It seems that people think of an obsession as if it’s the same as a possession, and we have no choice over what we are obsessed with. An important question I’ve asked myself is: If this isn’t the case, and I had the choice of what I am obsessed with, what would it be? I think once you figure that out, you should pursue it.
Jeff, I have resonated with this perspective all my life, allowing myself to follow an inner call to extremes of passion and the pursuit of a vision as a performer and creator. As I've aged I've come to the conclusion that life is more complex and complicated than the two buckets of non-focused mediocrity and laser obsession of greatness. Staying connected to my family, circle of friends and colleagues is a vital and important component of contributing my best to the world, and I no longer assess the my work based on whether I'd be willing to do it if no one cared, watched, or benefitted from the effort. I have great appreciation for the gift of obsession and feel that responding to an inner drive is without a doubt a wonderful thing. It's just not the entire picture for me anymore, as it once was. Curious what you think of these thoughts.
Hey Rick, I appreciate your perspective, and I think you’re correct that life is more complex than those two buckets. My shiny dime here is really about the joy found in obsessively pursuing things that are satisfying in and of themselves. Thank you as always for your extremely thoughtful feedback.
It seems that people think of an obsession as if it’s the same as a possession, and we have no choice over what we are obsessed with. An important question I’ve asked myself is: If this isn’t the case, and I had the choice of what I am obsessed with, what would it be? I think once you figure that out, you should pursue it.
Thank you for the thought Daniel. I think it is a little bit of both. For me it has been at least. It seems so for you too.
Excellent essay!
Thank you!
Jeff, I have resonated with this perspective all my life, allowing myself to follow an inner call to extremes of passion and the pursuit of a vision as a performer and creator. As I've aged I've come to the conclusion that life is more complex and complicated than the two buckets of non-focused mediocrity and laser obsession of greatness. Staying connected to my family, circle of friends and colleagues is a vital and important component of contributing my best to the world, and I no longer assess the my work based on whether I'd be willing to do it if no one cared, watched, or benefitted from the effort. I have great appreciation for the gift of obsession and feel that responding to an inner drive is without a doubt a wonderful thing. It's just not the entire picture for me anymore, as it once was. Curious what you think of these thoughts.
Hey Rick, I appreciate your perspective, and I think you’re correct that life is more complex than those two buckets. My shiny dime here is really about the joy found in obsessively pursuing things that are satisfying in and of themselves. Thank you as always for your extremely thoughtful feedback.
whole-hearted agreement on that point Jeff.
Thank you, Anthony! I appreciate that.