Obsessions: make them work for you

Many dictionaries define obsessions as unhealthy. This is true when obsessions are subconscious in origin and are left to their own devices. However, if you have an obsession, the last thing you want to hear is that it is unhealthy.  By following the easy steps below, you will become confident that your obsessions are healthy.  You will also see how obsessions help you to define and take control your future.

living la vita loca

“I’ve been called many names like perfectionist, difficult and obsessive. I think it takes obsession, takes searching for the details for any artist to be good.” Barbra Streisand

“No one changes the world who isn’t obsessed.” Billie Jean King

Identify your interests

The process begins with identifying your interests.  By writing your interests in a journal (on a piece of paper, or electronically – whatever works for you), reviewing them a few times a year and updating them when they need it, you can uses them to accelerate the adoption of obsessions that serve you well.

This is your first task – identify your interests.  Use the categories below for inspiration:

• health (think long term: eating habits, physical activities, mental activities, dental, …)
• charity (be focused instead of being lead by others)
• career
• financial
• entertainment
• earth first (recycle, take the bus, buy local…)
• other
• unproductive (helps you be more mindful of them)

I’ll continue to evolve this list to provide better inspiration.  If you have any ideas, add a comment below.

The greatest thing about having a strong awareness of your interests is that if any of your interests conflict with each other or with your obsessions, you will know about them immediately.  For example, if you have a desire to reduce your environmental impact, then having car racing as an obsession will cause conflicts within yourself.  In such a case, you might change your interest to running races.  Also, be mindful of laws and ethics in the world around us – this goes without saying.

Identify your obsessions

You probably are already aware of some of your obsessions.  Through this effort, you will uncover any that are hidden and you might discover new obsessions as well.

Once you have your interests written down, do the following:

1. contemplate your interests
2. contemplate how well your interest match the interests of the world (laws, ethics, etc.)
3. identify your obsessions and what you can be obsessed about (let your dreams soar)
4. like for your interests, write them down to review and update a few times a year

Once you have identified your obsessions, you will be extremely excited about the path ahead of you.  You should begin to feel compelled to pursue them with all of your energy.  If you are hesitant in any way, either your obsession is very bold and you need to map it into stages, or you need to break out of your shell and muster up your courage to achieve your dreams – if this is the case, look for other posts on Guts to Glory.

Don’t worry if you haven’t identified any obsessions immediately.  They will come your way if you continue to contemplate.

Have fun.

Also read

See what an obsession did for 17 year old Nishin Nathwani and the world

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