A new study by Stanford psychologists examines the hidden implications of the advice to “find your passion.”
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.
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.
Here, they looked at mindsets about interests: Are interests fixed qualities that are inherently there, just waiting to be discovered?
The research also found that a fixed mindset can even discourage people from developing in their own interest area.
They come to understand that that’s how they and their futures will be shaped and how they will ultimately make their contributions. »