Obsession is defined by Google as 'an idea or thought that invades or preoccupies a person's mind.' For many that idea or thought is followed through with persistent actions or pursuit of a goal related to the obsession. It is the only way to seperate one's self from others. If you want to really add value or push yourself to the highest possible level in a particular area of life, you have to be obsessed. The elite of the elite in the sports world are a clear example of this. In a world full of physical freaks, the Steph Currys, Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods, and Tom Bradys separate themselves through their obsession.
There is a dark side to obsession too. This writing is for those that want consider if they are being pulled into that dark side. Is there such a thing as obsessed enough? It's kind of a paradox isn't it? Yes and no. I feel there's a couple of ways a person can evaluate if they are obsessed enough.
1. Are you grateful for the opportunity to work and pursue your goals? Gratefulness is a natural outflow of humility. If you're grateful for what you get to do chances are you'll be humble enough to admit when you've become too obsessed.
2. Are the people that matter to you in your life comfortable with your obsession? The people that matter in your life (spouses, children, life long friends, etc) should always be a priority over pursuits and possessions. They know you best. They know how your wired. They know your priorities. They know your passion. They know your obsession. Their opinion on your obsession can be trusted.
3 Are you healthy? Bob Buford, multi-millionaire media mogul and author of NYT best seller 'Half Time', re-calibrated his life in his mid forties to be built on physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. If he was not healthy in one of these areas of his life, he needed to put aside things that were less important so that he had the time to be healthy in this important areas. What he found was he was more free to be more efficient with his professional obsession if his life was founded on health in these important areas.
Should you be obsessed in order to pursue your maximum potential in a given area? Yes, you have to be. Is it possible to be to be obsessed enough? I think the answer to that question is also 'yes'.
There is a dark side to obsession too. This writing is for those that want consider if they are being pulled into that dark side. Is there such a thing as obsessed enough? It's kind of a paradox isn't it? Yes and no. I feel there's a couple of ways a person can evaluate if they are obsessed enough.
1. Are you grateful for the opportunity to work and pursue your goals? Gratefulness is a natural outflow of humility. If you're grateful for what you get to do chances are you'll be humble enough to admit when you've become too obsessed.
2. Are the people that matter to you in your life comfortable with your obsession? The people that matter in your life (spouses, children, life long friends, etc) should always be a priority over pursuits and possessions. They know you best. They know how your wired. They know your priorities. They know your passion. They know your obsession. Their opinion on your obsession can be trusted.
3 Are you healthy? Bob Buford, multi-millionaire media mogul and author of NYT best seller 'Half Time', re-calibrated his life in his mid forties to be built on physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. If he was not healthy in one of these areas of his life, he needed to put aside things that were less important so that he had the time to be healthy in this important areas. What he found was he was more free to be more efficient with his professional obsession if his life was founded on health in these important areas.
Should you be obsessed in order to pursue your maximum potential in a given area? Yes, you have to be. Is it possible to be to be obsessed enough? I think the answer to that question is also 'yes'.
‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on
being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read
about it more here.
Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader and Director
of Athletics at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. He’s earned a few
degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school
sweetheart and they have three teen age children. Life is messy and complicated
most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter
for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.
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