Rene Suhardono - Finding Passion | BukaTalks

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker challenges conventional ideas about passion, ambition, and personal identity. They emphasize that passion is a state of being, not just something to pursue, and draw a clear distinction between ambition (an act of becoming) and passion (a state of being). Through humor, metaphors, and personal anecdotes, the speaker encourages deep self-reflection, urging the audience to focus on understanding themselves, their strengths, and how they learn. The message stresses the importance of applying knowledge meaningfully and taking responsibility for one’s life, urging individuals to act with intention rather than chasing fleeting passions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Passion is often misunderstood as ambition, but it’s actually a state of being, not a goal to reach.
• 😀 The common question, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' places unnecessary pressure on individuals to define their future prematurely.
• 😀 People often confuse their desires with external influences, like societal success stories, leading them to chase goals that aren't aligned with their true selves.
• 😀 True fulfillment comes from self-awareness—understanding who you are, your strengths, and what truly matters to you.
• 😀 Instead of following a prescribed path, focus on discovering your own strengths and passions through introspection and self-reflection.
• 😀 It's not enough to just want something; you need to be specific about what you want to do and how it aligns with your strengths.
• 😀 People often want to be recognized for what they do, but it's important to question whether you truly enjoy the activity or just the validation.
• 😀 Don’t be influenced by what others have achieved or what seems popular; instead, focus on what truly matters to you and be specific about it.
• 😀 We all have a unique way of learning and performing—understanding your strengths and learning style is key to success.
• 😀 The foundation of a fulfilled life lies in self-arrangement: being gentle with others but firm with yourself, aiming for self-improvement, and being mindful of your spiritual heart.

Q & A

What is the speaker’s main message about passion?

The speaker emphasizes that passion is not about finding a specific job or title. Instead, it is about self-awareness, understanding who you are, and engaging in meaningful work. Passion should be an active pursuit, not just a vague desire or aspiration.

How does the speaker define the difference between ambition and passion?

Ambition is described as the act of becoming something, a goal to achieve. Passion, on the other hand, is a state of being. The speaker points out that passion does not necessarily correlate with what you want to become, as it’s more about who you are in the present.

Why does the speaker criticize the question 'What do you want to be when you grow up?'

The speaker critiques this question because it pressures children into thinking they need to have their entire future figured out. Instead, the speaker believes that the more important question is understanding who you are right now and what truly matters to you.

What is the significance of the example involving the comic book 'Where's Wally?'?

The 'Where's Wally?' example illustrates the difference between external success and internal understanding. Just as it’s easy to find Wally in a picture when you know what he looks like, it’s also easy for people to define success by looking at others' achievements. However, it’s more challenging to define and understand your own identity without comparing yourself to others.

What does the speaker mean by 'You can’t google yourself'?

The speaker highlights that while we have easy access to external information, we can’t find answers to who we are or our true selves through Google. Understanding ourselves requires introspection and self-awareness, not external searches.

What are the key questions the speaker suggests we ask ourselves?

The speaker suggests asking: 'What is my strength?', 'How do I learn?', and 'How do I perform?' These questions help in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your true capabilities, which is essential for finding meaningful work.

How does the speaker use the metaphor of animals (monkey, fish, etc.)?

The speaker uses the metaphor to show that people have different strengths and should not be judged by the same standards. For example, a monkey excels at climbing trees, but a fish cannot. The idea is that we should focus on what we excel at rather than comparing ourselves to others or trying to fit into a predefined mold.

Why does the speaker suggest that people are often distracted by instant gratification?

The speaker argues that people are distracted by instant gratification through social media and other devices. This leads to cluttered minds, preventing people from focusing on their true desires, strengths, and goals. Instant likes or comments can create false senses of fulfillment, which distract from self-reflection.

What is the significance of the statement 'You can’t change the world before you change yourself'?

This statement highlights the importance of personal growth and self-improvement. The speaker believes that to make a meaningful impact on the world, you first need to understand and improve yourself, your actions, and your values.

What does the speaker mean by 'heart' in the context of self-arrangement?

In this context, 'heart' refers to the spiritual heart, which is the inner compass that helps guide personal growth. It’s about being aware of when you can do better, being patient, forgiving, and living with intention. A 'teachable heart' means being open to learning and evolving to become a better person.