Passion is such a gigantic preoccupation with people, I think. It seems like most blogs have at least one post or two about passion, what it is and how to attain it. But I can’t say that I necessarily agree with living passionately, or doing anything with a great deal of passion.
Why? Because passion is similar to being an adrenaline junkie. There are times when I’m on a roll with accomplishing specific tasks, like applying to jobs, and I feel this insane surge of energy and purpose. There’s a certain amount of clarity when I’m getting things done; I rather like it. But then, within hours (and definitely by the next day) I’m out of juice. My energy levels have gone back down and I’m back to where I was. Before, I used to try and reclaim this passion, I used to wonder aloud, “How do I feel this way all the time?“
My answer is that you don’t. I am naturally a very low energy person. Even though I enjoy running errands, and hanging out, I tire out very easily and enjoy being alone for huge chunks of my time. I can’t sustain passion, literally, it’s too much energy.
But people treat passion like it’s the cure-all for a “boring existence”. I’m almost weary of the term, “Finding your passion”. Passion suggests that you can’t live without it, something you need to keep you going. It seems to me that if you’re not SUPER PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING then you’re missing out and your life is without meaning or purpose.
But that’s a bit extreme, isn’t it?
I will be honest: there isn’t a lot (if anything) that I am passionate about. I enjoy many things, like writing, playing with kittens, going to the movies but I can’t say that doing these things gives me a gigantic sense of passionate accomplishment or sense of purpose. On occasion, I feel the surge of energy from doing what I like, but as I said before: I can’t sustain the energy levels necessary to constantly be passionate. I need a break, I need to do something else for awhile.
On the flip side, you have people who can maintain high energy levels for a long period of time, and for them, perhaps living an adrenaline-based life is better.
But not me.
So instead of trying to “find my passion”, I vote more on the side of clarity, peace of mind, a stronger sense of self and dedication to something because to run on passion is like trying to survive on energy drinks. Eventually you’ll crash and then you’ll probably think there’s something wrong with you because you’re not full of passion anymore.
Maybe I’ll focus more on finding something I enjoy doing consistently, that brings me joy but doesn’t rob me of my sense of self. Because not everyone can be a passionate person; I sure as hell am not.
Great post! I definitely think that “passion” is not for everyone. Personally, I’m a pretty high-energy person. I love being busy and not being busy drives me insane. I work full-time, volunteer and write grants on the side, blog, and study a LOT for the LSAT. My passion is simply feeling like I’m contributing to social justice, and within this broad area, I love anything to do with international human rights, law/legal issues, and particularly: writing, research (legal and factual), and social media. I really do think anything in this area is my ‘passion’ and this includes development, fundraising, communications for non-profits as well as the more legal side of things. I don’t know how long I can sustain this energy – definitely need breaks and need to break things up – but honestly I get really restless if I’m not doing work. Maybe this makes me a workaholic, but I think I come closer to finding my ‘passion’ daily.
As you mention, this isn’t for everyone – some people simply need to find something that makes them excited to wake up in the morning, and keep it as a 9-5 job, and end there. Some people need more than a 9-5 to feel truly fulfilled.
Oh thank you!
Definitely. Passion seems to be really all-consuming, and I just don’t have the energy to do all the things I would want to do. For me, I’m very fixated on picking one or two things I really like. Sometimes it makes me feel really bad that I’m not a really busy, a-type personality person, especially because it seems like a lot of bloggers are really busy pursuing so many interests. So I definitely need to learn to be more relaxed about my b-type personality, heh. :]
Oh wow! Just reading all of that made me gasp for breath a little bit! Where do you find the time to do all of this? Also, how did you manage to find out about all this? You just researched it? In that case, that’s pretty incredible. But i don’t really believe there’s anything inherently wrong with being a workaholic, because if your work makes you happy, then why the hell not? I think that if it starts making you sick, or giving up other important obligations (like time with friends or sleep) then it might be a problem.
“As you mention, this isn’t for everyone – some people simply need to find something that makes them excited to wake up in the morning, and keep it as a 9-5 job, and end there [...]”
Definitely. Some times I worry because I don’t necessarily mind the idea of working a 9-5 because it’s just a job and I could use the money to do other things that bring me joy. Honestly, I just really want a lot of personal freedom which a demanding or “passionate” job might not be able to give me. But I can understand people who need a bit more from their jobs!
Sorry, passionate person here. It comes with being an artist sometimes…
That makes sense. I’m just not an intense/emotional person, which is what being passionate often entails. But it’s cool if it works for other people!
I can completely relate! I’ve only recently accepted the fact that I’m an introvert and being around other people for too long can be very draining. But I never really thought of this passion thing in that way too. Like you, I have those episodes where I feel like I can do anything and I do get a lot done and then I feel drained and question myself.
Thank you for putting my feelings into words.
Lovely post! I’m actually extroverted and am frustrated by society putting such an emphasis on having a “passion” and “caring” so much… I enjoy many little things and some close friends on a daily basis and even a little adventure meeting new people and trying new things sometimes. Why can’t that be “good enough”, do I have to dedicate my life to some larger cause at which I slave away to feel like I’ve lived a good life? naw! BTW, my MBTI = ENFP and my Enneagram Type is high in 7 and 9… I wonder if there is a correlation in these personality tests one’s “drive for more than just good enough” ???