The debate of drive vs. direction, in terms of which matters more for professional success, can elicit strong reactions.
Why? Because success is subjective.
If you went around a room and asked for everybody’s definition of success, each answer would be different.
For career purposes, some may value status or prestigious job titles while others may not mind being in the background and solely care about reaping other rewards like schedule flexibility or making as much money as possible.
Plus, it’s engrained at an early age that you MUST choose a career path.
It’s expected.
Most people likely remember getting asked what they want to be when they grow up as early as elementary school. You’re allowed to say one job profession and the answers are usually limited to doctor, teacher, lawyer, and astronaut.
That’s why this topic of drive vs. direction is especially prominent for young professionals. The reason being that it’s expected of college-age students to know exactly what they want to do with their lives when many do not, understandably so.
There is so much focus on selecting a major in college that the process subliminally teaches that direction is essential and must be determined and cemented. There’s this view that students with varying interests or an uncertain direction lack drive, which is an unfair assumption and not applicable for many.
The battle of drive vs. direction also stems from those who believe that having a clear direction is unquestionably necessary to achieving professional success. On the other hand, some believe that being driven and motivated is the primary factor that can lead to success.
Many people want success, and crave finding a passion, but are simply uncertain on what that direction should be.
Is there a winning team for success? Let’s cover the basics.
TEAM: Drive
Drive is one of the most important factors that contribute to a successful career. Drive means having a thirst for greatness and harboring the unrelenting motivation to reach new heights and achieve success.
With drive, you can push through difficult times, overcome obstacles, chart your own path, build resilience, and remain focused on achieving your personal idea of success.
However, it’s important to note that there are different types of drive.
Intrinsic drive is when you are passionate about your work and are motivated by the job itself. Extrinsic drive, on the other hand, is when you are motivated by external factors, such as money or recognition.
While extrinsic drive can be useful in the short term, it may not be sustainable in the long run. In contrast, intrinsic motivation is long-lasting and can fuel your passion for years to come.
For those with drive but no direction, take time to identify which type of drive you possess. Also, consider the benefits of purpose-driven job-hopping and landing a mentor.
TEAM: Direction
Direction can be valuable for a successful career.
Having a clear destination in mind will help you build a roadmap for your career. Having a direction also establishes a clear path that minimizes unnecessary detours and eliminates wasted time.
Clear direction enables you to make decisions without second-guessing, have a better vision of where you’re aiming, and remain focused rather than being distracted by alternatives that may surface along the way.
One of the things that sets direction apart from drive is that it provides a long-term goal.
Having a direction can sometimes provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and help you avoid getting stuck in a rut. If you have direction in your career, you’ll know precisely what you want to achieve, which might lead to professional success, assuming you possess drive.
The Tandem Relationship
Drive and direction are both vital components on the road to success.
Ideally, drive and direction should work in tandem. While drive gives you the determination and grit to succeed, direction gives you a clear long-term goal and, perhaps, less flaky fulfillment.
Which Matters More For Success?
For any successful career, you need to be driven, passionate, and motivated simultaneously.
Ultimately, drive is superior.
If you know where you want to go, but your approach is sluggish and you are devoid of drive to pursue your destination, you might never get there. While if you’re highly motivated but lack direction, you may end up in the wrong place or feeling unfulfilled.
Nonetheless, having drive and ambition for success can open all sorts of doors to new opportunities and present unplanned paths to success you might never have imagined.
Saying yes as a result of your drive and desire to succeed is an attitude that leads to success.
Individuals who have drive approach their careers with passion, possess a strong work ethic, have an unending curiosity, and prioritize lifelong learning – all of the ingredients that lead to success in some way or another.
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