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Passion vs. Purpose

Writer's picture: Marty OsbornMarty Osborn

Updated: Nov 9, 2022

The words passion and purpose are often used interchangeably. It might surprise you to learn that purpose and passion are two distinctly different things. And one is significantly more effective for driving performance than the other.


Let’s start with definitions. Passion is when you feel excited about your work. It’s about the emotion behind what motivates us. Purpose is when you believe your work is contributing to others or something bigger. It’s about why we do that something that drives us.


Purpose will always beat passion. Here’s why - passion is personal, it’s about you, and what excites and pleases you. Purpose is the impact you have on others, and it’s more likely to be shared amongst teams.


I thought Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”


When we focus our attention on others and not ourselves, we not only feel a sense of purpose, but it will drive our passion.


And when we put these two words together there is no telling how far it will propel us.


Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.


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