This nails the difference between fleeting desire and deep, sustainable passion. So many people chase what feels good in the moment, only to find themselves restless and unfulfilled. Passion, on the other hand, isn’t about quick wins—it’s about resilience, mastery, and long-term purpose.
The part about self-awareness shaping what we allow ourselves to want is so important, because if you don’t believe you deserve something, you won’t even let yourself want it. The real work isn’t just about setting goals - it’s about expanding what you think is possible for yourself.
Desire sparks the fire, but passion keeps it burning. And when you balance both that’s where real success happens.
This is an incredibly well-articulated exploration of the nuanced relationship between desire and passion. I particularly appreciate your distinction between the fleeting nature of desire and the sustaining force of passion. Too often, people chase desires that provide momentary satisfaction, mistaking them for a deeper calling—only to find themselves unfulfilled in the long run.
Your insight about self-awareness shaping our desires really resonated. It reminds me of the concept of identity-based motivation—how our self-perception influences not just what we strive for, but what we allow ourselves to believe is possible. When we shift from what do I want? to who am I becoming?, we naturally refine our desires into something more purposeful.
Additionally, your emphasis on passion requiring perseverance struck a chord. Passion is often romanticized as an effortless pursuit, but as you pointed out, it demands resilience. As Joseph Campbell noted, “Passion will move men beyond themselves, beyond their shortcomings, beyond their failures.” True fulfillment comes from this long-term commitment, not from merely chasing the next enticing desire.
Thank you for this thought-provoking piece—it's a great reminder that while desire sparks action, passion sustains the journey. Looking forward to more of your insights!
I think that is so important .
This nails the difference between fleeting desire and deep, sustainable passion. So many people chase what feels good in the moment, only to find themselves restless and unfulfilled. Passion, on the other hand, isn’t about quick wins—it’s about resilience, mastery, and long-term purpose.
The part about self-awareness shaping what we allow ourselves to want is so important, because if you don’t believe you deserve something, you won’t even let yourself want it. The real work isn’t just about setting goals - it’s about expanding what you think is possible for yourself.
Desire sparks the fire, but passion keeps it burning. And when you balance both that’s where real success happens.
Hi Margaret. Wow, and Thank you.
This is an incredibly well-articulated exploration of the nuanced relationship between desire and passion. I particularly appreciate your distinction between the fleeting nature of desire and the sustaining force of passion. Too often, people chase desires that provide momentary satisfaction, mistaking them for a deeper calling—only to find themselves unfulfilled in the long run.
Your insight about self-awareness shaping our desires really resonated. It reminds me of the concept of identity-based motivation—how our self-perception influences not just what we strive for, but what we allow ourselves to believe is possible. When we shift from what do I want? to who am I becoming?, we naturally refine our desires into something more purposeful.
Additionally, your emphasis on passion requiring perseverance struck a chord. Passion is often romanticized as an effortless pursuit, but as you pointed out, it demands resilience. As Joseph Campbell noted, “Passion will move men beyond themselves, beyond their shortcomings, beyond their failures.” True fulfillment comes from this long-term commitment, not from merely chasing the next enticing desire.
Thank you for this thought-provoking piece—it's a great reminder that while desire sparks action, passion sustains the journey. Looking forward to more of your insights!
@matt DiGeronimo, wow, thank you for the kind words. They mean a lot!