It is no surprise that there is an influx of people looking for new jobs; social media sites such as LinkedIn are packed with enthusiastic pitches and CV’s from very capable people who don’t deserve to be in the position they have found themselves in. Whilst we can all relate to using the most pleasing language to sell ourselves, there is a ‘P’ word which is being used way too much. It is now meaningless at worst, and misleading at best. That word is passionate…
By definition, passion is a feeling or a belief. It is not tangible and is subjective. Having passion brings nothing to the table, it adds no value to skill or experience. The world has changed considerably in the last six months and for those people who are in a lucky position to be searching for the right candidate to fill their vacancy, the gene pool just got bigger – much bigger.
Time for change
Let’s just be clear, I am by no means criticizing anyone who has used the word passionate in the context of promotion – either for self or on a sales pitch, or representing a company or service; I have done it myself. Considering a change, we need a new word with has real meaning, which is why I am proposing we ditch the word passion in favour of purpose.
Purpose is gritty, it has meaning and describes tangibility. It is objective and to the point, whilst also being authoritative. Purpose looks ahead with definition, whilst looking back with constructive assessment. Purpose drives life, where as passion is just an opinion. Now is the time to change the frame of reference from what makes you feel warm and fuzzy, to what you really believe in.
So how does this relate to mental health? In a recent study by Harvard Business School, undertaken with a selection of newly appointed employees, it was found that those who believed in pursuing passion were less likely to be satisfied than those who concentrated on purpose. The result being a higher likelihood of quitting a job within nine months.
It is a fact that focusing on purpose gives you better resilience – and it is resilience that will help you through difficult times. Aligning yourself with your deepest values adds more meaning to what you do – and that creates success. Success is what recruiters are looking for, not dreamers.
Life can crush passion
I see many clients who have reached a cross-road in their life – and it can come as a bit of a shock. I can relate to this as I sat at this junction for many years. It usually happens during the latter thirties, when the realisation that life can be cruel, or when you realise that you are not going to meet the goals you set yourself before you hit forty. Passion – we hope, will keep us going; but there comes a point where passion runs out – everything we believed in no longer stands and the realisation can turn to anger. This can happen professionally and personally – and sometimes together. Understandably, when it does happen, it can turn a world upside down.
People choose counselling because they often have deep-rooted or complex issues which require many sessions of therapy; what ever they bring to the clinic, the starting point is always purpose. Without it, everything else is a difficult problem to be overcome, yet once established, the path ahead becomes much more positive and manageable. Purpose takes profound consideration, but once identified offers insight and action. A single change of reference can make a whole world of difference.
Sheep dogs have purpose, it’s what drives them. Kittens on the other hand are just cute and fluffy. As to which one you would rather be – choose wisely.
Say goodbye to passion, it’s a cliché – and will only let you down. Say hello to purpose for success, respect and self understanding.