12 February 2019
Scribe staff
Often times, different interests are judged and even looked down upon, when our different talents and interests are the main factors that we have such a high functioning and collaborative society. Without differences, there would never be growth or change.
How many times have you been asked what your major is, or what your career interests are or what your interests are? How many times have you been criticized for your answers?
If you are anything like the majority of the population, the answer is probably repeatedly. Often times if your answers do not align with culturally successful career choices, like medical and technological fields, they are disregarded as unimportant and undesirable.
This blatant indifference and dissuasion needs to stop happening – if an individual is passionate about what they are doing and feel as if they can be personally successful in the future they should be encouraged to pursue their interests.
brydseed.com reports that interests develop over time, appear randomly and grow organically, and should be encouraged so they do not dissipate later in life. Without emboldened interests one may never find their passion, follow it and in turn perform to the best of their ability.
In further detail, according to Psychology Today “People who enjoy their jobs generally find the work interesting and engaging, and people who are interested in what they do are more likely to enjoy their jobs,” and that “Not only does interest maximize our performance, it also acts as a buffer against burning out.”
With reports like this it is clear that having an interest in what you are doing helps further your success, and conversely that a lack of interest, which can come from being pushed into position you are not passionate about due to societal norms, causes a disconnect with performance and success.
Throughout childhood, kids are regularly encouraged to follow their passions and interests, no matter how strange or unlikely they are to happen, as teachers and parents advocate kids to use their imagination and be creative.
Why does this support suddenly stop during adolescents, as teenagers are told to be more realistic with their futures?
sleepingshouldbeeasy.com, reports that society needs to encourage children’s interests because doing so can increase learning, help them open up and communicate and it shows them that they will be supported no matter what.
While most of the tips this articles gives about how to support interests are clearly for kids, such as buying them a toy based on their interests, others like asking questions can and should apply to all ages. For example, asking adolescents and adults about their interests and attending events that showcase their work can help advocate individual differences.
Encourage individual interests is not only good for increasing success, but for creating diversity in the workplace as well.
Entrepreneur.com states that diversity in the workplace can help drive innovation, boost creativity and avoid high turnover rates.
No one should be discouraged from doing what they want to in life – if it is something that they’re interested in and they can personally make a successful future out of, then they should pursue it. This is especially true since everyone has a different idea of what makes a successful future, some individuals do not need world recognition, the biggest paycheck or even societal acceptance. For some, doing what they love is enough and as the quote goes – do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.