Passion
Passion plays a crucial role in driving our energy, motivation, and sense of purpose, which are essential to both our personal wellbeing and workplace satisfaction but did you know not all forms of passion are made equal in terms of their impact on our wellbeing? Harmonious passion, where we feel in control of our pursuits and derive joy from them, can significantly enhance wellbeing. This balanced form of passion allows us to immerse ourselves in projects and tasks while maintaining clear healthy boundaries.
Obsessive passion on the other hand, arises when we feel driven by external pressures or rewards, leading us to become overly absorbed in an activity without balance. This type of passion can result in burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction, as people feel compelled to engage even when it negatively affects other areas of their life. We can all support others to adopt a more harmonious approach to passion by encouraging autonomy, offering opportunities for growth, and providing meaningful challenges that can transform work experience and overall wellbeing. By creating environments where passion can flourish, we create a healthier environment benefiting us all. As an individual, it is important to keep check on activities you’re passionate about to ensure balance and avoid burnout.
This table highlights the key differences between Obsessive Passion (OP) and Harmonious Passion (HP), showing how they distinctly affect wellbeing, both mentally and physical.
The table below outlines the key differences between Obsessive Passion (OP) and Harmonious Passion (HP) and their impact on well-being:
Aspect |
Obsessive Passion (OP) |
Harmonious Passion (HP) |
|
Definition |
A passion where the individual feels compelled to engage in an activity, often driven by external pressures or a need for validation. |
A passion where the individual freely engages in an activity they love, balancing it with other life areas. |
|
Motivation |
Driven by external rewards (e.g., approval, status) or internal pressure to prove oneself. |
Driven by intrinsic motivation and genuine enjoyment of the activity. |
|
Control over Activity |
The activity controls the person, leading to an inability to disengage. |
The person controls their engagement, allowing for flexibility and balance. |
|
Emotional Impact |
Can lead to negative emotions like frustration, guilt, anxiety, and stress when the activity doesn't go well or is interrupted. |
Associated with positive emotions such as joy, satisfaction, and fulfilment during and after the activity. |
|
Impact on Relationships |
Can cause strain on relationships, as the person may neglect other areas of life. |
Supports healthy relationships, allowing time for other pursuits and social connections. |
|
Impact on Work-Life Balance |
Creates imbalance, often resulting in neglect of personal wellbeing or other life domains (e.g., family, hobbies). |
Promotes balance, enabling the person to pursue multiple interests and maintain personal wellbeing. |
|
Long-term Wellbeing |
Often associated with burnout, stress, and lower psychological well-being due to overcommitment and pressure. |
Linked to greater life satisfaction, resilience, and well-being due to a healthy, sustainable engagement with the passion. |
|
Resilience to Stress |
Lower resilience to stress, as the passion can become a source of additional pressure. |
Higher resilience to stress, as the passion provides a source of positive emotion and coping resources. |
|
Effect on Performance |
Performance may suffer due to overexertion, rigid persistence, and emotional burnout. |
Leads to improved performance through balanced, deliberate practice and flexible persistence. |
|
Physical Health |
Can contribute to physical health issues, including fatigue, injury (if related to physical activity), and stress-related problems. |
Associated with better physical health, vitality, and energy, as engagement is sustainable and energising. |