Passion: I grew up in a generation that was spoon-fed three square meals a day. My parents’ generation, who were raised by World War II survivors, had a more moderate view. Then came my generation. We were systematically told that we could be anything we wanted to be. The phrases, “live your passion” and “follow your passion” summoned us to get out of bed with fervor and unleash our full energy on our dreams. My generation millions flocked to the Burning Man and Tony Robins conventions in hopes of getting another enthusiasm to move on.
However, what happens when our boldly bright future is not delivered? Emails are not returned with a “no”, they are not even answered formally. We were ignored, we were dismissed, and all our enthusiasm for the bright future we had once spooned into turned into disappointment. We grew up realizing that all those passionate sayings were just part of the elementary school curriculum and now it’s time to join the ranks of the real world. Or so it feels like that.
Follow Bureau of Labor Statistics:
49.7% of businesses fail by year 5,
53.6% of businesses fail in year 6
56.8% of businesses fail in year 7
60.5% of businesses fail in year 8
So, what are we doing wrong? I believe part of what we are doing wrong is that we are working from passion. Passion is an emotion. Oxford defines passion as, “A strong and uncontrollable emotion.” If we delve into the word emotion, we find this definition, “A state of mind that is derived from a person’s circumstances, mood, or relationship with another person.” Circumstance-based emotions are not a solid foundation on which to build, run, or sustain a business.
In his book, The ego is the enemy via Ryan Holiday, he called us to work”disI remember the first time I heard that phrase in my audiobook. I stopped editing and stopped listening. Dispassion? Work do not have Passion? That is the exact antithesis of everything I have always been taught or believed in. But then, as Holiday always did, he said that sentence caused a fundamental shift in my thinking.
“Don’t work from a place of passion, work from a place of purpose.”
Webster defines purpose as, “Something established as an end to be achieved. An intention. A solution. A determination.”
Passion is an emotion. Purpose is dedication to something. The word purpose itself implies that achievement will ask for dedication; It expects difficulty, it requires strategy. Passion is like pouring gasoline on a fire: it flares up and quickly dies out. Purpose is like coal: it is a steadily burning ember.
I read years ago about the 10% rule. I can’t remember where exactly I read it, but the book says we get 10% of what we try. Ever since I heard that, every time I get a “no”, or more upset, I’m simply ignored, I remind myself of that. “That’s another 10% off my ‘yes’.” It is operating from a purpose basis. It is a determination towards a goal that is not based on emotions.
My father once told me a story that marked his coming of age. He asked Uncle Russell, a farmer who spent his hard days in the sun making a living by the sweat on his forehead,
“Do you like being a farmer? It’s done?”
His uncle replied, “It’s not a question we used to ask ourselves. We simply got up and did what we had to do.”
I am grateful that I was raised in a generation where self-improvement was spoon-fed for me. Those teachings are what got me where I am today. However, sometimes I feel like our generation is missing a little Russell.
Am I saying we don’t need passion to be successful? No. of course. Passion is still what wakes me up in the morning. I love photography. I mean me love and cherish it. I can not do that. I am energized by creating images. I am driven by the satisfaction of blowing my customers away. I love seeing my work on the shelves of ULTA beauty. I am extremely passionate about my job. I believe we need passion to be successful photographers. What I’m saying though, is that passion isn’t enough. Passion cannot carry us without a purpose in life. Passion must go hand in hand with dedication. Passion must be associated with persistence. Passion must go hand in hand with strategy. Passion cannot sustain a business without a purpose. We need a little Russell when our passion is reality tested.
As you know, my favorite part of being a writer is listening to your feedback. What do you think of this concept of passion versus purpose? Have you been a photographer or business owner for over seven years? (Congratulations! You beat the odds.) If you were, what are some strategies that have sustained you? Leave a comment below and I wish everyone a great week of purposeful work.
