Ask HN: Does Passion ever come back?

4 points by sticky_thrrwwwy 6 years ago | 3 comments

The last time I felt "passionate" was way back in grade school. I want that jump-out-of-bed, work-all-night feeling again.

Does it ever come back? Should I even be pursuing passion? The reason I ask the latter question was a previous HN post that concluded the average person justifies taking advantage of people who claim they are passionate. If that is the case, how can I be comfortable being a jack-of-all-trades master of none?

Finally, I got diagnosed with depression (take it with a grain of salt). People who consider themselves struggling with depression, how do you find that energy/joy again?

chrisaycock 6 years ago |

I've never had depression or anything as serious, but I definitely know what it's like to feel burned-out. Twice I've had the feeling of just not wanting to do anything: first towards the end of my PhD, and then after a ten-year run in the finance industry. I had pushed so hard for so long that the end results were irrelevant.

If you're in therapy, start with why do you feel the way you do. Also, what do you actually want to be passionate about?

I've found that working on my goals has been my biggest source of happiness. I also seek-out other people who are interested in similar goals, which has led to a lot of important social connections.

My conclusion is that living in the present and not worrying too much about the past or future has been the most critical aspect of happiness overall. I think you might benefit from practicing that as well.

ameyv 6 years ago |

I can totally relate to this. I'm in same shoes. Thing I can tell you is that, if you wish to get it back start doing small thing that are easy to do and allow yourself to fail. Be happy about it. You are human just like everyone else. If you think that you need to be somewhere in high place just to feel happiness, then you need to inspect on that thought and correct it. I wish to write more on this. I might write own journey on blog and share you the link.

Hope this help.

Yes definitely you can get it back, your passion and that energy.

wdiamond 6 years ago |

See something awesome and long run for It.