80% of People Don't Have a Single Passion
Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans argue that telling people to 'follow your passion' is bad advice, as most people don't have a singular identifiable passion, and instead suggest starting with curiosity and running small experiments
Two Stanford professors, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, have explained why telling people to 'follow your passion' is a bad idea. According to them, this advice can lead to confusion and self-doubt for most people, as they don't have a single passion to follow.
The professors cite research by Bill Damon, which shows that less than 20% of people have a singular identifiable passion. This means that the majority of people are left feeling uncertain and unsure about their career paths. Bill Burnett noted that advising people to follow their passion can leave most people feeling 'I don't know what's wrong with me'.
Burnett and Evans suggest an alternative approach to career uncertainty. Instead of trying to find a single passion, they recommend starting with curiosity and running small experiments. This approach allows individuals to explore different interests and find what works best for them.
The professors' comments were made during a live recording of the 'Prof G Podcast' with Scott Galloway, which was released on a Thursday. Burnett and Evans are authors of the book 'Designing Your Life', which offers practical advice on designing a fulfilling career.
The idea that 'follow your passion' is bad advice may come as a surprise to many, as it has become a common piece of career advice. However, Burnett and Evans argue that it can be damaging for people who don't have a clear passion. By starting with curiosity and experimentation, individuals can take a more proactive and exploratory approach to their careers.
## Why it matters The advice to 'follow your passion' can have significant consequences for individuals who are trying to navigate their career paths. For those who don't have a singular passion, this advice can lead to feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and uncertainty. By recognizing that most people don't have a single passion, and by offering alternative approaches, Burnett and Evans' comments can help individuals take a more realistic and effective approach to their careers.
