Letters by Burk #150: Passion Projects
Also, Substack directory, history, hermits, types of passion, and more
Hi friends,
I’ve started a new side project. It’s focused on Instagram. And boy, oh boy, I would have never thought, I’d be starting something on Instagram (again).
I have never been too fond of the metaverse, although Instagram is still my favorite of the bunch.
This new project is a German-only deal right now. It’s a history-focused page. I’ve always enjoyed history a lot. And this new project is so much fun.
Sometimes — if time allows for it — it’s awesome to dive into a new thing that might never turn into something big (or lucrative). Just for fun. No pressure.
What’s your take on that? Passion projects? Yay or nay?
My favorite quote of the week:
#1 Substack Directory
I’ve just discovered a very cool new tool by the makers of Sidestack which I recently presented. (Worth checking out if you haven’t!)
The new tool is called Substack Directory.
Sidestack Directory* lets you discover top Substack newsletters by category or language, featuring the most popular paid and free publications.
Plus, you can submit your own Substack as one of 15 exclusive listings where readers vote for Substack of the Week!
This week, you can vote for my newsletter as well 😉
#2 Off Topic:
When The Elite Hired Humans as Lawn Ornaments
While diving into historical archives recently, I stumbled upon a story so bizarre that I initially dismissed it as satire.
But this was very much real: in 18th-century Europe, the ultra-wealthy were obsessed with hiring real people to live as decorative hermits on their estates.
You’re filthy rich, with a sprawling estate, and you think to yourself, “Hmm, something’s missing in my baroque garden. The fountains are lovely, the hedges perfectly trimmed… Ah, I know! I’ll hire someone to live here as a hermit!”
These “ornamental hermits” (yes, that’s the actual historical term) weren’t just people down on their luck taking odd jobs. This was a legitimate profession with strict contractual obligations.
#3 Fun Facts
Here are 5 fun facts about passion:
1. Two Types of Passion
Psychologists define two main types of passion: harmonious and obsessive. Harmonious passion is when you engage in something because you love it and feel fulfilled by it, leading to positive emotions and well-being. Obsessive passion, on the other hand, comes with a sense of obligation, and people feel compelled to engage in the activity, which can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety over time.
2. Passion and Flow
Passionate activities often trigger a state of flow, where people lose track of time, feel completely immersed, and experience heightened creativity and enjoyment. This “flow state” is linked to improved cognitive flexibility and better problem-solving, as the brain’s reward system is highly engaged.
3. Passion and Identity
Passion for an activity can become part of one’s identity. When people see their passion as a key part of who they are, it strengthens self-concept and life satisfaction. This identity connection, however, can also make setbacks in that area feel like personal failures, which is more common with obsessive passion.
4. Passion and Resilience
Passionate people tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges. Harmonious passion, in particular, fosters grit and persistence because people enjoy the journey, not just the outcome. Research has found that passion-driven resilience boosts people’s willingness to keep going even after failures or setbacks.
#4 Bookworm 50% Off
Get my Notion template, Bookworm, 50% off today. It’s the perfect template to track what you read. And it looks cool as well 😉
Read more
Something to think about
Best,
Now ↓
*this is an affiliate or SparkLoop* partner link. I may get a commission if you decide to sign up.
Another great issue! By the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you that I’m using Notion like crazy now! I found a ton of use cases and am enjoying making it work for me.
Another great read