Comments on: Three Signs to Distinguish Focus from Obsession

By: Evan Hadkins

Evan Hadkins — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:55:22 +0000

Hi Katey, You describe your state of mind very vividly. I have a good feeling for what it’s like even though it is quite different to my own experience.

The schizophrenics I have known have a very different experience to this.

Thank you for your comment, I hope that others will get in contact who have a similar experience. Many thanks for your comment.

By: Katey

Katey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:08:26 +0000

I struggle with this. I was diagnosed with “severe ADHD” at age 15 and minor OCD. I don’t have obsessive habits like typical OCD but I go through phases of obsessions, exactly like Jess mentioned in one of the other comments. My obsessions change all the time. One month it might be knitting, the next month it’s scrabble, and so on. Whatever it is, it’s intense and all-encompassing. It’s all I do all day…thinking, researching, and learning about my obsession. I definitely neglect other things when I have a new obsession. The reason I say I struggle with this is because I’d really like to stick to one thing as a way of identifying myself. It’s almost like I don’t know who I am becuase I’m so so so many different people (also a good thing, I know :D). I feel like I have very distinct people within me, but only one person can come out at a time. For instance, I used to be really obsesed with creative writing… so much so that I got into one of the top writing schools in the country, (of course I never went…) but I never write anymore, and just the thought of writing creatively again is very scary. This feeling is even apparent when I need to transition away from an obsession into something that does not have anything to do with my obsession. For instance, if I’m obsessed with a video game, I sort of identify myself with the game or that I am a “gamer.” And when I am not gaming, I don’t know who I am. Even if it means I just need to stop the game and do the dishes. It’s like a disconnection with myself. Who is this girl doing the dishes? It’s very weird and hard to describe, but I know it involves a struggle with transitioning from one state of mind to another. It’s like everything I do requires a different state of mind, and each state of mind is a different person. I’d love to know if anyone else feels like this at times or if this type of behavior has a name. Is it typical of ADHD? Is it OCD? Please tell me it’s not schizophrenia. haha. Sorry for the long comment…I’m obsessing. :D

By: Evan Hadkins

Evan Hadkins — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 09:28:18 +0000

Hi Mariana,

Maybe curiosity is an obsession, or maybe you’re just lively and engaged with life.

As long as you finish what you want to (and not what others think) and have a great time, I can’t see a problem. I tend to verge on the obsessive end of the spectrum, so I wouldn’t mind having a bit more of your approach.

Thanks for your comment, I always enjoy your comments.

By: Mariana

Mariana — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 04:14:53 +0000

((Sigh)) I think “focus” is on my wish-list. I can be obssessive or stubborn at times, but will rarely focus (let alone sustain focus) as people would normally do. I’m 99% curious by default, and in all honesty, I just love it that way, so I guess there are very few things in life that do not attract my attention.

Usually, I am so curious that I get distracted quite easily (and no, no ADD or ADHD issue here, he he) The thing is that I have to go an extra mile to get focused and stay focused. But I force myself to focus on things only when it’s absolutely necessary, such as completing my work (thank God I’m a freelancer) or complete a project I started, but it can be hard when virtually everything attracts your attention in life.

Maybe being so curious is an obssession!

By: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk

Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:58:55 +0000

That’s a good way of putting it. When I start feeling stale I back off and do something else until my enthusiasm returns.

By: Evan Hadkins

Evan Hadkins — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:45:27 +0000

Hi Jean,

Absorbed is a good way of putting. Glad to hear it brings you joy. Maybe another way of distinguishing obsession is the disappearance of joy or the presence of grim determination. What do you think?

By: Evan Hadkins

Evan Hadkins — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:43:15 +0000

Hi Jess,

What’s your new blog? You seem to have a couple or more. Thanks for your comment.

By: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk

Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:30:19 +0000

Getting absorbed works for me. I call it slipping into sacred space. It brings a lot of joy to my life and I’ve survived just fine so far. ;)

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:01:41 +0000

Interesting article, Evan. I just wrote about something similar in my new blog. I find in my life that I go through periods of becoming obsessed by something new – usually a hobby or skill – and devote most of my free waking time/energy to it, until I overload and get sick of it. Then I tend to give it up altogether for a time. Not the most productive way to function!