We are often told to be persistent. Having a positive attitude and working hard towards a goal is the best way to get things done. It's true. The harder you work at something you want the more likely it will become a reality. Persistence pays off. Absolutely. So what is the draw back? Where does persistence end and obsession begin? What happens when we trip over the fine line between the two?
The Edge of Insanity
Where persistence is a good thing obsession takes over your life. It is not really that obsession in and of itself is a bad thing. It is just an extension of persistence and wanting something badly. What is bad about obsession is that it obliterates everything else in your life and unbalances it. You miss out on wonderful experiences that otherwise would be yours for the taking. You ignore things that need to be done to keep your life running smoothly—and often times you ignore the people around you to the point you may suddenly wake up and there will be no one there.
The difference between persistence and obsession can be a very vague area at the beginning. People can become obsessed over big important things like their jobs or their homes. They can be obsessive about a broad aspect of life such as money and how to get more. Or they can get obsessive about very particular things such as a car, or, and in some cases the most dangerous of obsessions, a person.
What Obsession Does to You
Obsession can lead to many health problems as well as being a mental health problem. People who are obsessive often have high blood pressure, cardiac issues, and other stress related illnesses caused by the constant worry and compulsiveness over their chosen obsession.
Recognizing the Danger Signals of Obsession
It can be very difficult for an individual to see the signs of obsession in themselves. One of the most important triggers to look for is what other people are saying. If loved ones, family or friends, are often saying you don't spend any time with them—it's time to take a look at why. There are a few signals that you can look for in your own personal life if you have the composure to be objective. Are you spending every waking moment thinking about one particular thing? If it is work, do you have to immediately check your email the minute you get up? Run to the office on your off days to make sure things are running smoothly? Both of those things can be perfectly healthy and fine in proper context, especially if you are in charge of the business. Where persistence and obsession collide is when you do those things when you could be doing something with your family or friends and there is no reason to believe anything is wrong at work. You need time off. You need to enjoy other things outside of your compulsion. Whether it is work, or even a hobby, it is not healthy to push everything else aside in order to work at, play with, or do one particular thing exclusively.
Loving something or someone completely is not a bad thing as long as you keep it in perspective.
For more information on obsessive personality, visit /