The problem with passion in startups

Writing on business is overrun with tired clichés: solution, drill-down, outside-the-box (you can get plenty more at www.bullshitbingo.net). The literature on start-ups and entrepreneurship is no better. One particular word which I have issues with is "passionate".

Everybody has to be passionate nowadays. If you are considering going into business or  starting a career, you are sternly advised that you should make sure you are truly passionate about your product / job / industry. It is not enough just to be interested, or to be enthused, or even to be intrigued. No, you must be passionate. Poppycock.

I take issue with this for reasons other than because it is a lazy clich?. I think using "passionate" as a guide for suitability to a career is misleading and just plain wrong.

Let us consider the nature of passion. Passion is temporary. It often arises unexpectedly, especially after a few drinks. Passion usually disappears pretty quickly. Often in less than five minutes. Passion is what you feel, when you make a superficial judgement about an attractive person walking past you on the street.

Relationships fail when the passion fades and the two people realise there are no reasons to stay together.

Relationships succeed when the passion fades and is replaced, or complimented by, interest, intrigue, enthusiasm and challenge.

Which of the two above paths do you want your relationship with your business to take? When the passion wears off (which it will), is enough left, both in your life and in your business, to keep you engaged? Perhaps it is wiser to look beyond passion when you are considering a business or career.

I have my moments when I get passionate about Drupal but what really sustains me is the challenge of building a great business, the pleasure of working with nice, intelligent people and the intellectual challenge of creating elegant Drupal solutions.

If your are making a decision about whether to start a business or career, I would strongly urge you not to place too much weight on the fleeting feeling of passion.