Mistaking burnout for passion.
MISTAKING BURNOUT FOR PASSION.
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The halls we walked, the classrooms we filled, the expectations we embraced—they cultivate a unique drive within us. From application to graduation, and well into our careers, the pursuit of excellence becomes a relentless hum. We learn to thrive on challenge, to push boundaries, to never settle. This environment, while undeniably formative, can subtly reshape our internal narrative. We tell ourselves that the sleepless nights, the overflowing calendars, the constant pressure to achieve more, are passion. We mistake the exhaustion for dedication, the anxiety for ambition, and the sheer volume of work for a deep love of what we do.
But pause for a moment. Is that truly passion, or is it a cleverly disguised burnout, worn like a badge of honor? True passion fuels you, it excites you, it brings a sense of flow and fulfillment, even amidst hard work. Burnout, however, depletes. It drains your well, leaving you cynical, detached, and utterly exhausted. The Ivy identity is powerful, a testament to our capabilities. Yet, it must never become a cage where we sacrifice our well-being at the altar of perceived success. Our identity is richer, deeper, and more nuanced than the sum of our achievements or our capacity for endless work. Let’s recognize when the grind stops serving us and starts consuming us. It’s time to differentiate between a truly fulfilling pursuit and the relentless, unsustainable push that masquerades as the former.