There Are Two Kinds of Passion: One You Should Follow, One You Shouldn’t

Passion is essential. It’s what drives us to manifest our skills and talents, creating real change in the world. But not all passions are created equal, says cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Wired to Create.

Understanding the difference between “harmonious passion” and “obsessive passion” —one is driven by intrinsic reward; the other, extrinsic — will help guide us toward making truly fulfilling choices. And once we put effort into the right kind of passion, says Kaufman...