Purpose Versus Obsession
In my conversation with Mark Griffin, from “Purpose Fused”, he asked a question about purpose which led to a brief touch on obsession. I thought I'd expand on that idea a bit here an invite others' thoughts on the topic.
When I think of purpose, I think of an inherent calling or pull toward something, and actions taken that are intentional and directed. In my life, obsession has often been associated with unhealthy behaviors or times when I've been particularly out of balance. My obsessions were often a focal point of some sort that filled a void or gap for me that could be taken too far. However, to label an "obsession" as simply something negative, is to oversimplify. For me, for example, running became an "unhealthy" obsession for a while. I was obsessed with my daily and weekly mileage, with what I ate based on what I would burn in a particular workout, constantly implementing a more, harder, faster is better approach toward racing. Then, applying the meaning that if I was not meeting those criteria, then I'm not improving or worse, failing as a runner. As you can imagine this was a fast track to injury and burnout. In this example, "obsession" = unhealthy. On the other hand, if you look at the career of any elite athlete (of which I was not) or listen to them talk about their rise in their sport, they will often use the term "obsessed" to describe their approach to the work, the game, the grind. It is almost a prerequisite for greatness. So, I think there is some gray area to explore here where the subject of the obsession matters, as does the individual's ability to hold perspective (purposeful intention) and also, maintain some organic weaving of balance. I happen to believe that to be great at something there is often a prolonged period where the object of that greatness (becoming a great basketball player, a great executive, or doctor or parent), MUST rise to the level of obsession. Otherwise, we live in mediocrity. Greatness is obsession in action- when there is full emersion in the higher pursuit of something. However, it comes at a cost. When we are obsessed with something, we are inherently out of balance in other areas of our life: our work, our family, our social roles, etc. So, the question becomes where the line between purpose and obsession is and can they co-exist in a healthy way. I think the answer is, YES! It starts with self-awareness, as so many things often do.
If you know not only WHAT it is that you want, but have a compelling WHY you want it, you have the foundation to create a framework of time-bound actionable steps that are rooted in purpose (the HOW). Within that process, there is the invitation and requirement to fully devote your time, effort and energy to various aspects of your pursuits. As such, you can and should become obsessed with the aspects of your goal that are in your control and aim to maintain the flexibility of perspective, recognizing your value and worth is much larger than the WHAT you're accomplishing and more about WHO you are and who you become on that journey.
