How Are Passions Formed?

There are many theories about why we develop certain passions or hobbies. Some say it is because of experiences, others that we like how things make us feel, and some even suggest that it is due to supplies, what you have needed your whole life and now you can do this as a hobby.

Whatever the reason, developing a passion is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time. It can motivate you to learn more about the subject, connect with other people who share your passion, and give you an income.

There are several theories about how our passions form. However, no matter which theory you believe in, showing interest in and studying anything for longer than just few minutes will always lead to a passion.

In this article, we will discuss three of the most influential theories about why we develop passionate behaviors. These theories include the motivation theory, the engagement theory, and the habit formation theory.

Motivation Theory

The motivation theory suggests that we get interested in something by thinking about all the benefits it has. For example, when you were a kid, you might have enjoyed playing basketball because of the fun you got from doing tricks on the court or dribbling the ball up the floor.

Thinking back on those times, what was the main thing you wanted to achieve? You probably wanted to play well and show off what you could do. That motivation comes from understanding what the game has for you, its rewards.

Peer pressure

There are many things in this world that influence our actions, and how passionate we become about something or someone.

One of the most important factors in developing passions is peer pressure. You will probably have heard stories of people who spent their life pursuing an unfulfilling career because they did not want to be seen as “lacking” in what work was outside of their area. Or maybe you've read about people who worked hard for very little reward until they realized they needed to pursue another goal.

Either way, these stories underscore the importance of peers in influencing us. If everyone around you seems to like and talk about a product or service, then it's natural to assume that they must know what they're talking about and to buy them, even if you don't.

Conversely, if no one goes out of their way to tell you about a product or company, it can leave you with the impression that they think less highly of it. In those cases, your perception may be wrong — but before you change yours, you should do some research to see whether there may be good reasons why nobody talks about it.

Peer pressure can also come from others' behavior, not just words. For example, people might admire someone else's frequent use of a product, signifying that they believe it to be effective.

Media images

Recent studies show that it’s not just what we experience directly through our senses, but also what we see in media that can have an influence on how we feel about things.

The way in which we perceive something is influenced by the media we are exposed to, both positive and negative.

For example, research shows that exposure to violent media may increase aggression in children. Similarly, studies have shown that exposure to alcohol advertising increases interest in drinking and actual drinking for young people.

There are even theories that popular culture influences whether or not you want to have kids. For instance, some believe that the emphasis placed on family values in films and TV shows makes us think that this is the only option, so we decide not to pursue other options like having children later in life.

We're all susceptible to these effects, because we spend a lot of time looking at screens. And as we know, media messages do not always reflect reality.

Parents' values

As children, you’ll learn about your parents’s values through their actions and how they relate to people.

Parents who argue frequently don't value relationships much. And parents who drink or use drugs rarely teach their kids that it's okay to do so.

If your parents didn't work hard to satisfy your needs for emotional attachment, then you'll be less likely to feel close to other people as well.

On the other hand, if your parents worked very hard to promote your self-esteem, you're probably more likely to believe that you are worthy and capable.

The important thing to remember is that whether parental values help form passionate relationships depends mostly on which parent you identify with most.

If your mother doesn't like vegetables, she can pass on her passion to not like them to you. But if your father eats only meat and potatoes, he may inspire you to try new things by changing what you eat yourself.

Skills you use

We are constantly seeking out new skills, exploring different ways to learn them and incorporating what works into our lives. This is how most people become very familiar with something!

We are also constantly developing ourselves by trying new things. And we’re not just talking about hobbies here, but including everything from finding new jobs or positions through changing your career path, investing in self-education or education products, and even living life to pursue dreams and goals.

By being willing to try new things and take risks, we grow as individuals. We develop strengths and weaknesses, and find areas that feel comfortable for us.

It’s this constant process of exploration and engagement with new experiences that helps form our passions.

Your partner's values

When you are in a relationship, there’s always something that your significant other does that makes them feel happy or passionate. It could be making dinner for their roommate so they have somewhere to eat when they get back home, taking time off work to spend with you, or investing money in things they like so they can enjoy them later.

They may also do things that make you feel uncomfortable, but don't stop doing them because you think it should change — learn how to let go and accept these things for what they are.

This article will talk about some of the most common ways that people develop passions in relationships, why this is such a tricky thing to do, and then suggestions for improving this aspect of your bond.

Your partner's reactions

A passion is what gets you out of bed in the morning! It is your favorite thing to do. It is something that you feel very passionate about.

When we say passion, it can be defined as anything that makes you happy and excited. These are strong emotions that motivate you to perform actions.

For example, when I was twenty-two years old, I loved watching TV shows that focused on fashion. I would watch shopping show episodes for hours because I enjoyed studying fashion.

I made my living sewing clothing so I understood how clothes fit together and how to take good care of them. But beyond that, I just love looking at beautiful clothes and learning from their designs.

This was one of my many passions. I could go onto any website or YouTube channel and learn new things about fashion. This inspired me to start my own line of sewn jewelry and then launch my online store.

It’s not only helpful for me, but also inspiring for others who want to pursue similar dreams. That is why this career path is so popular — there are lots of people with different styles that they like to use for self-expression.

So if you know someone who loves fashion, try to understand how those feelings form.

Your friends' reactions

As we discussed, our experiences shape us. What stories you read, what movies you watch, what songs you listen to, and what people you talk to all have an effect on your life.

A lot of these experiences are positive — reading Harry Potter or The Hunger Games can add depth to your knowledge base and inspire you to learn new things. But there are also negative experiences that influence who you are as a person.

Research shows that when young adults meet many different individuals with diverse backgrounds, they develop additional passions for things like sports teams or TV programs. These superficial interests may feel meaningful to them at the time, but typically don’t last.

It is important to remember that external influences aren't always good for you. It takes a while before those effects become clear, so be wary of changing yourself too much.

Your work environment

As we know, passion is when you get really excited about something you already have, or are given, that makes you happy for some length of time. It’s like that feeling you get when you watch your favorite movie for the millionth time.

A lot of things can influence how much passion you develop for an area. The culture and workplace around it play a big part in this.

If there aren’t many people in your organization who share your passion, then it may feel more difficult to contribute and be involved. This could lead to feelings of isolation and lack of motivation.

On the other hand, if everyone around you seems to be passionate about something, that energy can motivate others to join in and find their own passion. You will gain momentum as a leader when they show enthusiasm for what you ask them to do.