Stress vs Passion: The Difference Calling Makes
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.”
As we continue exploring the idea of calling, this quote by Simon Sinek has stood out to me because it highlights how the same action—hard work—can lead to two completely different outcomes.
Both require effort.
Both demand time and energy.
Both move us toward something.
But one leads to stress, while the other leads to passion.
What Makes the Difference?
According to Sinek, it’s care—an emotional connection, empathy, or concern.
Interestingly enough, though, “care” isn’t typically listed among the primary factors contributing to workplace stress.
A quick Google search will tell you that workload, deadlines, and long hours are the usual culprits…
Most of us assume that stress is simply the result of pressure—too many demands and not enough time. We tell ourselves that if we could just work less, have more time off, and live a more balanced life, we’d feel at ease.
But what if the key factor isn’t how much we work or even how hard we work—but how much we care about the work itself?
Could it be that much of the stress we experience has less to do with the workload and more to do with a lack of connection to what we’re doing?
What If the First Step to a Life of Ease Isn’t Working Less—But Caring More?
When we identify what moves us, what stirs something deep within us, and what we truly care about, we start uncovering the unique calling God has placed on our lives.
That’s where passion begins.
Why Do You Do What You Do?
I can’t say why you took your current job or why you’re working so hard at what you do.
Maybe it was simply the best option available at the time.
Maybe you’re early in your career and can’t yet do what you actually want to do.
Maybe it’s the family business, and you felt expected to follow in those footsteps.
Maybe you chose a job for financial security, only to find it unfulfilling.
Maybe you have responsibilities that require you to stay where you are.
We all have our reasons—many of them valid. And sometimes, we have to keep doing the work we’re doing for now.
But I wonder: Could taking time to ask yourself the right questions help you start moving in the right direction?
Questions like:
What do I truly love to do?
What gives me life?
What excites or energizes me?
What fires me up?
What breaks my heart?
Stepping Into Your Calling
Leaning into your calling won’t always be easy. In fact, at first, it might feel like even more work.
But here’s the paradox: Avoiding your calling often leads to more stress, unhappiness, and unease.
On the other hand, when we work toward something we care deeply about—something we’re passionate about—it energizes us, even when it’s hard.
So what is that thing for you? Are you missing out on a life of fulfillment simply because you haven’t leaned into your calling?
What if the difference between stress and passion isn’t the amount of work but the kind of work?
What if the key to a life of ease isn’t doing less, but taking on more of what truly aligns with your values, passions, and purpose?
Take a Moment to Reflect
Seriously ask yourself some of those questions:
What gives me life?
What am I passionate about?
What breaks my heart?
And then ask what steps could I take to move toward that calling?
As you reflect, invite God into the process. Pray for wisdom and clarity. Let Him reveal areas where your motives may have strayed and guide you toward genuine purpose.
Because when we align our work with our values, passions, and calling, we step into something far greater than a job—we step into the life God designed for us.