I have seen many people with very big ambitions and very few people with a true passion for what they do. While I don’t have anything against being ambitious, it just doesn’t sit right with me that there is such a thing as ambition without passion. It’s not about criticizing those with grand aspirations—far from it. It’s more like a puzzle, a puzzle about why so many people aim high without having a genuine passion fueling their ambitions.
Think about this: If you ask someone what they want to do with their life, most people either don’t know or they just give you a job title. It’s as if life is reduced to a mere label. In the hustle and bustle of life, many forget to explore the depths of their passions.
A straightforward perspective on ambition and passion can be summed up as follows: Ambitious individuals are often likened to dictators, politicians, and bankers, whereas passionate individuals are more akin to scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs [The professions mention are just for the purpose of illustration, and does not necessarily reflect the complex and nuanced reality of individuals and their motivations in real life]. The key distinction lies in their focus – ambition tends to revolve around securing a larger piece of the existing pie, while passion is centered on expanding the pie itself.
Why do so many wander through this cosmic voyage without ever listening to the melodies of their own souls? Fear, perhaps. The weight of societal expectations. In any circumstance, if you choose not to pursue your inspirations, the loss extends beyond just your own potential for a rich and meaningful life. The world misses out on the unique contributions that only you can offer.
A somewhat cynical interpretation of passion could be described as “an endeavor you’ve invested significant effort into, where you’ve achieved a reasonable level of proficiency, and now find yourself irrationally committed to.” If that’s acceptable to you, then “finding your passion” becomes relatively simple. If I were to break it down into a step by step process it would look like this:
Identify someone or something that inspires you.
Engage in that activity or field to gain firsthand experience.
Invest sufficient effort to acquire a reasonable level of proficiency and understand what greatness entails.
Evaluate whether you are genuinely interested in pursuing it further.
If yes, continue to nurture your passion; if not, repeat the process with a new source of inspiration.
Indeed, passion is often not an intense, immediate flame but rather a spark or ember that requires careful nurturing to develop into a roaring fire of enthusiasm and dedication. It’s a gradual process that demands both cultivation and unwavering commitment, at times even requiring a leap of faith. If you’re fortunate to encounter individuals with such a fervent flame burning within them, it can be an incredibly inspiring and uplifting experience.
It’s essential to keep in mind that progress, in any form, doesn’t happen on its own. Without active maintenance and continuous effort, progress can deteriorate rapidly. Many of the things we often take for granted in a stable society, including government services and affordable essentials like electricity, running water, medicine, communication, and transportation, are not magically present but are the result of deliberate human efforts and advancements. I hope that, wherever you are, you’re among those who actively contribute to pushing and expanding the boundaries of progress, even if it’s in your own corner of the world. Above all, allow your passion to guide your ambitions.