It’s been said that passion drives change. I don’t agree. I think passion can be a catalyst or an adrenaline rush, but it is not the driver of change. Passion, on its own, falters quickly. It is not meant for the long-term, and the long-term is what is in question when it comes to systemic change.
passion
Work is not a Four-Letter Word
Work and a job are two different things. A job isn’t necessarily pleasant. At best, it pays the bills, but it has no meaning beyond the paycheck. At worst, it crushes and stifles the spirit. Work sometimes isn’t pleasant, either, but it has a perpetual joy to it. It is not the four-letter word some make it. Work is not to be dreaded; it should be something one enjoys doing. It should provide direction and engender passion.
Passion, People, Projects, and the Pursuit of Excellence
I’ve had the opportunity to converse with a couple of people about whether people or projects are more important. I’ve chatted with Kaarina Dillabough who says people are more important. I’ve had several interesting conversations with CJ Chilvers (Subscribe to his e-letter. It’s filled with wonderful words and links to interesting articles.). He, too, says that people are more important. He goes a step further than Kaarina or I have; he counters books like Turning Pro and films such as Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Both the film and the book are about pursuing one’s passion. Both the film and the book neglect the cost associated with pursuing one’s passion first and foremost: the people. Jiro’s family didn’t even recognize him; Pressfield’s became alienated from him.
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Finding Joy; Creating Value
I’ve been obsessed with two ideas for the past few weeks: finding joy and creating value. I think they’re two sides of the same coin. What causes me joy should create value, if only in the joy I foster in my audience. Similarly, what brings value to my audience should have some value, some joy, to or for me.