Lately, sustainability has been my soapbox. From efficiency tips to sustainable practices, I can’t stop raving about it. But here’s the shocker: a recent conversation left me speechless. When I shared my enthusiasm with an acquaintance, he scoffed, suggesting I was just “jumping on the bandwagon” to make a quick buck. “Just trying to profit from the trend, huh?” he retorted, much to my disappointment.

This cynicism is disheartening- the sinking feeling when your genuine passion is mistaken for a sneaky money grab. This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this. Years ago, pursuing a Masters in Public Health wasn’t met with discussions of  global health initiatives, but with, “Wow, public health pays well, huh?” The underlying assumption? I was solely chasing a lucrative career path, not driven by a genuine desire to tackle health disparities across the globe.

Why do we, as a society, often view passion through the lens of monetization?

Why can’t we be passionate about a cause and also see the potential for positive change within the economic system?

Take a doctor, for example. Sure, they get paid well, but most enter the field driven by a desire to heal, not a get-rich-quick scheme. The same goes for countless other professions. Let’s face it, the world runs on money. Can’t we strive for both financial security and positive impact?

Here’s the thing: the world thrives on passionate individuals. We’re the artists, the innovators, the changemakers who dedicate ourselves to causes bigger than ourselves. Can some find success by leveraging their passion? Absolutely. But that shouldn’t diminish the core motivation – the intrinsic desire to make a difference.

It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Here’s why:

• Passion fuels progress: True passion ignites a fire within – a relentless drive to make a difference, regardless of financial gain. Imagine the world if groundbreaking discoveries and social movements were solely driven by profit margins?
• Monetization can be a consequence, not a cause: Sustainability efforts often require resources. But that doesn’t mean the passion for a healthy planet is a mere facade. Sometimes, financial viability allows a passion project to reach a wider audience and create a larger impact.
• Diversity of passion fuels innovation: The beauty of a cause-driven world is the vast array of perspectives. From environmental activism to social justice movements, each passionate individual brings a unique piece to the puzzle.
• Transparency. If there are opportunities to make money by pursuing your passion, own it! Explain how those resources will be used to further the cause.

So, the next time you encounter someone brimming with enthusiasm, take a moment to listen. You might be surprised by the depth of their passion and the positive impact they’re striving to create.

If everyone assumed passion was just a money grab, what kind of world would we live in?