Don’t Confuse a Whim as Passion
“Be addicted to your passions, not your distractions.”
- Unknown
During our lifetime, we often find ourselves wearing multiple masks. Each mask represents a different role we play, each passion we claim to pursue. But what happens when the line between genuine passion and whimsical fancy becomes blurred? The allure of new interests can seduce us into believing they are our true calling. This mistake can lead to a chaotic turn of fleeting enthusiasm, leaving us exhausted and unfulfilled. I have witnessed this trend more and more, so I thought I would write about the struggle between passions and whims in the hope of highlighting the divide between the two and refocusing our attention on authentic pursuits.
Whims: The Enigmatic Sirens of Distraction
Whims are like the sirens of Greek mythology —beautiful yet deadly. They call with promises of excitement and adventure, pulling us away from our established paths. Picture this: you stumble upon an online pottery class, and suddenly, you envision yourself as a master potter, shaping clay under soft, gentle lights. Your heart races at the thought! But before you know it, you're three classes in; you've purchased your own potter's wheel, all the tools that master potters have, and enough clay to make 300 pots. Then, your enthusiasm wanes because creating beautiful pottery is challenging and requires a significant amount of time and practice. After a while, that beautiful dream shatters like one of your pots hitting the floor. As you look at the pieces, your first thought isn’t about getting back to work; it goes right to how much time and money you have wasted.
Characteristics of Whims
· Flash-in-the-Pan Nature: Whims are fleeting; they burn like a bonfire, but like a bonfire, they only burn hot for a short time before turning into ash.
· Lack of Depth: Unlike genuine passions that require time and dedication to cultivate, whims often lack substance. They look easy from the outside, but like the graceful swan gliding effortlessly across the pond, while underneath it is paddling as if the devil was chasing it.
· Distraction from Goals: They divert attention from long-term aspirations, leading to a scattered approach to life. Passions take time, effort, and money. And most never pay off. While you chase this “butterfly,” throwing your resources at the distraction, you stray from the path you were meant to travel.
Passions: The Flames That Light Our Path
In contrast to whims stand our passions, the flames that light our path even in the darkest nights. Passion is not merely an interest; it is a profound commitment that demands time, effort, and sacrifice. When you discover your passion, it becomes an integral part of your identity—a driving force that propels you forward, even in the face of challenges. I have found that this force chooses you more than you deciding for yourself. The reason is that you will have to be insane to take this path. Why is that? Because from the outside, it looks impossible. When I told Nate Low I was going to win a Super Bowl when I was 10 years old, that was impossible. But 40 years later, I did it. It had such a strong gravitational pull that I only said what I genuinely believed to be true. I didn’t care about the obstacles in my way. I didn’t care that it would take most of my professional life to get there. All I knew was that I would reach the top of the mountain.
Characteristics of Passions
· Resilience: True passions endure trials; they withstand the winds of adversity without faltering. Those who quit learn the hard lesson that this was not their passion after all.
· Long-Term Commitment: Passion is characterized by unwavering dedication; it remains unchanged by the next shiny object that crosses your path.
· Deep Fulfillment: Engaging in passionate pursuits brings profound satisfaction that transcends the temporary lows. When your work becomes a string of Get To’s rather than a list of Got To’s, it will tell you that you are on the right path.
The Cost of Mistaking Whims for Passions
The dangerous dance between whim and passion can have dire consequences. The things we hold in the highest regard When we mistakenly believe a whim to be our passion, we take a wrong turn on our path. Choosing the bright, shiny object is easy; it’s there, it looks lucrative, and there is more notoriety associated with the position. But after you get through the “fun part,” you are left with the hard work, the expenses of chasing this glimmer that brings no satisfaction because it isn’t easy, it is costing you your time and money, and you constantly have to try to remember why you decided to make the detour.
Paying the Price
· Wasted Time and Resources: Investing time and money into pursuits that do not resonate with our true selves leads to feelings of regret.
· Frustration and Burnout: Jumping from one whim to another creates emotional exhaustion, leaving no room for real growth or achievement.
· Identity Crisis: A constant state of shifting interests can erode one’s sense of self-worth and purpose. Because you are jumping from one “great idea” to the next, you will never become proficient in anything. Instead, you will always be looking for the next big idea.
How to Differentiate Between Whims and Passions
The key lies in thoroughly understanding who you are, what your talents allow you to do, and where you eventually want to be. The line between whimsy and genuine zeal lies totally in your commitment. If you count your work hours, consider your accrued vacation, worry that you're doing more work than others, or even if you're getting paid enough, you're not chasing your passion. When you are on your path, you will focus solely on accomplishing the work necessary to accomplish each of your goals along the way to achieving your dream. If it isn’t your passion, you will do nothing but grieve about how much time and money this is costing you. With a whim, you are looking for a big payoff quickly; with a passion, you KNOW you will end up where you have planned, and nothing will stop you.
Know the Difference
· Duration: Has this interest persisted over time? Or does it flicker out after a brief encounter?
· Investment: Are you willing to devote hours honing your skills or learning more about this pursuit?
· Emotional Response: Does engaging with this interest bring you joy or serve as a distraction from a past decision you made?
Steps to Discovering Your True Passion
As you stand at the crossroads between a fleeting fancy and your passion, take a moment to consider if you have the skills to finish this race. Will you be able to accelerate your learning? Are you willing to work with others who have more know-how? Are you willing to take small steps along this alternative path as you continue on your current path? If you take small bites at possible paths, you won’t be invested in your decision and will be able to cut and move on if this turns out to be a whim.
Understanding Your Path
· Reflect Deeply: Set aside time to explore and understand your true self. Identify the activities that make you lose track of time.
· Experiment Fearlessly: Allow yourself to try new things without judgment but remain open to how these experiences resonate with your core values.
· Seek Feedback: Talk to friends or mentors who know you well; their perspectives can help clarify whether an interest aligns with your true self.
Whims vs Passion
Finding your true path requires clarity between whims that distract us and passions that fulfill us. By recognizing the characteristics that distinguish fleeting interests from steadfast commitments, we arm ourselves against the seductive grip of confusion. Embrace introspection as your guide, allowing genuine passions to flourish while gently setting aside those enticing whims that lead only to chaos. Ultimately, understanding the difference empowers us not only to pursue our interests but also to pursue true passions that enrich our lives profoundly. Take a moment today to reflect on what truly ignites your spirit, and let your passions illuminate your path forward!
Have an amazing week!
