Passion is that wonderful energy that lifts our soul. Passion is the best motivator. It is pure, natural personal development. Without passion, we are constantly searching for the thing that we are passionate about.
When you know what your passion is, everything feels magical.
During lockdowns, we all had to find our different styles of motivation. After the initial snacking frenzy, some of us used the time to find their hidden passions. While others enjoyed using the time to develop their existing passions.
Understanding how passion works can give us a deeper insight into ourselves. It can help us unleash special talents that we never knew existed.
We can then share that passion with the world and grow as a person.
A happy person.
So what is this feeling of passion all about and how can it affect us? Is passion something that can help us lead a happier life? Is it something that is easy to understand?
The Definition of Passion
Well, to understand what passion is, let’s look at the dictionary definition. According to Lexico.com, passion is a “strong and barely controllable emotion”. As the definition suggests, it is an incredibly strong emotion that can barely be contained. Using passion as a motivator in your life seems to be perfectly logical. There are many areas in our lives where we can relate to these feelings.
Sport and Passion
Supporting your football or rugby team and shouting in the stand, or at the television screen, might spring to mind. You might have thought it was a primal scream, and it is to an extent. But it is your passion bursting out!
The Environment and Passion
Or that feeling of connection you have with the environment and how you want to protect it from destruction. It is an urge to do anything to help and stop the problem.
Passion is the Best Motivator For Your Work
What about your job? Do you love it? Can you feel the passion building up inside of you when you think about it? If you do, your passion is your working reality.
The Dualistic Model of Passion
Passion is wonderful and can on occasion be a deciding factor between success and failure. It is important to note that there are two main types of passion that can affect us.
Dr Robert Vallerand was a Canadian researcher who first talked about the Dualistic Model of Passion. It is still as relevant today and can explain a lot of our seemingly strong actions and emotions.
He separated passion into two distinct areas – harmonious passion and obsessive passion.
Harmonious Passion
Harmonious passion is as the name suggests. There is no concern with this type of passion. Imagine you are a round pin and you come across a hole that has the exact same shape as you. You can slot yourself into the hole and it is a perfect match.
Dr Vallerand explains that harmonious passion exists when we do something that we adore. We enjoy it while we are doing it and feel great after we have completed it. There are also lots of other fantastic benefits:-
- We feel happier overall
- There is more engagement in what we do
- We can also concentrate on a higher level
Obsessive Passion
Obsessive passion is the kind of passion that is best to avoid. Obsessive passion is a desire that consumes you. It places all types of pressure on you to perform well.
You still love whatever it is but you are out of your depth. You have no sense of control and the thing that you are obsessing about, it controlling you.
Needless to say, there are not any benefits from this type of passion.
- You feel compelled to keep doing it
- Concentration levels drop
- Feelings of anxiety and depression in extreme cases
Passion is the Best Motivator in Your Life
Finding out what your passions are can help you live a happier and healthier life. Imagine living a life doing things that you are passionate about. You will feel more attuned with yourself and relaxed.
Whatever your passion is, use it is an internal drive to motivate yourself in your life!
Thanks for reading the blog post! It would be great to hear about your passions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
