
I am challenging the popular mantra “follow your passion” and argue that true fulfillment comes from balance and not blindly pursuing your dreams. This summer, I found myself once again falling into an all-too-familiar rhythm—a cycle I had known before, in my early 30s during Triathlon training, and again in my early 20s during a bodybuilding phase. Both phases I pushed myself far beyond my own body’s limits. My corporate job stretched long into the days, while evenings were filled with the demands of my first café, where I wore the hats of owner, baker, barista, and everything in between.
“*But I am following my passion!*” I would convince myself, as I pushed through the thick fog of exhaustion. The days blurred, a blur of overdrive, of too many roles, of wondering if this relentless pursuit was *truly* fulfilling. By the weekend, the weight of it all was unmistakable, and I caught myself asking, “How did I find myself here again?” This inner question echoed back to the teachings of yoga, of mindfulness, of balance, of those quiet moments of stillness I had once nurtured. How had I drifted away from that truth, that simple knowing that *balance* wasn’t just a practice but a necessary act of love and respect for the self?
In the pursuit of passion, we can sometimes lose sight of the delicate equilibrium between desire and stillness, between striving and surrender. The truth is not always in the chase, but in that space we create to *be*—to be fully present, without the need to prove, to achieve, or to perform. And so, I asked myself, *What truly fills me up?* What does it mean to live from a place of nourishment, rather than from exhaustion or compulsion?
I once believed that chasing my passion would lead me to joy, but instead, I found myself overwhelmed, drained, and searching for validation outside of myself, rather than sinking into the wisdom within. Where did this idea come from—that passion is synonymous with happiness, that it holds the key to fulfillment?
The Myth of Passion-Driven Success
Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman reminds us that linking passion too tightly with success can lead to chronic stress, diminishing both our creativity and our peace of mind. When we commit too fully to one path, without room for rest, variety, or reflection, we can easily find ourselves caught in a loop of anxiety and exhaustion, rather than true fulfillment.
As a child, I was taught that success was rooted in relentless effort, that if I wasn’t working hard enough, I was failing. This belief carried me into adulthood, into a corporate job that stretched my hours thin and into a café that demanded every bit of my remaining energy. I was chasing a dream, but I was left questioning—Am I even enjoying this at all? Or am I simply running in circles, hoping the exhaustion will eventually lead to something meaningful?
It’s time to gently reframe the narrative. Following our passion isn’t the golden ticket to happiness we were led to believe. Real success, real fulfillment, doesn’t come from a single, tireless chase. True joy arises from balance, from varied experiences that nurture our body, mind, and soul. Success isn’t just about external accomplishments; it’s about honoring our internal landscape, too.
After a week in Mexico, where I allowed myself the time to rest, my therapist reminded me that a one week escape doesn’t undo the toll of months spent in overdrive. Recovery takes time. Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Our mental health and creativity require space, quiet, and gentle care. Only when we give ourselves permission to rest can we truly return to the things we love with renewed clarity and purpose.
Moving Forward
So, here’s the truth I’m learning: I can no longer sacrifice my well-being for the sake of my dreams. The idea that passion will automatically lead to happiness is not only overrated—it’s harmful. It’s about finding balance, about resisting the pull of society’s obsession with relentless pursuit.
Let’s stop romanticizing the grind, the constant hustle, the idea that we must always be moving forward at full speed. Instead, let’s prioritize pausing, our well-being, our rest, and our joy. Let’s give ourselves permission to live—not merely survive. Because in the stillness, in the quiet moments, that’s where we find the clarity to live the life we truly desire.

Brava! Very well written and thought provoking piece 🤔 I hope you finally find that balance 🙏🏼