Passion at Work: Who Needs it?

So do you really need Passion, that “extreme, compelling emotion” (Webster’s) in your work? A popular non-conforming-type author says hard work and excellence are the true keys to success. He says to set your passion aside and just get really good at what you do. Interesting… I hold that the opposite is true: that passion plays a strong role in getting good. Extensive research by author Marcus Buckingham shows that people excel at what they like or even love to do. Furthermore, key factors for increased levels of productivity and profitability are tied to employees’ ability to do work they love. Hard work alone without some degree of drive (read passion) does not mean assured success. What do you think?

Here’s a good reason to keep pursuing your passions: good health. Drs. Newberg and Waldman, both neuroscientists and authors of Born to Believe, say “the brain is very happy when you’re focused on what you love. The more you focus on what you truly love and desire, the volume gets turned down in those parts of the limbic system where the destructive emotions of fear, anger, depression, and anxiety are controlled. This allows you to think more clearly.”
They go on to say, “You also turn up the volume in other parts of the limbic system that generate positive emotions. When this happens, you get a release of dopamine, endorphins, and a variety of stress-reducing hormones and neurotransmitters. The more you focus on what you truly love, the healthier you are likely to be, and the more you will feel the positive effects of those stress-reducing neurochemicals in your body and mind.”

Passion in our work means happiness, clear thinking, less stress, and good health. I’ll continue defining mine and working toward incorporating them into my work life. How about you?
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