Should You Stop Following Your Passion?

Have you noticed growing up that almost everyone’s career advice was: Follow your passion.

I’m sure you have.

In fact, I’ve actually been given that advice countless of times. Find and do what you love. It’s the only way. 

But what if I were to tell you that it’s all a mirage.

The advice sounds good. 

It feels good.

The thing is it actually practiced by the people who say it?

Sometimes we say things that don’t line up with what we actually do in the real world.

Sometimes our passion is something we just fell into.

It’s usually not always something you grow up thinking you love.

In other words, the foundation of a successful career doesn’t necessarily come from just saying and picking something you like. 

There’s more to it.

So where does it come from?

The argument is does passion come before we even start our work or does it come after?

The author Cal Newport points out that it may be the inverse of the cliché. The more you do something…the more likely you are to see it as your passion. 

Contrary to picking something you think you love. Can it be true that you first just pick something, put in years of work, get good at it, acquire high levels of skill, and be then passionate about your work? Get so good at your work in which your competence becomes your confidence. 

The main point is to go after skills not passion. 

That comes from knowing your strengths. 

Be careful though, not many people know their true strengths. It's not enough for you to think you're good at something.

The key is if others see you add value.

Do you think skills trump passion in the quest for work you love?  

My name is Romario Villanueva.  Entrepreneur & blogger. I'm a graduate from Rutgers University with several certifications from top schools through Coursera. I love all things business, psychology, and basketball. Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter or LinkedIn