On "Passion"

I think the word “passion” has become a word of convenience.  Instead of using any variety of words to convey our likes and interest in something, we throw around the word “passion.”  Know anyone who likes to say they are “passionate “ about what they do, yet you can’t really distinguish their level of accomplishment from the next person who just does their job?

I also think the current vogue of “finding your passion” gets a lot of people stuck. It implies that each of us has a purpose that will distinguish us from the rest and make our lives meaningful.  And you’ll know it when you find it, because the clouds will part and you’ll hear the chorus of angels while a beam of heavenly light envelops you. OK, I’m being silly. But many of us do waste a lot of time waiting for that chorus of angels, and it prevents us from making decisions and commitments that could possibly lead us to something genuinely meaningful.  

A couple of years ago, I heard someone on TV say, “Don’t worry about finding your passion. Instead, follow your effort.”  Spot on. Because human beings can only behave in accordance with what we believe or think, following our effort will show us what is truly important to us.  It will show us where we are putting our energy.  When I feel like I’m stuck or not sure of what to do, I ask myself, "Where would I like to put my effort?” or “Where am I putting my energy?” They’re much easier questions to answer than “What is my passion?”

I’ve consciously decided not use the word “passion” in my daily life. Instead, I use words like “enthusiastic,” “really enjoy,” “excited about” or “love, love, luuuuuuve.”  In my opinion, they’re much more accurate descriptions of my interests.  I think the word “passion” should be reserved for something truly above the standard, like when people have a singular focus that results in outcomes so extraordinary that we can collectively recognize their effort.  And they don’t even have to say that they were passionate about what they did.

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