest from complex problems, and is the perfect excuse to listen to an audiobook on topics I love. It's a structured opportunity for self-care." (Empowering)

The circumstances are the same, but your mental energy is preserved. This shift from obligation to opportunity is how you find true freedom in your daily routine.

The Final Step: From Map to Masterpiece

You now have a clear map and a strategy to invest in your joy. The final step is simple: take action.

Take Your Next Step Today:

Reflect: Spend 5–10 minutes thinking about the feeling you want more of this week. Joy? Peace? Excitement?
Choose One Action: Pick one item from your 'Best' column to amplify, and one reframe for a 'Worst' bit. Commit to doing both this week.
Get the Full Framework: You don’t have to go it alone. I’ve put the entire mapping exercise, my full Three Quarter Time action plan, and all the tools you need into a free, downloadable guide.