30 questions to help young people discover their passions

When your child reaches life’s key crossroads – such as approaching GCSEs or further education – a good idea of what makes them tick makes the process a whole lot simpler

Can you relate to a moment when you were younger when something just clicked? Perhaps you picked up a new hobby, stumbled across a book about something you’d never heard of before, just happened to walk into the room when a fascinating documentary was on the television, or were sitting in a classroom and suddenly everything the teacher was saying made sense.

Finding the things that ignite our passion, dreams, and imagination can set us up for a lifetime of discovery, intrigue, and fulfilment. Of course, as you would expect, things we’re passionate about do change throughout our lives. But, for young people, having a clear idea of what brings them joy can make those key life crossroads (such as choosing GCSEs, further education courses, and careers) that much easier to navigate.

That said, sometimes nailing down precisely what that is can be a challenge. So, to help, we’ve gathered together 30 questions that you can use as prompts to help get the conversation started, and uncover their passion.

1. Do you enjoy being challenged?

2. Describe your perfect day.

3. What is something that you could talk about for hours?

4. Which people in your life do you admire, and why?

5. What subject or activity do you most look forward to doing at the moment?

6. What do you believe are your best qualities?

7. Do you like working on your own, or with other people?

8. Do you ever lose yourself in an activity and ignore the rest of the world?

9. Describe a time you felt most proud of yourself.

10. Are there any activities or subjects you find draining?

11. If money were no object, what would your ideal career be?

12. What is something that you have always wanted to try?

13. What are five of your strengths?

14. What are some of your favourite hobbies?

15. If you couldn’t fail, what would you try?

16. Do you feel any pressure to take a certain route in life?

17. What do you need help with?

18. Describe a perfect day at school.

19. Have you ever watched a film, or read a book, that changed the way you think?

20. What do you find easy?

21. What do you want to be doing in five years' time?

22. Have you ever enjoyed something that you didn’t think you were very good at?

23. Is helping others important to you?

24. What achievement would younger you be most proud of?

25. What causes or charities are you passionate about, and why?

26. Do you like doing practical, hands-on things?

27. What is your favourite compliment to receive?

28. Who do you find inspirational, and why?

29. What do you want to get better at?

30. If you could change something about the world, what would it be?

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Interested in input from a professional? Youth life coaching could help. Connect with a professional using the Life Coach Directory.