Chances are you’ve heard multiple times in your life, “what are you passionate about?” and “follow your passion!” We’ve heard well-intentioned friends and loved ones tell us to find and follow our passions. We’ve watched industry titans claim it to be the holy grail to a successful life. But how often does this advice lead to a good and fulfilling life?
- Well-intentioned proponents believe: Often.
- Studies report: Rarely.
- We say: Never.
You are invited to abandon the age-old but naive idea of pursuing passions. In its place, consider the benefits to yourself, your loved ones, and the world, by committing to purpose.
Read our article on Finding Your Purpose.
The Research
The following are quotes, statistics, and videos warning of the perils that come from following the generally-accepted advice to ‘follow your passion’.
..Those who believed pursuing passion meant following what brings one joy were less likely to be successful in their pursuit of passion, and were more likely to quit their job nine months down the line.
Professor Scott Galloway | NYU Stern | 2 mins
According to three Stanford researchers’ findings, the ‘follow your passion’ advice can be detrimental to an individual’s success due to narrowmindedness and dedication to a single passion.
Cal Newport | 99U | 22 mins
Passion typically masks a weakness. Its breathlessness and impetuousness and franticness are poor substitutes for discipline, for mastery, for strength and purpose and perseverance.
Stop Searching For Your Passion
Terri Trespicio | TEDxKC | 11 mins
Great passions are maladies without hope…
To Find Work You Love, Don’t Follow Your Passion
Benjamin Todd | TEDxYouth@Tallinn | 15 mins
Passion typically masks a weakness. Its breathlessness and impetuousness and franticness are poor substitutes for discipline, for mastery, for strength and purpose and perseverance. You need to be able to spot this in others and in yourself, because while the origins of passion may be earnest and good, its effects are comical and then monstrous.
Don’t Follow Your Passion
Ben Horowitz | Columbia University | 17 mins
