13 Nov Passion and happiness aren’t things to be “found”, but to be developed
People often talk and write about “finding” happiness and finding your passions.
But a good life isn’t something you find … around the corner or behind the couch or anywhere for that matter.
Happiness and passion, like health and success are things we must create and develop and work at each and every day…
via Science News by Melissa de Witte
While “find your passion” is well-intended advice, it might not be good advice.
In fact, the adage so commonly advised by graduation speakers might undermine how interests actually develop, according to Stanford researchers in an upcoming paper for Psychological Science.
In a series of laboratory studies, former postdoctoral fellow Paul O’Keefe, along with Stanford psychologists Carol Dweck and Gregory Walton, examined beliefs that may lead people to succeed or fail at developing their interests.
Mantras like “find your passion” carry hidden implications, the researchers say. They imply that once an interest resonates, pursuing it will be easy. But, the research found that when people encounter inevitable challenges, that mindset makes it more likely people will surrender their newfound interest.
And the idea that passions are found fully formed implies that the number of interests a person has is limited. That can cause people to narrow their focus and neglect other areas…
…keep reading the full & original article HERE