Chapter 1: Understanding Obsession

Obsession stems from a true interest in what you do. To determine whether you have a genuine passion for your work, you can employ a simple test.

When Jennifer Doudna was a teenager, she drew inspiration from the pioneering biologist Rosalind Franklin, who encouraged her belief that women could contribute significantly to science. Despite facing discouragement from her high school counselor—who, due to traditional values, told her that "girls don’t do science"—Doudna remained undeterred. This interaction, which might have dissuaded many young women, only strengthened her resolve. With a clear passion for science, she proclaimed, “Yes, I will do it… If I want to do science, I will pursue it.”

The next ten years saw her working diligently in a lab at Pomona College and later pursuing her Ph.D. at Harvard University. This journey only deepened her love for science. Doudna reflected, “I’m someone who thinks about science constantly. I’m always focused on what’s happening in the lab, the next experiment, or the larger questions to explore… I was obsessed with what my next experiment would be.”

This brings us to the test: how frequently do you think about your passion when you're not engaged in it? If it occupies your thoughts consistently, that indicates true obsession. Conversely, if it's only on your mind while you're actively working on it, it may not be compelling enough.

Kobe Bryant echoed a similar sentiment. He often described what I refer to as “the itch”—a persistent desire to engage in what you love. He expressed, “I enjoy going out and having fun, but it never feels quite right. While I’m out having a good time, I could be playing basketball or lifting weights. I could be working on something meaningful.”

If your thoughts aren’t consumed by your passion outside of the activity itself, it may signify a lack of love for it; without sufficient love, achieving greatness becomes unlikely. True excellence is built on a profound interest in your craft. As David Senra, host of the Founders Podcast, noted, “I realized I was in trouble when I found that outside of work, I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s a troubling place for an entrepreneur.”

Identify your true interest, pursue it with fervor, and then apply the test. If it doesn’t occupy your thoughts outside of the work, it may be time to consider a new direction. However, if it does, you’ve uncovered a powerful capability and the key to a fulfilling life.

Thank you for reading.

You can explore my new book here and listen to the Greatness podcast, where I delve into the lives of extraordinary individuals and their achievements.

Keep inspiring.

Keep progressing.

Keep striving for greatness.

Section 1.1: The Influence of Role Models

Chapter 2: Applying the Obsession Test

In the video "You're doing these but don't know it," we explore common behaviors that may indicate hidden passions.

The second video, "Just Right OCD - A Feeling of Incomplete," discusses how perfectionism can affect our pursuits of passion.