Passion’s Limitations
July 19, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
I was doing an interview with the Chicago Tribune last week about the role passion plays in entrepreneurship when the journalist sprung a question on me that caught me offguard.
Does passion have its limitations?
The question made me realize that I had focused on what passion can do for you, not how it could work against you. I decided to put in some thought in the question and came up with two solid ways passion can work against you.
1) When you are so passionate that you will give everything you have to an idea, both physically and financially, even though the idea is a deadbeat.
2) When you are so passionate that you act unethically to realize your goals.
So how do we avoid these valleys and find our peaks?
The answer to number one is to seek feedback. Matt Flannery, the CEO and co-founder of Kiva.org, told me that the best way to test an idea (or a passion) without pouring money, time, and effort into it is to seek feedback from people. Once that feedback is received, whether positive or negative, the seriousness you have for the idea will either strengthen or fade.
It is better to know early on in the process whether an idea (or career) is right for you so you don’t make the financial investment only to find that resources like time and money were wasted.
My answer to number two is that passion can drive people over the edge sometimes, but integrity is the only thing you can control. Passion can only be limiting if you allow it to be.
What are some other limitations? Or thoughts?
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THERE ARE 4 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Steve Says:
July 19th, 2007
That is a great thought. Passion without balance… I was watching “The Next Great Inventor” last night. There were some very passionate people about their inventions that were a few bricks short of a load. The same is true of some of the early contestants on the “American Idol.”
Kelly G Says:
July 21st, 2007
I believe one’s mind can limit their dreams.
Bart Says:
July 22nd, 2007
I think the best way to ensure you act ethically while you pursue your dream is to confer with a mentor periodically. It has to be someone you trust with the most confidential details of your business and someone who won’t be concerned about hurting your feelings if you do go over the line. Passion (like love) can be blind, a good mentor (or optometrist) is invaluable.
Pursue the Passion: The Journey » Blog Archive » Don’t be afraid of Crenshaw Boulevard Says:
July 24th, 2007
[…] recently posted about the limitations of passion, was even quoted yesterday in the Chicago Tribune about passion’s limitations; but having a […]
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