The Dopamine Spark: Turning Passion into God-Aligned Purpose
At the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it had been during the previous six years.
It has been taken over by Death Eaters, under the control of Severus Snape as Headmaster, operating on orders from Voldemort. Harry realizes that Voldemort is going to take over everything near and dear to him and destroy all the people he loves.
The only way to put an end to this takeover of the wizarding world—with the Muggle world soon to fall under wizarding domination—is to destroy the Horcruxes that tether Voldemort to life.
Knowing that Voldemort is gunning especially for him, Harry resolves to go on this Horcrux quest alone. But Ron and Hermione steadfastly refuse to let him go by himself, insisting on accompanying him despite the dangers.
Their unwavering support provides Harry with a surge of motivation and hope, akin to a dopamine boost, reinforcing his resolve to face the challenges ahead.
This moment in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows illustrates how dopamine—the brain’s motivator—can enhance leadership.
Hermione and Ron remind Harry that they’re in this together, no matter the cost. Their unwavering commitment reignites Harry’s resolve.
What might have felt like an isolated burden transforms into a mission fueled by shared purpose, rekindling Harry’s passion and reminding him why he fights. This moment captures the spark of passion—born from the belief in a possibility worth pursuing, a future worth fighting for.
In leadership, especially for Christian leaders, this kind of passion is often how God begins his work in us. It’s the thrill of a God-given calling, the excitement of seeing a vision take shape, the hope of real transformation.
But passion, as powerful as it is, is only the beginning. To see it through, we must also cultivate perseverance, a growth mindset, and alignment with God’s desires for our lives.
Passion and Dopamine: The Thrill of Anticipation
Passion often begins with the excitement of possibility, fueled by dopamine. But passion also fades once we stop living in the dream of the future and have to cope with the mundanity of the present. In The Molecule of More Leiberman and Long write, “Passion rises when we dream of a world of possibility and fades when we are confronted by reality.” [1]
Lieberman and Long explain that the dopamine in our brains causes us to focus on what is out of reach (extrapersonal space) and motivates us to pursue it.
The authors write, “The dopamine desire circuit is powerful. It focuses attention, motivates, and thrills. It has a profound influence over the choices we make.” [2]
The thrill is in the anticipation, not the reality. Once the goal moves into peripersonal space (what we can reach in the here and now), dopamine fades, and the initial excitement diminishes.
As we embark on any journey or task, it is good to remember that we are in partnership with God. God plants desires in us that move us toward his purposes. Thanks to dopamine, it feels good to get started, and we have all sorts of dreams about what things might look like en route and upon completion!
The challenge is recognizing that passion is a starting point; it’s not the whole journey.
Paul warns us not to settle for what the world settles for, but to continually discern God’s will for us and for those whom we serve in God’s name. We read in Romans 12:1-2,
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Grit: Staying Loyal to Your Calling
Once we begin tackling the task before us, no matter how passionate we may be about it, we need to tap into perseverance to create a lasting impact.
In other words, we need both passion and perseverance, as Angela Duckworth shares in her book Grit: “Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it… It’s doing what you love, but not just falling in love—staying in love.” [3]
When dopamine fades, grit complements passion by sustaining us through difficult, mundane, or discouraging moments.
As ministry leaders, it is easy to get bogged down when we face inevitable opposition, or when progress feels slow and plodding. But we can keep returning to the call God placed in our hearts, the passion for God’s people.
The writer of Hebrews shares, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). We began that race with passion; persevering, we keep going with faithfulness, trusting that God works through the process, not just the ends.
In a series of interviews with leaders across all fields, Duckworth found that “First, these exemplars were unusually resilient and hardworking. Second, they knew in a very, very deep way what it was they wanted. They not only had determination, they had direction. It was this combination of passion and perseverance that made high achievers special. In a word, they had grit.” (4)
But let’s face it, just like Harry experienced, there will be times when the race set before us doesn’t feel worth running anymore. How do we keep going?
A Growth Mindset: Thriving Through Challenges
When completely discouraged, that’s when we need to rely on a growth mindset as the bridge between passion and perseverance.
In her book, Mindset, Carol Dweck writes, “The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset.” [5]
We all need to cultivate a growth mindset to reframe challenges as opportunities, and to learn and refine the work. Passion without a growth mindset can lead to frustration when the road gets tough.
Adaptability is key to seeing a task through.
For instance, a pastor or ministry leader may launch a new discipleship ministry in a community that is very unfamiliar with it. She will face obstacles, resistance, and hopefully, some useful feedback. Being able to learn from the process will help her stay true to the vision, even as she adapts the approach.
As a personal example, I thought my project was going to be about one thing last fall. But after my first stakeholder workshop, I realized I had to pivot. I wondered: could I maintain just as much passion for the new topic as I had for the first? Fortunately, the answer has been a resounding “yes!”
