I’ve noticed for a while that I tended toward being obsessive about things…. people… activities. You can call it being incredibly passionate, easily addicted, what have you. But the bottom line, end result is this tendency to obsess. For instance, when I was younger I tended to read a book front to back without stopping. I just couldn’t stop and would drop everything to finish reading it. I’m also a huge binger of shows, which is why I stay completely away from netflix/TV when I’m at school. I’ve noticed it today– as I start getting this project of mine going, creating an instagram to showcase my art, thinking about blog post ideas, I drop everything else that I planned for this morning.
I literally woke up, ate breakfast while watching a motivational youtube video that got me energized for this endeavor, and then started drawing. And then, I started tweaking and customizing this blog. And then, I posted stuff on my instagram account and tweeted. I am literally still in my PJs. My hair is a greaseball, and I don’t want to wash it without going on that “morning run” that I had initially planned. I haven’t touched my schoolwork (we have finals AFTER winter break, whoo), nor have I sent any emails that I really need to.
Obsession can be incredibly motivating and help you achieve greatness. But it can also be crippling and cause procrastination in other aspects of life. I currently feel obsessed about this project idea, which can give me the needed momentum to start it. But at the same time, I’m not focusing on my priorities. I’ve lost sight of my overarching agenda for this whole break. So how do you manage obsession? From my experience, I would say it helps more to hone obsession and redirect it, rather than suffocate it. Just like any of our personality traits and quirks, we can only improve upon our foundation. And sometimes we are just wired a certain way. There’s no need to resent or change it. We just need to be self-aware enough to know when this trait hurts us, and when it benefits us.
Ultimately, we’ll need to embrace the areas of us that make us who we are. Someone’s greatest strengths is often his/her greatest weakness. So go forth, and be obsessive if you are. But just remember to obsess in moderation, catch yourself when you’re falling into a deep dark hole, and embrace this unique quality because I’m sure it has served you well before.
Art of Medicine 