Obsessiveness.
Is it a positive or negative trait.
Obsessiveness can be described as: excessive often to an unreasonable degree and a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an idea or feeling.
I get that way.
Often.
With a whole bunch of things.
Lets just take the creation of my other seven blogs as an example. Once I thought of it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. As you know, I would arise early, go to bed in the wee hours of the morning and sit glued to the computer. On the weekends I would sit in the same chair for twenty-four hours straight with very few breaks. My eyes wouldn’t shut. I didn’t get hungry. I didn’t want to talk, listen to music or watch television. I was determined to finish them all. I wanted them to look good as well as be functional. I wanted to have a means of teaching things like HTML template codes and selling tips. I wanted a side business. Not to get rich, but to cover expenses for fancy things on the sites and to offer expensive giveaways like computers, computer software and diamonds! I don’t see a whole lot of that going on at giveaways. I also wanted them to be a great place for everyone to visit. Some place I can host YOU and your life and businesses. I want other people to know you like I have come to know many of you. I want friends to be there for me when my daughter moves, when she gets married, when I have grandchildren, when my parents pass away…I will need support of people that have come to know me and grown to care for me. So I was determined. I had a goal. I wasn’t going to quit until it was accomplished and I knew if I would just keep typing, it would get finished.
On the flip side, my family was going crazy. I was consumed with the computer and they found out what it was like to not have me just standing and waiting to serve them. I’m like that…I joke about the 1950’s, but in many ways I like some of those things:
“Mo-om!”
“Yes, coming.”
At which point I get up and go to her.
“Will you make cookies?”
“Sure,” I answer and I drop what I am doing to make cookies.
Yeah, I spoil them. So they were not being spoiled and they felt the pain. The same conversation above became:
“Mo-om!”
“I’m in here, I can’t hear you,” and she would come into the room to me.
“Will you make cookies?”
“Why don’t you go lay out the butter and measure all the ingredients, ok? I will mix it up while you watch and then you can bake them.”
Do you see the drastic difference? Yeah. They did too. As a side benefit to the whole experience, it was a good teaching lesson to not take me for granted! So officially, I was “obsessed” with completing this project. It was a positive experience in the sense that I had all seven sites completed and published in record time AND I lost fifteen pounds. The negative part of the obsession was that I deprived myself of proper rest and interpersonal relations.
Was it worth it? I guess that depends on your point of view. An unnamed member of my family is judging by how many people are NOT following the new blogs or subscribing to the RSS feed. I am judging by the positive feedback that many of you like the sites, enjoy the informational postings, and the ease at which you can visit one site after another. I guess you can tell it works pretty good since I made over 400 comments in two days. I want to just say to my doubting family members, “Hello! The sites have only been in existence six days…SIX days. It takes time for everyone to check out the new blogs and find their value.” Okay, I’ve said it.
Now why don’t we take a very different example. I’m obsessed with germs. Fear them because when I get sick, I AM REALLY SICK. This means that I don’t drink after people, take sample bites off their food unless I bite first, touch my face or rub my nose and eyes. It also means that I wash my hands often. I want to wash them more, however, I do not want to become obsessed and start washing them fifty times a day. Washing my hands that much would be obsessive and have only negative connotations like raw hands and anxiety about washing my hands. I would have to seek therapy for that quirk!
Obviously, there are positives and negatives to obsessions, but it is best if you practice moderation in all things.
There are some exceptions.
Like George Clooney
and chocolate.
Also, maybe George Clooney with chocolate,
or covered with chocolate.
Hmmm, I better stop there or I might get into trouble.
Your blog is listed on one of them! Have you found it?
Drahdrah says
I think the sites are wonderful. Very few things take off immediately… tell your family to ease up. With time, they will grow !
2 Toddlers and Me says
I can't believe you have seven blogs! I have a tough time keeping up with one. I have a few great ideas for others but just can't find the time to maintain the one I have let alone start others. I hope to one day though. However, I do understand your obsession with blogging. It is addictive and the more you delve into it the more addictive it becomes.
Your blogs are great though and I think you're doing a great job keeping up with all of them.
Yaya says
Trust me, I get it. I'm OCD too. I get quite obsessed about things. I actually worried about you when you started blogging because you took on following so many blogs so fast and it can be QUITE consuming. It can take over if balance isn't put in place.
I do love your new sites. I agree, give them time.
Judy Harper says
I understand about becoming obsessed with a project. I was determined to have my family history book well on the way by the time of our family reunion the second Sunday this past September, so I stayed glued to my computer. I also want you to know I have made use of your personal journal blog several times. Thanks for creating it!
Under the Influence says
What some call obsession, others call commitment! I joined the food/recipes site – I am always looking for new things to cook and to eat!
nettagyrl says
I am like you! =D Once I started with one, I ended up with 5 blogs, where 1 of them is a Twilight blog I try to add commentary on once a week. =D All of them are ROCKIN. I will follow all of them because they are all so unique and different!
I've a surprise for you on my blog: http://zestynachos.blogspot.com/2009/10/wow-two-more-blog-awards.html
Suecae Sounds says
It is all about dosage. You kind of get to know yourself in the end if you are type to be real commited and maybe sometimes overtly obsessive – which I am too! Like you said, practise moderation is the way to go. 🙂
Still, I am impressed about you leaving such an amount of comments.
Unknown Mami says
Do not let anyone rain on your parade. You had a goal, you accomplished it. Success can be measured in many different ways. As far as I'm concerned you are successful and I refuse to believe otherwise.
Teresha@Marlie and Me says
You lost 15 lbs while building the new blogs?! Sounds like OCD can be the new diet craze, LOL! in all seriousness, us OCD girls gotta stick together! oh, and tell your unnamed family member that the Sistine Chapel was painted in a day…a masterpiece takes time!
2 Toddlers and Me says
Back again to let you know you have an award waiting for you on my blog. Come by and pick it up whenever you have a chance. Congrats!
Galit says
I love this blog, it is funny and sincere. I admire your courage to overcome what other people in your family say about your work. Yes it takes time, patience is one of the keys to success. I think you have realized that it pays off. May journey continue to be an enjoyable one.
Galit.
KK says
George Clooney covered in chocolate…oh yeah, I could obsess over that!