Our world is becoming more and more interdisciplinary – and people being a part of this system should emulate the trend, if we want to remain current. It was long believed that the key to success is sticking to only one sphere of activity and being sure that one’s interests are fixed. But Yale and Stanford’s researchers managed to prove otherwise, Science Daily reports. It’s no longer about finding your passion, but about growing into it.

In other words, you are likely to be already doing what you were meant to be doing. We tend to grow into the field of interests to which we are best suited, even though we may stumble upon it by chance, rather than decide early in life on our calling. Possibly, it’s not your main occupation but only an interest that you picked up along the way.

Why it’s essential to be versatile

There are multiple suggestions about finding our place in regard to professional activities, hobbies, etc. Paul O’Keefe and his team conducted a study on fixed and growth theories. The latter implies exploring the world around you, trying new things and developing your passion.

Conversely, the fixed theory means there’s already something a person is destined to find – no need to look into different areas.

Given the results of the study, the scientists insist on giving up the “fixed” theory concepts due to a narrow-mindedness and short-sightedness. People in our times don’t stick with the same field of interests for life, nor it would be practical in our ever changing world.

A person needs to be open and courageous enough to change the field of activity if necessary – this would result in carving up a special place a man will be truly satisfied with.

Growth theory vs. fixed interest theory

American scientists decided to consider this question using Singapore as an example. Normally, students in this country have to pick their main subject at the beginning of education. Being quite young, they haven’t had an opportunity to explore the world and build up a diverse view of it. So the students are obliged to decide what they would like to study and limit themselves from immersing in other academic areas.

There had been 5 studies that showed similar results. For instance, one of the studies required two groups of students with an entrenched interest in either the Arts or the Sciences. Every participant had to read two articles about above-mentioned fields of study. Students admitted to losing interest in an article that was far from what they were studying. That happened because initially they weren’t supposed to learn something outside of their academic area.

This experiment affirms the devastating effect of the introduction of the fixed theories into the educational process. During another part of the study, students were shown an enjoyable video on astrophysics. Also, they read a scientific article on the same topic. As the acquaintance with this science became tricky, the students weren’t willing to continue engaging in it.

Thus, the research by O’Keefe shows that sticking to only one subject leads to refusing to explore others. This restricts a person from finding out his passion and putting effort into developing it. The task of a lifetime won’t find you on its own – it’s all about searching and perseverance.

Try lots of different things and see what you like the most! This would be the best advice to any young person seeking to discover his or her passion in life. It is also completely normal to change the field of interests with age or after meeting a new friend, partner. You are not being unfaithful to your life’s calling but discovering something new that you can and should do to get the most of what this planet has to offer.

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