The Nuances of Career Passion: Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets

In our contemporary world, the mantra to follow your passions, especially in your professional life, resounds continuously. The concept of discovering what you're passionate about and shaping your career around it is ubiquitous. It's advice we've heard from triumphant individuals, absorbed in graduation speeches, and encountered in the media. Yet, what if the pursuit of passion isn't as straightforward as it seems? In this thorough exploration, we'll delve into the intricacies of basing your career decisions on your passions, drawing insights from recent research and psychological theories.

Defining Passion: Before delving into this subject, let's start by defining passion. Passion isn't merely an interest; it's a profound connection, a driving force that leads to motivation and a deep sense of fulfilment (Chen et al., 2020; Vallerand et al., 2003). While pursuing your passion can be incredibly rewarding, it's vital to understand that the intensity of one's passion may not always remain stable or high (Meece et al., 1990; Pokay and Blumenfeld, 1990; Wolters, 1998).

The Fixed Theory vs. The Growth Theory: One of the fundamental determinants of how passion influences our careers is our mindset, particularly our beliefs about whether passion is fixed or can be developed (Chen et al., 2015).

A common misconception is the notion that passions are fixed, fully formed entities waiting to be discovered. This belief suggests that your job is merely to look around the world until you stumble upon your passion, and once you find it, everything will fall seamlessly into place. It's a beguiling idea, akin to love at first sight, where you anticipate an immediate and enduring connection.

However, research paints a different picture. Passions, much like many other facets of life, don't always remain static; they have the potential to ebb and flow, intensify and diminish, and even transform over time. Just as relationships evolve, so do our passions. This fluidity challenges the notion that you can simply "find" your passion and expect it to provide unwavering motivation throughout your career.

The belief in fixed passions can be problematic when your interests shift or when you encounter difficulties in your chosen field. If you subscribe to the idea of a fixed passion, it becomes easier to give up when the going gets tough. You might assume that the challenges you face are signs that you haven't found your true passion, leading to disillusionment and a constant quest for the elusive perfect fit.

In contrast to the fixed theory, the growth theory of passion suggests that passions can be developed and cultivated over time. This mind-set recognises that passion is not a static entity waiting to be uncovered but a dynamic force that can evolve through investment and development. In essence, you don't follow your passion; you develop it.

Now, let's delve into the possible pros and cons associated with both mind-sets:

The Fixed Theory: Pros:

1.     Immediate Motivation: A fixed theory leads individuals to believe that their passion will provide endless motivation, making it highly motivating in the short term (Chen et al., 2015).

2.     Clarity in Direction: Those with a fixed theory may feel that they have a clear sense of what they're passionate about.

3.     No Fear of Losing Interest: It can create the belief that pursuing a passion won't be difficult, reducing the fear of losing interest (Chen et al., 2015).

Cons:

1.     Risk of Giving Up: Fixed theory can lead individuals to give up too easily when they encounter difficulties, as they might question whether it was their true passion (Meece et al., 1990).

2.     Limited Exploration: It might limit exploration of new areas, preventing individuals from discovering potential strong interests (Chen et al., 2015).

3.     Intimidation: The idea of finding a "true" passion can be intimidating, deterring people from exploring further (Walton et al., 2017).

The Growth Theory: Pros:

1.     Long-term Commitment: A growth theory encourages individuals to invest time and effort in developing their passions over time (Walton et al., 2017).

2.     Open-Mindedness: It promotes open-mindedness and the exploration of diverse interests (Walton et al., 2017).

3.     Resilience: Those with a growth theory tend to persist and maintain interest even when challenges arise (Chen et al., 2015).

Cons:

1.     Initial Uncertainty: People with a growth theory may face initial uncertainty about their passions, which can be unsettling (Chen et al., 2015).

2.     Less Immediate Motivation: It may not provide the same level of immediate motivation as the fixed theory (Chen et al., 2015).

While the pros and cons of each mind-set offer valuable insights, the reality often lies in balancing passion and practicality. In listing these pros and cons, I do not intend to suggest that they are equal. I firmly believe that a growth mind-set towards passion serves individuals better in numerous ways. However, it's important to acknowledge that it can be a counter-cultural mind-set to adopt, making it challenging for many. Here are some key takeaways to help navigate this intricate terrain:

1. Follow Your Curiosity: Instead of fixating on a single passion, consider following your curiosity into areas where you believe you'll learn the most. Passion can develop over time (Walton et al., 2017). This perspective encourages you to explore various interests and subjects that intrigue you. It involves staying open to new possibilities and allowing your passions to develop naturally as you engage with different areas.

Following your curiosity can be advantageous, especially when advances require interdisciplinary knowledge. Many breakthroughs occur at the intersection of diverse fields, and having a broad range of interests can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. Moreover, when you set your sights solely on a single passion, you may develop tunnel vision, narrowing your focus to the exclusion of other interests. Following your curiosity helps you remain open-minded and prevents you from missing out on potential areas of passion.

2. Develop Your Passion: Consider the idea of developing your passion, not just following it (Duckworth, 2019). The notion of developing your passion suggests that, instead of passively waiting to discover it, you actively invest in your interests. Developing your passion requires motivated investment in your chosen field. This investment can lead to a deep sense of commitment and intrinsic motivation, driving you to excel and persevere even when faced with challenges.

3. Use Effective Strategies: If you believe that passion can be developed, you're more likely to employ strategies to cultivate it during challenging times (Burnette et al., 2013). This involves recognizing the personal and societal relevance of a subject, building familiarity with it, gaining practical experience, seeking mentors, focusing on aspects you naturally enjoy, and striving for excellence (Chen et al., 2015).

The pursuit of passion in your career is a noble endeavour, but it's essential to dispel the myth that passions are fixed and unchanging. Instead, embrace the idea that passions can evolve, grow, and develop over time. By following your curiosity, actively investing in your interests, and employing effective strategies, you can navigate the ever-changing landscape of your passions and build a fulfilling and dynamic career.

Good Luck

Lee