Purpose > Passion: New Harvard Research
Find and Chase Your Purpose, Not Passion for Long Term Success
“Follow your passion” You must have probably heard this advice at some point of time in your life. It’s one of the most common pieces of career advice given. This has become a mantra that encourages us to find fulfillment and meaning in our lives. But is that or there is something more for being successful in the long term? Recent studies by Harvard say that “Yes” there is something more crucial.
Even though it’s one of the most frequently heard advice, this concept of “Follow your passion” has a fair share of criticism too. A certain group of critics argues that passion is not something we naturally possess, but rather it is something that arises due to our perseverance and commitment. They also contend that passion is not the initial starting point for a successful profession; Instead, it is the outcome of our commitment, determination, and endurance.
Allow me to ask you this; Have you ever questioned yourself that, what exactly it takes to achieve success? Does it solely revolve around “following your passion” or is there something greater than that?
As it turns out, there is a recent set of research shows that; for long-term success following your purpose is more crucial than following your passion.
Confused…? I also got confused when I first read these in the research article.
Because from the start we all keep hearing that passion has been hailed as the key to ultimate success, but what if there’s something more to the equation? While this approach to pursuing passion has its own merit, if passion is not the key player in long-term success then what is that which is the key component? If not passion, what should guide our career choices and career path?
To get the answer I have gone through a few research studies but I would highlight a couple of research which I personally found really interesting.
According to one of the recent studies led by Harvard professor Dr. Carol Dweck, it’s a purpose that distinguishes truly successful individuals from the rest of the pack. As defined by Dweck, purpose is the deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in the world, beyond mere personal satisfaction.
Jon Jachimowicz, another distinguished professor at Harvard Business School, in a thought-provoking article offers a compelling answer supported by research: Instead of fixating on what ignites your passion, focus on what truly matters to you.
So, what is the difference between passion and purpose?
Passion is often visible as a sense of severe pleasure or enthusiasm for something. It can be an effective motivator, and it may lead us to pursue our desires with incredible determination. However, passion also can be fleeting. What we are passionate about these days might not be what we’re obsessed with the next day. And even though we’re enthusiastic about something for a long time, that doesn’t always mean that it’s our purpose.
Purpose, on the other hand, is something much deeper, and is the core of our life. It’s about what we trust in, what we care approximately, and what we need to gain in our lifestyles. It’s about finding something that offers our lives which means. When we are working towards our purpose, we’re no longer simply following our passions. We’re also aligning our paintings with our values and our innermost beliefs. This offers us an experience of path and purpose, and it makes us much more likely to stick with our goals even when matters get difficult.
Why is chasing your purpose more important than chasing your passion?
There are a few reasons why chasing your purpose is extra vital than chasing your passion for long-term fulfillment.
First, purpose offers you a sense of course. When you understand your purpose, you’ve got a clear aim to work toward. This makes it easier to stay encouraged and focused, even if things get difficult.
Second, purpose gives you a sense of which means. When you’re operating closer to your purpose, you are no longer just doing a process. You’re creating a distinction within the world. This offers your work a feeling of importance and significance, and it makes you much more likely to be happy and fulfilled in your career.
Third, purpose offers you resilience. When you’re working in the direction of your purpose, you’re much more likely to persevere in the face of difficult and traumatic conditions. Because you recognize that what you are doing is crucial, not only to you but also to the other people surrounding you; once you realize that you’re now not going to give up effortlessly.
Why purpose beats passion
When you consider passion, you reflect on consideration on the pleasure you get whilst you’re rocking out with your garage band, indulging in a beloved hobby, or volunteering to cuddle kittens at your nearby shelter. Those are all, of course, terrific things to do. But Professor Jachimowicz insists happiness is an awful career guide, and his studies prove it.
In one study of several hundred employees, professor Jon Jachimowicz notes, “We found that 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.”
Chasing passion, in other words, tends to make you less satisfied at work because — no huge shocker here — work is often difficult, draining, and even boring. So, are you doomed to simply take whatever job you can do that pays the bills? Nope, replies Jachimowicz. All you need to do is substitute “purpose” for “passion” when considering your path.
