Passion or Obsession? What's Better?
PASSION.
What feelings come to you when you think about that word? What narratives come along with it?
Now one more: OBSESSION.
What feelings come to you when you think about that word? And what narratives come along with it?
Each word has a different feel, and a different story, right?
That’s what we’re going to explore here.
My intention with this is to help you:
Understand the difference between passion and obsession
Find out what exists beyond both passion and obsession
Align with the highest ideals possible
Upgrade your work and productivity
Enhance your creativity
Get more done with less stress
Evolve to a higher level of self mastery
Get into flow state more often
Work in a way that improves every other part of your life
Let’s start by exploring what passion and obsession really mean.
There’s a lot to be revealed.
What is Passion?
Passion can be defined as “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.”
It can be anything — love, hate, anger, joy, resentment, etc.
Passion is not necessarily good or helpful.
You can destroy and harm with passion. You can also build and heal with passion.
Passion is just intense emotion, for better or worse.
What is Obsession?
Back in the day, obsession was defined as “the hostile action of an evil spirit.”
That’s why it still has the connotation of being haunted or possessed by something… “I’m so obsessed with this, I just can’t stop even if I tried.”
Through the lens of psychology, obsession is defined as "an idea or image that intrudes on the mind of a person against his will."
Both of those hint at the essence of obsession.
With obsession, there are elements of:
Loss of control or free will
Being at the mercy of something
Addictive behavior
Attachment and clinging
Getting “carried away”
Now although obsession traditionally has a negative connotation, a lot of people view it as a badge of honor.
Why Do We Value These?
Here’s the question. Why do we value passion and obsession so much?
Why do we laud and applaud this qualities?
It’s because, in modern western culture, we praise action and achievements. Everything is yang-energy-focused.
Think about it. Someone who’s passionate, even obsessed, will achieve more than someone who isn’t.
Look at successful athletes and business people. Many of them are obsessed with action and achievement, some to the point where it destroys other parts of their life.
This idea of putting action and achievement on a pedestal is imbalanced. It neglects the value of yin energy: rest, patience, stillness, peace, acceptance, etc.
Blind action also, well, makes you blind. In a constant flurry of activity, it’s hard to see clearly, discern, think long-term, and assess multi-faceted effects.
There’s a better way — a higher path — where we can leverage the best of both the yin and yang for holistic synergy in our work.
Stillness building action
Action building stillness
The path of achievement
Graced with fulfillment
Success expands to be more and more holistic
For the highest good of all
The warrior merges with the mystic
What’s a Better Option?
After I dove deep into the meanings of passion and obsession, you know what I realized?
I don’t want to align with either of those.
So what’s a better option?
I found one.
Being PURPOSEFUL.
According to Dictionary.com, Purposeful has three meanings:
having a purpose.
determined; resolute.
full of meaning; significant.
See the themes here?
Purposeful is a better option because it implies a few key things:
Being purposeful means you’re intentional
A purpose is inherently bigger than your ego
Being purposeful necessitates balance and harmony
Purposeful can be fiery and passionate, or calm and peaceful
A sense of purpose creates consistency, patience and persistence
Purposeful feels like a more mature, evolved version of passionate
It has all of the strength, determination and action potential of passion and obsession, without the unhelpful side effects.
I invite you to contemplate what it means to be purposeful.
Also, think about how your Higher Self would approach work and evolution.
I know for me, obsession, and even passion (when consumed by it), feel more immature and egocentric.
When I’m purposeful, I can channel passion when needed, and let go of passion when needed. There’s a higher level of mastery and maturity to it.
I’ll Leave You With This
Let go of obsession, while still doing the work.
Channel passion when needed, yet make sure it’s helpful.
Be able to observe your thoughts and emotions, without getting carried away by them (or suppressing/repressing them).
Maintain centeredness, equanimity and a dynamic balance as you work toward who you’re becoming.
Be purposeful on your path.
Much Love,
Stephen Parato
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