Recognizing that I had some new things to learn about the topic, I quickly gathered materials and resources. It wasn’t long before I was deep into the new topic
Aligning with God’s Will
While dopamine excites us and propels us forward, it is not enough to anchor us or keep us focused on the more important picture of transformation through partnership with God.
Dopamine’s focus on the thrill of what’s next can leave us restless and disconnected from God’s ultimate purpose if not accompanied by careful and ongoing discernment.
Holy desire, by contrast, anchors us in God’s love and draws us into alignment with God’s will. It is the steadying force that keeps us grounded when worldly excitement fades.
The psalmist reminds us, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). When we center our joy in God, our desires become an extension of God’s will.
To ensure our passions are aligned with God’s will, discernment is essential. Practices like the Ignatian Examen help us reflect on whether our desires are in harmony with God’s calling.
By taking time to pray, listen, and seek God’s guidance, we can gain clarity on how to move forward faithfully.
In aligning with God’s will, we discover a purpose that goes beyond dopamine’s temporary high or the challenges of perseverance. Holy desire provides the peace of knowing we are working toward something eternal, with God leading the way.
Passion as a Journey of Faith
Just as Harry Potter’s final journey began with a spark of passion, and the thrill of possibility, our callings often start with a sense of excitement and purpose.
But as Harry discovered, passion alone is not enough. He faced moments of discouragement and doubt, times when the weight of his mission seemed too much to bear. What carried him through was not only the support of his friends but also his dogged determination and unwavering commitment to the greater purpose at hand.
In the same way, as Christian leaders, we need more than the initial burst of dopamine-fueled excitement to fulfill our callings.
Passion is the spark, but perseverance—grit—keeps us moving forward when the path is challenging. A growth mindset enables us to adapt and learn along the way, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Above all, aligning our desires with God’s will ensures we remain focused on God’s eternal purpose, even when the way ahead is unclear. The apostle John wrote, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Our deepest desires—to love and serve—are a response to God’s overwhelming love for us.
So let me ask you:
- What passions has God planted in your heart?
- How can you sustain those passions with grit and faithfulness, even when the thrill fades?
- Are you open to learning and adapting as God refines your vision?
- And most importantly, are you aligning your desires with God’s desires, seeking God’s guidance to stay anchored in his purpose?
Just as Harry’s journey wasn’t easy, neither is ours. But by leaning on the tools of passion, perseverance, adaptability, and divine alignment, we can walk boldly in faith, trusting that God will lead us through to the end of the race God has marked out for us.
1 – Daniel Z. Lieberman, Michael E. Long, The Molecule of More; How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity—and will Determine the Fate of the Human Race (Dallas: BenBella Books, 2018), 7.
2 – Lieberman, 56.
3 – Angela Duckworth, Grit; the Power of Passion and Perseverance (New York; Scribner, 2016), 54.
4 – Duckworth, 8.
5 – Carol S. Dweck, Mindset; the New Psychology of Success; How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential (New York: Ballantine Books, 2006), 7.
About the Author
Debbie Owen
Deborah C. Owen is an experienced spiritual director, Neuro-based Enneagram executive and life coach, disciple maker, professional writer, senior librarian, and long-time church Music Director and lay leader. She has earned the award of National Board Certification for teaching excellence, and a podcasting award, and is pursuing a Doctor of Leadership degree through Portland Seminary at George Fox University. She lives in the backwoods of Maine with her husband and flat-coated retriever. She spends as much time as she can with their 3 grown children, daughter-in-law, and 2 small grandchildren. Find her online at InsideOutMinistries.info.14 responses to “The Dopamine Spark: Turning Passion into God-Aligned Purpose”
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Debbie, you did a nice job connecting all of the themes of our recent books. Your blog flows nicely, and I especially appreciate the weaving of dopamine into God’s creation of passion within us.
How can leaders develop and maintain their passion and purpose when faced with constant distractions and challenges or when the initial excitement of a calling begins to fade?
“How can leaders develop and maintain their passion and purpose when faced with constant distractions and challenges or when the initial excitement of a calling begins to fade?”
Jennifer, I do struggle with this. Perhaps my post is somewhat aspirational! I find myself saying defeatist things in my head… but then praying about it all and asking God to enhance my resolve… if this is still what I’m being called to.
My suggestion is to connect REGULARLY (at least 2x a month) with one or two people who are on the journey with you. You may each be following different calls, but having someone else who understands what you’re going through is so important. Like Harry, with Ron and Hermione. 🙂
Debbie,
I agree with Jen’s assessment about using all the books.
I’ll answer the first question you posed…The passion God has been placing on my heart right now is calling out the evangelical church for their blind allegiances to power and idolatry. I don’t know exactly what this will look like or how I am supposed to speak into this but that is the passion that is boiling up in me for now.
