What is the Passion Trap?

The passion trap is the tendency for highly committed professionals to overinvest time, energy, and emotion in their work—especially when they care deeply about their mission. The more passionate you are, the harder it can be to switch off at the end of the day. While caring deeply is a strength, without boundaries and recovery, it becomes a risk factor for burnout.

Sustainable leadership requires intentional balance. High-caring leaders must train for mental clarity, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize rest—not to care less, but to care sustainably. When passion is paired with perspective and recovery, it becomes a source of lasting energy and impact.

Related Articles:

• Focus: Sustainable Self – Tip of the Day, By Tracey Gazel
• Flow State: Sustainable Self – Tip of the Day, Tracey Gazel

About Sustainable Self – Tip of the Day
Part of the “Sustainable Self” column on ESG News, Sustainable Self – Tip of the Day is a new daily series designed to help sustainability professionals protect their inner clarity, resilience, and creativity in times of uncertainty and pressure. Curated by executive coach and leadership consultant Tracey Gazel, each tip offers a quick, neuroscience-informed touchpoint to cultivate a mindset that is sustainable over time—one that supports clear thinking, creative leadership, and meaningful impact without burnout. In a world of political shifts and rising emotional demands, Sustainable Self helps leaders strengthen their own inner climate so they can lead effectively, decisively, and with lasting purpose.