Passion. The meaning behind it.
Passion. Passion, is possibly one of humans greatest assets when trying to accomplish such remarkable feats in a lifetime. It's the driving force that sees humans conquer at tremendous scales. Through history we've see this happen on countless occasions, whether it be in sport, politics, war or businesses. Passion is that special ingredient that separates the 1%. However, if not treated carefully, passion can create severe sacrifices. Loss of family time. Less experience with friends. Loss of appreciation for employees. Losing the fundamental aspect of enjoyment in what you're setting out to achieve. Here I take my opinion on the subject.
It's interesting, as I would be the first to admit that during my career as an athlete, I've allowed passion to completely consume me, both physically and mentally. Wanting to be the very best. Wanting not to slip up in any direction. Wanting to be the greatest of all time. Often, the hardest times aren't the times when I'm out there pounding the streets late at night. Pushing myself to new boundaries, feeling the sweat on my brow, making sure I squeeze every ounce out of myself. No. The hardest part of being so passionate about something is the down time. The recovery time. When all you can do is sit. Analyse, reflect and wait to go again. Passion is an ingredient that can swallow you whole. Some would call this obsessive passion.
So here's my take on separating the two types.
Joyful Passion
Joyful passion, is a term I've heard many times in different readings. In essence this passion is self worth. It's a self satisfactory feeling. A feeling of contentment in your journey. You want to pursue a passion for the joys of it. The benefits it brings, if it may be through achieving personal bests, learning a new topic, meeting new friends, or reaching new promotions in your desired job. This path, is the most healthy of passions, a combination of enjoying the process whilst not forgetting the environment around you, the people around you. Sharing your love, sharing your passion with those most close to you. In my early years of athletics, I was driven by this concept of wanting to better myself and others around me. The passion for me was to create a drive, create a better version of myself, and through that rigorous process came countless personal bests (22 consecutive personal bests in one season) in my athletics, English schools XC finals, building great relationships with peers and coaches and a sense of, self respect. Knowing this sport is opening myself up to new experiences that I may wouldn't have had, if I didn't pursue it. It feels like a domino effect. You're happy. Content. You feel you've made the right decision.You continue to prove consistency and love in what you do, and the results just keep flooding in. You don't take it to seriously. Have a bad day? Have a bad session? No worries, you quickly accept not everyday is going to be great. You reflect on the positive of the session. And move on. Thats it. No obsessive thinking, no analysing every angle. What went wrong? Why did I feel so bad? Just an 'Okay, we're done here. Move on.' Walk away, and smile. Knowing tomorrow is a new day with fresh challenges.
Obsessive Passion
Obsessive Passion, its a real one. It's a passion that quietly consumes you like a dark shadow. Not realising whats happening. Its a passion where you find, imbalances. You lose sight of your principles in what you're trying to achieve. Constant questions. Constant negative thoughts. Doubting yourself. Doubting your abilities. I felt it. I've had it. I feel we most have at some point. For me, going to workouts went from a joyful experience, smiles all around, to a frowned look. Seriousness. Tense shoulders. Reminding yourself, 'Gotta hit the split Trigwell. Otherwise you'll be kicking yourself later'. Literally, setting yourself up to fail. Rather than going into the workout open minded. You're close minded. What if the workout doesn't go the way you want it to? The questions, the negativity, the doubt, become ever so louder. Regardless of the outcome of the session good or bad, you're still questioning your ability. So, it begs the question. Is this type of passion healthy? No. It's too much. All you care about is external results. You've forgotten the enjoyment factor, the benefits the domain brings to your life. The friendships, reaching new heights, everything you started the sport for doesn't cross your mind. You've become a perfectionist in your pursue for greatness, and any minor mishap in your plan turns on you instantly. All you want is to be number one.
Concluding thoughts
So, how are you feeling? Maybe for some of you, you can relate to joyful passion. You're enjoying every step this passion brings you. You can oversee the many benefits it brings to your life. You can see how it's creating a better version of yourself. You're content on the path you're on. However, maybe some of you reading this, are relating more to obsessive passion. If you are. I'd suggest you take a moment. Pause. Write down why you began this passion in the first place. What it brings to the table, for yourself, and others around you. If you feel you're calculating every part of this passion. Analysing every small detail. Then maybe you need to rethink the purpose of what you're pursuing. I have. Many times. Asked myself why I keep pushing my body to its absolute limit. Run when I'm fatigued and sore. Pushing those last reps under the lights, with no one watching, just the constant battles with your mind and body. I get it. It's tough. No one else can enter your thought patterns, when you don't feel good enough. So stop. Reflect. Remind yourself of why you started this. Remind yourself of the great experiences whatever it is has given you. Take away the chip on your shoulder, and embrace the love & benefits your passion is giving you in your pursuit for greatness.
