Exploring the Difference Between Passion and Purpose

When I started my blog, Living Marvelously, my goal was to use my newfound time as an empty nester doing something that made me happy and fulfilled. And while I was doing that, I wanted to help other women in midlife do the same. I thought that was my purpose. I have used the words passion and purpose interchangeably for five years. Last week, someone challenged me, so I started researching to discover the difference between passion and purpose.

Definitions of Passion and Purpose

Oxford Dictionary defines purpose as the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. It defines passion as a strong and barely controllable emotion.

I also asked ChatGPT, and this was what AI said.

Purpose refers to the reason or the overarching goal behind one’s actions, choices, and existence. The sense of direction and meaning drives a person’s life. Purpose is about understanding the “why” behind what you do and clearly understanding your values, principles, and long-term objectives. It often involves a deep sense of fulfillment and a feeling of contributing to something greater than oneself. Discovering one’s purpose can lead to a more meaningful and satisfying life.
Conversely, passion refers to intense enthusiasm, interest, or a strong emotional connection to a particular activity, cause, or pursuit. It is the intense love, joy, or excitement one experiences when engaging in something they deeply care about. Passion is more focused on the present and the activities that bring pleasure and fulfillment. It may not necessarily be tied to a grand life purpose but can bring a sense of joy and flow to one’s daily experiences.

Another way to look at purpose and passion is this:

Passions are what comes naturally, what you are here to do; you discover them by uncovering things and activities that bring you joy.
The purpose you create. What impact do you want to make?

When I told a coach last week that my purpose was to help other midlife women and empty nesters rediscover their purpose and passion, she told me that was not my purpose but my passion. She said her purpose was to make lots of money so she could send her children to a good school. How she fulfills her purpose is her passion.

Ok, now I am confused!

Here’s What I am Learning

The whole conversation with this coach was centered on a limiting belief I have about money. So, when I said my purpose was to help other women, she challenged me to think of that as my passion and make money my purpose.

Purpose – Generate income from Living Marvelously coaching and products so that I can pursue my passions.

Passion – Learn about spirituality and how it works in our lives. Create and enjoy fun experiences with family and friends. Be playful and creative in how I share my passion with others through my writing and coaching. Give back to the community through Pay It Forward Red Wing.

That still wasn’t right with me, so I returned to AI and asked for some examples.

Purpose: A person’s purpose might be to help disadvantaged communities gain access to education and improve their quality of life. They feel a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to society and positively impact others’ lives. Their purpose drives them to work with nonprofit organizations, build schools in underserved areas, and advocate for educational reforms.

Passion: This person’s passion could be photography. They love capturing the beauty of the world through their camera lens and sharing compelling visual stories. While their purpose lies in education and community development, their passion for photography provides them with joy and fulfillment in their personal life. They may use their photography skills to document their charitable work and raise awareness for their cause.

Purpose: Another individual’s purpose might be environmental conservation. They are deeply committed to protecting the planet and preserving biodiversity for future generations. Their purpose drives them to pursue a career in environmental science and work with organizations dedicated to sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Passion: The same person’s passion could be hiking and outdoor adventures. They find immense joy and peace in exploring nature, going on treks, and experiencing the beauty of the wilderness. While their purpose revolves around environmental conservation, their passion for outdoor activities enhances their connection with nature and reinforces their commitment to protecting it.

Purpose: A person’s purpose might be to promote mental health awareness and support individuals struggling with mental health issues. They might have experienced challenges in their own life or witnessed the impact of mental health on their loved ones, motivating them to make a difference. They become a mental health advocate, sharing their story and working with organizations to create awareness and reduce stigma.

Passion: This individual’s passion could be playing the guitar and composing music. Music serves as an emotional outlet for them, providing solace during difficult times and helping them express their feelings. Although their purpose revolves around mental health advocacy, their passion for music contributes to their well-being and allows them to connect with others who share similar interests.

I’m feeling a little clearer now, are you?

My purpose is not about making money. It’s about sharing my knowledge to help other women find their purpose and passion. I don’t want to see women in midlife give up on living a joyful and fulfilling life.

My passion is learning, being creative, and coaching. Learning about spirituality and everything I need to know to run my business.

The byproduct of my purpose and passion is having fun experiences with my family and friends.

That feels better!

You might be asking why you should care about the difference between passion and purpose.

With further research, I found that having a purpose can have several benefits in your life.

Understanding your purpose and passions can guide you in making better life decisions. You can prioritize activities that align with your purpose and support your passions while saying no to activities that do not serve your greater goals.
When faced with challenges, knowing your purpose can keep you focused on the bigger picture and help you persevere when things are difficult.
Purpose-driven individuals often report higher levels of happiness and well-being because they feel they are contributing to something greater than themselves.
Knowing the difference between passion and purpose can help you avoid burnout. Sometimes, pursuing passions excessively without a clear sense of purpose can lead to fatigue, while a strong sense of purpose can provide balance and prevent burnout.
Caring about the difference between passion and purpose allows you to live a more intentional and meaningful life. It empowers you to pursue activities that bring you joy and align with your values while contributing positively to the world.

What is your passion and purpose?

Mine have definitely changed throughout my life. When I was raising kids, that was my purpose. Now that they no longer need that, I can create a new purpose.

I encourage you to take the time and invest the effort in discovering your purpose and passions. Look inward, explore your interests, and ask yourself the fundamental questions that lead to self-awareness. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey, for you are one of a kind, and your true purpose doesn’t have to be like anyone else. Every step toward understanding your purpose and passions brings you closer to a life of fulfillment, authenticity, and happiness. Which is what we all want, right?

(Thank you to that coach for making me research this and discover my purpose and passion. Even though I’m afraid I have to disagree with you, I appreciate the nudge to explore and find more clarity.)