When goal obsession goes wrong
Obsession isn’t always a bad thing, especially when you’re trying to achieve your goal. In fact, it’s one of the top characteristics that entrepreneurs, businessmen or even normal people like us should have to prove that we’re serious about our ambition.
Michael Moritz, the billionaire chairman of Sequoia Capital, thinks that people who do remarkable things tend to be obsessed with what they’re working on. Obsession drives entrepreneurs to devote everything they have to build their businesses.
Robert T. Kiyosaki, the best-selling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and businessman, advises us to change our mindset and challenge ourselves. For instance, when we want something, instead of thinking, “I can’t afford it,” we should ask ourselves, “How can I afford it?”
Obsession brings passion to the next level. It helps you to be laser-focused toward your goal. It’s all about, “Do or do not, there is no try.” It’s as if plan B doesn’t exist because you believe, somehow, you’ll make it.
However, underneath the glossy achievements lies a dark side that could change your life and the lives of the people around you for the worse.
Three years ago, I was working as a writer in a company that provided an unlimited bonus. The amount of my bonus would be based on the number of the articles I wrote, therefore, I embraced the opportunity to fund my travels. That’s when my goal obsession with traveling went wrong.
Here’s what happens when goal obsession goes wrong, as mine once did:
You turn into a robot
When goal obsession takes over, you want to ensure that every day is spent productively. For my case, I had a list of how many articles I wanted to write in a day to the extent how many minutes one should be done. Aside from “good morning”, I almost didn’t speak to my colleagues the whole day unless necessary.
At the end of the day, I didn’t really know what went on in the office. I missed the surprise birthday parties, the jokes, the group lunches. It was all about numbers. I was a robot who produced the highest number of articles in the company.
You create unnecessary stress to people around you
I get it. You put a deadline on your vision and you’re so pumped up to see the result. However, being so focused on your vision, you may not realize that you’re stressing the people around you. Of course, some may admire your high standard and take it as motivation.
But when it comes to working in a company or as a team, there’s a possibility that your manager is expecting other team members to do the same. It’s something unspoken yet felt within people around you, creating a gap between employees.
Read more: When goal obsession goes wrong
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Clara loves dancing, traveling, writing, fashion and photography. She’s also an avid practitioner of the FIRE movement and believes people can travel the world yet still be financially responsible. Check out her blog agirlnamedclara.com.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Originally published at https://www.thejakartapost.com.
