What is a Spark? 

In the late 1980's, a scientist named Dr. Peter Benson developed an idea that kids thrive when they identify and build on strengths. He called these strengths your "spark."

A Spark is something that you love to do.

A Spark is something that excites you and gives you energy. It can be something you're good at (like soccer or singing), something you care a lot about (like animals or the environment) or a quality you know is special (like being a good friend or caring about others).

Sparks are not just limited to things that come easy to you or that you already know how to do. You can practice and work hard at learning about new Sparks you want to try.

And Sparks can change over time- you can discover your Spark at all different times in your life!

Peter Benson founded the Search Institute. It has identified over 220 types of spark. A spark, says Benson --

• gives energy and joy
• provides the feeling of being alive, useful and purposeful
• is absorbing to the point that you “lose yourself in the moment”
• originates from inside a person
• is a skill, talent, interest or gift
• is a person’s prime source of meaning, self-directed action and purpose
• has the potential to make the world a better place for others.

Some specific examples of sparks include — music, art, writing, dance, crafts, building, design, leadership, entrepreneurship, sports, athletics, learning, teaching, relationships, volunteering, nature, animals, computers, comedy, speech, spirituality, drama, photography, film, being committed to living in a specific way, reading, advocacy, family, outdoor life, journalism, engineering, and solving social problems.

Watch Peter Benson’s powerful TED talk to learn more

​To begin the journey of finding the spark you have to ask questions. 

• Find a quiet place where you can relax and focus on yourself. 
• Take time to breath deeply.  You will need to access your intuition and the best way to do that is to be relaxed. 
• Be open to whatever comes up for you.

• ​Be patient with yourself.  If nothing comes up for you with one question, go on to the next. ​

How do you find it? 

It's not always something you can go and look for. You don't always set out to look for sparks — they happen. You create them from scratch when you light a fire.

It doesn’t happen if you try to force it.

You have to do something. Even if it's rubbing sticks together for a painfully long time, you're doing something — you're taking action.
Answering these questions (click on the box for your free download!) may help you narrow down the spark. 

​Keep in mind that your answers are set of clues.  Your spark may come from something represented by your answers and not exactly what your answers are.

When you are done answering as many questions as you can, look over your answers to see if you see something you have never noticed before. 

Stay with the answers for a few minutes and see what your intuition tells you.

Finding your spark is not precise work,  it can take intuition as well as trial and error. You might not find it right now, or it can change over time. 

You're looking for something that will give the passion you need to set goals, be persistent, boost your self-esteem and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. Don't look for things that you love to do, but will leave you emotionally drained like playing Roblox for days without eating. 

Try it Out

Even if you're still not sure about what will make you drop everything and be brave, resilient, persistent, boost your self-esteem, self-compassion, and critical thinking skills, you can try it out. 

Something that will force you out of your comfort zone in a fun, challenging way is elusive for a lot of people. 

Try it out by giving your best effort. You're looking for something that helps you to skip the anxiety pit and be your best self. And rest easy that everyone has one. Just keep looking and trying it out!