I have not met a high-achieving CEO or athlete who isn’t completely fu**ing obsessed.
Obsession can be a powerful motivator. Individuals obsessed with achieving a particular goal are often more motivated and driven to succeed.
For CEOs, this may mean working long hours and sacrificing personal time to grow their company. For athletes, this may mean spending hours training daily to improve their performance.
I’ve always been an obsessive person.
My mind never stops racing, constantly jumping from one thing to the next. And you know what?
It’s helped me achieve a lot in life.
I’ve been obsessed with hockey as a player, being the head coach for Team GB, and my businesses. My obsession has fueled my drive to achieve great things I never thought possible.
But there’s a dark side to being obsessed. In 2017, my life started to fall apart. My relationships suffered, my physical and mental health took a hit, and I realised that my obsession had taken over my life. I knew I needed to learn how to manage my obsession so it wouldn’t continue to control my life.
So, I made a conscious effort to channel my obsessive tendencies positively. I learned to appreciate the benefits of my obsessive personality while recognising the need to approach it cautiously. I’ve understood that managing my obsession is vital to achieving balance.
According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the author of the book “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience,” individuals who are engaged in challenging activities and require skill often experience a state of “flow,” which is characterised by intense focus and enjoyment.
Csikszentmihalyi suggests that flow is often experienced by individuals obsessed with their work or hobbies, and this state can be advantageous.
Obsessive behaviour can often lead to high achievement in business and sports.
CEOs obsessed with growing their company may be more likely to take risks and innovate, which can lead to increased revenue and profits. Similarly, athletes obsessed with winning may be more likely to push themselves to their limits and achieve great success in their sport.
Anders Ericsson, a psychologist who has studied expertise and high achievement, suggests that individuals obsessed with their work or hobbies often engage in “deliberate practice,” which involves focusing on specific aspects of their performance and continually pushing themselves to improve. According to Ericsson, deliberate practice is essential for achieving high levels of expertise in any field.
But what are the cons?
Burnout and Stress
One of the most significant drawbacks of obsession for CEOs is the risk of burnout and stress. Individuals who are obsessed with their work may be more likely to neglect their personal lives and become overworked and stressed. This can lead to negative consequences such as exhaustion, depression, and physical health problems.
Stanley Rachman, a psychologist who has extensively researched obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), suggests that individuals obsessed with their work or hobbies may experience “intrusive thoughts” that interfere with their ability to relax and enjoy their personal lives. This can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours that can be difficult to break. Check out my Podcast on nine ways to overcome negative thoughts.
Tunnel Vision
Another potential drawback of obsession for CEOs is the risk of tunnel vision. When individuals are obsessed with achieving a particular goal, they may become so focused on it that they neglect other important aspects of their lives or business. This can lead to missed opportunities or poor decision-making.
Steven Kotler, an author and journalist who has written about the concept of “flow,” suggests that individuals obsessed with their work or hobbies may become so focused on achieving their goals that they neglect other important aspects of their lives, such as relationships and personal well-being. This can lead to a lack of balance and, ultimately, burnout.
Achieving Balance and Managing Obsession
As a CEO, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of obsession to harness its power and avoid being consumed by it. Passion and perseverance are vital ingredients for achieving long-term.
In conclusion, obsession can be a powerful motivator for success and high expertise in any field. However, it is essential to understand the potential drawbacks, such as burnout, stress, and tunnel vision, that can come with being obsessed with achieving a particular goal.
Achieving balance and managing obsessive tendencies are essential to avoid being consumed by obsession. Passion and perseverance are vital for long-term success as a CEO or in any other field. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the benefits of being obsessed while keeping it in check to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.
Start by taking my Balance Wheel Quiz: HERE
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