Instead of asking what makes you happy and “following your passion,” instead ask yourself what you care deeply about, he instructs. By focusing on purpose, you align your work with your deepest values and also relieve yourself of the expectation that the long slog of a career will be all (or even mostly) happiness and sunshine.
How to find your purpose
So, how do you discover your reason? There’s no one-length-suits-all answer to this query. However, below are a few things you could do to get started.
First, think about what you are passionate about. What are the things that you really like to do? What are the things that you’re good at? What are the things which don’t make you feel exhausted even after doing them continuously?
Second, consider what you care about. What are the things which you believe in? What are the things which bother you most? What are the things that you want to change in the world?
Third, reflect on consideration of what you need to obtain in life. What are your goals? What kind of impact do you want to make?
Once you’ve got begun to consider these items, you could begin to slim down your reason. It may additionally make an effort and reflection, however subsequently, you’ll locate something that resonates with you.
Discovering your purpose requires introspection and soul-searching. Take the time to delve deep inside yourself, exploring your values, interests, and the effect you need on the arena. Consider the reasons that resonate with your middle being — the issues that stir a fire within you. Is it advocating for social justice, empowering others, or fostering sustainable practices? By identifying those using forces, you pave the way for a professional direction that aligns with your purpose.
Harnessing the power of purpose
So, how can you tap into the transformative electricity of reason? Here are some actionable steps to guide you on your path to success:
Reflect on Your Values: Take the time to introspect and pick out your center values. What issues ignite a heart within you? What reasons resonate deeply? Identifying your values will help you align your purpose with meaningful pastimes.
Define Your Purpose: Once you’ve got identified your center values, outline your reason. Ask yourself how you may leverage your abilities, and passions to make a positive impact. Your purpose should transcend personal ambitions and contribute to something larger than yourself.
Embrace Challenges: Embracing challenges is crucial on the journey toward purpose-driven success. Understand that setbacks and failures are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth and learning. Cultivate a resilient mindset to navigate the obstacles that come your way.
Seek Collaboration: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for purposeful pursuits. Collaboration fosters innovation, expands your network, and offers support when the going gets tough. Together, you can achieve much more than what you could have done alone.
Once you have defined your purpose, then seek out the opportunities that allow you to live out your values. Look for organizations, industries, or persons that share your vision and offer a platform to make a genuine impact. Remember, the pursuit of purpose does not guarantee a seamless journey devoid of challenges. It demands dedication, effort, and the willingness to weather the storms that may arise along the way. However, armed with purpose as your guiding star, you possess the unwavering determination required to overcome obstacles and emerge triumphant.
Furthermore, the beauty of purpose lies in its adaptability. It is not a fixed destination but rather a dynamic force that evolves with us over time. As we grow and gain new experiences, our understanding of our purpose deepens, allowing us to navigate uncharted territories and seize unexpected opportunities. Embrace the idea that your purpose may transform and expand as you embark on your professional journey, and remain open to the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Reframing Success
The traditional view of success revolves around external markers such as wealth, fame, and status. However, the study by Dr. Dweck challenges this narrow definition. Success, when viewed through the lens of purpose, transcends material gains and encompasses the fulfillment derived from making a positive impact on others and society at large.
Purpose gives you the resilience to succeed.
Again, professor Jachimowicz’s research data claims that chasing purpose will make you more successful than chasing passion.
professor Jachimowicz writes “In another set of studies, I found that passion alone is only weakly related to employees’ performance at their work. But the combination of passion and perseverance — i.e., the extent to which employees stick with their goals even in the face of adversity — was related to higher performance,”
In other words, a well-rooted sense of purpose makes you more resilient than desire alone can. And those changes are what is likely to lead to your long-term success (many other experts have argued in the same vein).
So, if you’re in the early stages of your career or looking for a way to change, stop trying to follow your passion to pursue the career that’s right for you, and instead ask yourself these simple questions: What is really important to me? What makes you truly happy from the inside out? The goal is a far better career pilot than happiness.
Let purpose be your guiding light — the compass that leads to a fulfilling and productive life. By aligning your work with what really matters to you, you not only achieve personal satisfaction but also demonstrate your ability to make a meaningful difference in the world
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Have a Happy Life.!
