Passion vs. Purpose
Passion vs. Purpose
Passion and purpose are often used interchangeably, but they are two very different things.
Passion is a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something. It's often based on what we enjoy doing. The common advice to "follow your passion" can be misleading, as it suggests that we are entitled to get paid for doing work that is always enjoyable.
Purpose, on the other hand, is a sense of resolve or determination. It's about what you want to achieve and the impact you want to have on the world. It's your "why".
The key differences:
- Passion is about what you can get. It's focused on your own enjoyment and fulfillment.
- Purpose is about what you can give. It's focused on serving others and making a difference.
- Passion can be fleeting. It can change as your interests change.
- Purpose is more enduring. It's based on your core values, which are less likely to change.
While passion can be a powerful motivator, it's not a reliable foundation for a business. A much better approach is to build your business around a clear sense of purpose. When you are driven by purpose, passion will often follow.