The difference between Passion, Purpose, and Meaning
In a recent article, I discussed the difference between Passion, Skill, and Talent. Although different in definition, there’s a symbiotic relationship between them which is necessary to understand if you want to optimize your potential. For example, you might have a natural talent for playing the piano (I certainly don’t). However, if you want to reach your potential as a piano player you still need to practice your skill, and you’re not going to invest the time and energy unless you have the passion.
When people talk about happiness or fulfillment in life, they tend to interchange the words passion, purpose, and meaning. Are you looking for your life’s purpose? Or passion? Or meaning? Are they the same thing? Hint: they’re not.
To some this is semantics, but I think it’s beneficial to understand in the context of your life.
Passion is a desire or strong emotion towards something. You can like something and not be passionate about it…like tea, or soup, or Lady Gaga. Passion notches up your like to 11. You shouldn’t have to search for your passion. It’s the thing that you think about all the time. Unfortunately, we often dismiss our passions as “not realistic,” or “silly.” I’m sorry, but screw that…if you’re passionate about something embrace it (not literally, if it’s Lady Gaga). I’m not saying you should quit your job to pursue a new career but love what you love and make time for it in your life. In my experience, passions tend to change and evolve. They can be short-lived or stay with us our entire life. Either way, it is the thing that you are interested in at this moment.
Meaning is the value or significance that you place on something. You can’t place significance on something that hasn’t happened. Well you can, but studies prove you won’t be accurate in your prediction. Therefore, meaning is the value or significance of your life’s experiences, your personal history. When we say we are looking for meaning in life, we are trying to make sense of the things that have happened. Who we are today, and our passions, are defined by the narrative we tell ourselves about our past. On a side note, individuals who have redemptive (positive) narratives tend to live more meaningful lives. Your narrative is not defined by the actual events, but your interpretation of the story.
Purpose is an objective. It is something we are striving for; a goal or target to be reached. It is something that has not happened yet. When people are searching for something in life, it’s usually purpose. Purpose can be tied directly to meaning, because most people’s goal is to live a life that has meaning and significance. Purpose identifies a future goal.
Meaning, passion, and purpose can be explained by their timeframe:
Meaning = the past
Passion = the present
Purpose = the future
Meaning helps us make sense of the past, passion inspires us today, and purpose motivates us to live bigger, better, and more meaningful lives.
I’ll leave you with this…you already have everything you need for your personal meaning, passion, and purpose. You don’t need to quit your job, get divorced, or live in a van. Your purpose is available to you, regardless of your current situation, right where you are.
