Chances are you’ve heard the well-intentioned but terrible cliche advice: “follow your passion!” Well-intentioned friends and loved ones tell us to find and follow our passions. In this article, accompanied by quotes and videos, we invite you to abandon the cliched and naive idea of pursuing passions. In its wondrous void, consider the benefits to yourself, your loved ones, and the world, by committing to purpose.
The Research
Passion is not something you follow.
It’s something you generate and bring to your work.
We’ve heard from industry titans to your next-door neighbour claim that to follow your passion is to live a successful life.
Question: How often does this advice lead to a good and fulfilling life?
Answer: Most people believe often. Studies show rarely.
..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
