Find Your Niche
“Finding your sweet spot means embracing your God-given talents, rather than the ones you wish you had.”
- Ruth Soukup
Finding your niche can be a never-ending adventure, but no matter what field you lean into, it is imperative to find your “sweet spot.” Whether you are a young entrepreneur, an artist, or someone looking to discover your place in the world, figuring out your niche is the key to leaving your mark.
When I meet someone for the first time and find out what they do, I ask my first “hard question”: Do you like your job? They usually have a stock answer all saved up, and then I hit them with the second “hard question”: “Is this a passion of yours, doing what you do all day?” I get one of three answers: 1) “Yes, it is!” 2) “Well … I’ve never thought of it that way.” 3) “Not at all!”
The follow-up for the second and third answers is: “So, what would you do if you could do anything for the rest of your professional life?” There is usually a moment of thought, or they begin looking for the nearest exit. Most people don’t want to think about chasing their dreams. They want security. They want just to fit… somewhere, even if the place they get to does not fit them.
The scary answer is the second one: “I’ve never thought of it that way.” I don’t go any further; I usually transition out of this line of questioning. They’ll ask if I am living my passion, and I give them the first answer: “Yes, I am!” Then we end up discussing the weather because they don’t want to consider that they are working to make someone else’s dream come true.
So, I ask you: “Are you living your passion?” If so, congratulations. If not, why not?
If you haven’t given it much thought, this article is a call to action. I use five powerful tools with my clients to stimulate deep reflection on their lives. They can help you determine if you're truly living your best life, doing what you're meant to do.
Embracing Your Passions: The journey to finding your niche begins with joy. Dive into what truly excites and motivates you. Remember, this isn’t just a fleeting interest; a passion is something you would pursue without pay for the rest of your life. This realization is a source of empowerment, boosting your confidence in your chosen path.
Take a minute and ask yourself, “What am I passionate about?” What activity makes you come alive? By embracing your passions, you can uncover areas where you have a natural talent, making it easier to buy into chasing this passion.
Identify Your Unique Strengths: Take time to reflect on your skills, experiences, and qualities that make you unique. Are there particular strengths or talents you possess that you have put into a box and have given up on? By identifying your unique strengths, you can position yourself as an expert in a specific area that aligns with your abilities, empowering you to stand out.
We are all different, unique, and special. It may be your voice, sense of humor, or how you analyze everything. It may be a desire to serve others or animals. Whatever it is, lean into it and let it begin to grow.
Find Your Niche: How far will you take it now that you have found your passion? Most of the time, our passions get left behind because we must have a job to pay the bills. What if your passion and unique abilities can make you an expert in your niche? All of a sudden, your passion becomes your “job.”
I was amazed that someone would pay me to wear shorts, T-shirts, and tennis shoes daily and help people lift weights. It’s a nutty world out there. So be the best at your passion. Don’t try to be like everyone else. Find that niche that no one has thought of, the one you always search the internet for. Be THAT person.
Seek Feedback from Others: Don't be afraid to ask friends, colleagues, mentors, or even potential customers for feedback on your ideas and interests. Getting input from others can provide valuable insights into how your skills and passions align with market needs and preferences. Constructive feedback can help steer you toward a niche with the potential for success.
Volunteer In Your Niche Area: Finding your niche is not always the course you had in mind; it may require you to “adjust your sails” as you completely understand your world. If you are passionate about working with animals, volunteer at a local animal center. Don't be afraid to try new things, take risks, and change course if necessary.
My passion was always in helping others to live the life they were meant to live. I got into coaching because I understood the profession. I thought it was as a football coach, but I soon found that I was better away from the field in preparing the athletes for the game rather than coaching the game. It was a slight detour, but it got me to where I needed to be. After thirty-five years of coaching, I understood I could help a more significant sector of the population by being a motivational speaker. Because I tested different ideas and approaches, I was able to refine my focus. By wading into your passion, you, too, can discover what resonates most with you and, eventually, your audience or clients and customers.
Finding your niche is more than just identifying a target market; it's about connecting with what drives and motivates you. By embracing your passions, leveraging your strengths, staying informed, seeking feedback from others, and being willing to experiment and adjust your course, you can discover a niche that not only sets you apart but also brings fulfillment and success in equal measure.
Get out of your way and make the move to find your niche! The journey may be challenging sometimes, but remember that the rewards of discovering where you truly belong are well worth the effort.
Have an amazing day!
