Stop Chasing Passion, Start Building Skills
In recent years, especially in the post pandemic era, the phrase “follow your passion” has become a popular mantra among students and young professionals. While it sounds inspiring, the reality behind it is far more complex. Many university students feel anxious or even lost because they have not yet discovered their “true passion,” as if life or career success depends solely on it. However, current research reveals that success often grows not from passion itself, but from developing skills, persistence, and a willingness to learn.
According to Larionow and Gabryś (2024), students who focus on building competence and perseverance tend to have higher learning satisfaction compared to those who chase passion alone. Similarly, a recent study by Xu et al. (2025) emphasizes that grit defined as long-term perseverance and career adaptability are key factors in professional success. In other words, passion is not necessarily the starting point of achievement but often the result of consistent skill mastery and meaningful engagement.
The problem arises when “passion” becomes the ultimate standard for making life decisions. Many students end up feeling inadequate or unmotivated simply because they haven’t “found it” yet. As Herminia Ibarra (2023) points out, genuine passion often develops through exploration, learning, and hands on experience. One doesn’t have to wait to find passion it can be built gradually by doing meaningful work with commitment and curiosity.
In the context of early childhood education, this insight is especially relevant for PAUD (Early Childhood Education) teachers. Being an educator is not merely about discovering one’s teaching passion, but about developing pedagogical skills, communication competence, and empathy toward children. Through continuous practice and dedication, teachers naturally cultivate a deep love for their profession. In this way, passion grows out of skill not the other way around.
Therefore, instead of focusing on finding the “right passion,” it is wiser for students and educators alike to invest in building strong competencies and character. Both the education and professional worlds value perseverance, adaptability, and a lifelong learning mindset. Passion that emerges from skill and experience is far more enduring, as it is rooted in real growth, not fleeting desire.