Adam, I applaud you for your passion on calling out the evangelical church on its blind spots. Let me know when you have it figured out and I’ll come join you!
Debbie,
You say “While dopamine excites us and propels us forward, it is not enough to anchor us or keep us focused on the more important picture of transformation through partnership with God.” In beginning to write my syntopical essay this is a point I make in the implications section, ensuring that I am leading with the right motivation, anchored in God’s will, and not just a dopamine rush.
Reflecting back on Scripture, are there leaders in the Bible that you think that may have fallen into a dopamine trap rather than patiently waiting on God?
“In beginning to write my syntopical essay this is a point I make in the implications section, ensuring that I am leading with the right motivation, anchored in God’s will, and not just a dopamine rush.
Reflecting back on Scripture, are there leaders in the Bible that you think that may have fallen into a dopamine trap rather than patiently waiting on God?”
Yes, for sure. King Saul didn’t wait when it was time for a battle. Abraham didn’t wait when he was waiting for Sarai to have a baby; that’s how Ishmael was conceived (I can hardly blame the guy though; God did make him wait for 20 years!).
There were others as well. I am sometimes concerned that I may be too impatient too. It’s definitely a growth edge for me!
Hi Debbie, thanks for your post! Good job connecting to grit and growth mindsets.
Do you have any implications for your NPO from this week’s reading?
“Do you have any implications for your NPO from this week’s reading?”
Good question Christy! I’m pretty sure patience – being able to wait on God – is a key attribute of a “non-anxious leader.” It’s something I’m working on myself!
Hi Debbie, I echo the above comments. You did a fantastic job connecting all of the assigned readings together. I remember you saying you are an Enneagram Three, and I am curious to know what key ideas from this week’s reading on dopamine and H&N stood out to you in light of your number. I am an Enneagram One, and I am slowly learning to embrace the here and now, accept myself for who I am now, and enjoy where I am now. I have always struggled with the thought, “If only that could have been a little bit better…if I could just be a little better.”
Thank you for your Harry Potter summary and connection to the readings. To my shame, I have never read the books or watched the movies. However, I have it on my list of things to do.
Oh my, you are so right Elysse! I don’t know if I had connected having such high Three energy with dopamine, but it certainly fits. I know that if I’m not careful, I’ll become impatient with people who don’t “get it” (or me) and just go off and do “whatever” on my own. So yes, there’s a lot to be said for creating space for other people to step up. (I have a problem. When there’s a vacuum [of leadership] I often get sucked in!)
Good for you for being self-aware enough to notice that it’s a good idea to focus on the present and not the “what-if”s.
And yes, you MUST either read the books or watch the movies! I’d strongly recommend the books first, but I know what life is like right now. Lol! Maybe you can get them on audio recording (which is truly masterful, by the way) if you have enough travel or walking time. 🙂
Debbie, thank you for your post, especially the self-reflective questions at the end. In your personal leadership journey, how have you navigated moments when the initial passion for a calling faded? What practices or mindsets have helped you realign with God’s purpose and sustain your commitment through the challenges?
“In your personal leadership journey, how have you navigated moments when the initial passion for a calling faded? What practices or mindsets have helped you realign with God’s purpose and sustain your commitment through the challenges?”
That’s a good question Chad. The short answer is that it didn’t happen overnight; it was a gradual shift. I’m thinking of when I was a public school library teacher. There were a lot of things I loved about the job, especially the kids. But I grew tired of school admin issues and after essentially reaching the top of what I could do, it was time for something else.
At that time I didn’t have what I would call a personal relationship with God. I prayed, but I didn’t know how to listen. I just did my best with what I knew and what I was given. I am grateful that although I didn’t always make the best choices (in retrospect), God has always blessed me and, I hope, others through me.
Hi Debbie, I found your connection to Harry Potter interesting and liked the different view of him. I have thought that he represented the person of Jesus, sacrificing his life to save others. I like your thoughts on it. My question for you is how you balance the reality of passion and perseverance in your current ministry context.
“How do you balance the reality of passion and perseverance in your current ministry context.”
Thanks for the question Diane. My primary current ministry context is as Music Director at my church, and I volunteer to lead a Bible study and help with the Missions team. But your question is most relevant to being Music Director.
I am definitely passionate about spiritual formation and discipleship. I’m also very clear on the purposes and mission of the music ministry. But I work at a congregational church (that’s the form of government), so everyone who wants to, gets to vote. It can be frustrating at times because as I’ve told the pastor, “People don’t know what they don’t know” (meaning, sometimes you need to tell them and not let them make it up!). So… I persevere. I stay with it. God called me here – I have no question – so there are reasons for me to be here. I believe God wants me to have a more open mind than I would have if I’d served elsewhere.