Beyond Passion: How to Find Fulfillment in a Dynamic Career Path

This post was originally written by Joanne Acri on LinkedIn

Tired of hearing "follow your passion" as career advice? So am I. While passion is one piece of the pie, it's often an overdone descriptor of a fulfilling career. Career paths are dynamic, (just look at mine) and what you're passionate about today will evolve over time. And focusing on passion alone may not be enough to overcome the inevitable challenges and setbacks that are part of any career.

As Dan Cable, professor at London Business School, suggests in his new book "Exceptional," focus on the activities that consistently draw you back, even when they're challenging. 

He argues that what is more crucial is persistence. Persistence is the unwavering commitment to pursue a goal, even in the face of adversity. When you're persistent, you're more likely to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in your chosen field. He calls these the "blisters" that can lead to a fulfilling career.

Key takeaways:

• Don't just follow your passion: While passion is great, it's not the only determinant of a successful career.

• Focus on persistence: The activities that you return to despite challenges are often the most rewarding.

• Pay attention to your natural inclinations: What tasks come naturally to you? These might be indicators of a fulfilling career path.

Remember, a successful career isn't always about finding the "perfect" job. It's about finding something that you're genuinely interested in and are willing to persevere through challenges. And finding a balance between pursuing your interests and developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.