Uncategorized

The Perks of Being an Obsessive

image

Einstein once said “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” He was ridiculously humble, and knew first-hand the benefits of being an Obsessive.

An Obsessive is defined as someone whose thoughts or feelings are dominated by a persistent idea, image, desire, etc. In other words, it’s part of who they are. While some people may feel obsessed with an idea from time to time, Obsessives always have a need to fixate on something. This is especially true of serial entrepreneurs. When they say they have a “mission”, it’s a socially acceptable way of saying they’re obsessed. It’s second nature, an integral part of their personality and business approach.

Lots of people preach about work-life balance, but this is a fallacy in the startup world. Yes, ignoring your personal life is bad. Take heed when your partner asks you to be less obsessive about personal stuff. But if your thoughts aren’t dominated by how your venture will win, it probably won’t.

All sucessful serial entrepreneurs aren’t Einsteins but they are all obsessive. Being an Obsessive often gets a bad rap, but don’t stifle it – embrace it for your business. Stay with problems longer than your competition. And when you succeed, be humble like Albert.

The Visitor with a Blank Slate

Imagine for a minute that you woke up one morning and realized you were transported to a parallel dimension. It looks the same as your previous life and your memories contain the same events, but they feel different. You start to figure out why.

Recalling the good times makes you grin as always. But you feel no emotional attachment to any of the bad times. No lingering frustrations, resentments, or disappointments. But that’s not all.

Your career. That boss you hated? The promotion you didn’t get? Your startup that crashed and burned in spectacular fashion? None of it drags you down anymore. Actually you feel like you’re being propelled onward and upward.

In this parallel dimension, you’re a blank slate. You aren’t afraid of failing or what other people think. Suddenly the ideas start flowing and all you can think about is which one you’re going to build your next company around.

Since you’re a visitor in this new life, you don’t know how long you’re gonna be around. A year? A month? A week? Better get this party started.

Now stop imagining. Wouldn’t it be great to live in that parallel dimension? See where this is going?

Anyone can be a visitor with a blank slate. You just have put in the work to learn from negative experiences without being constrained by them. And we’re all visitors of course. Tomorrow could be our last day. No time to waste.

Onward and upward!

Impatience is a Virtue

When it comes to your goals and dreams, some people will tell you to be patient. “Don’t worry, it’ll happen.” “Your ship will come in.” “It’s meant to be.”

This is horrible advice. Horrible.

You have to make it happen. Swim out to meet your ship. It’s not meant to be unless you make it so, starting with HARD WORK.

In one of his most popular songs Beck says “Things are gonna change, I can feel it.” The song is called Loser.

To achieve your goals, impatience is definitely a virtue.

More of Yourself to Give

‘Tis the season of giving, perhaps moreso this year with recent heartbreaking tragedies and a wonderful emphasis on donating time and money. Giving is a fundamental part of human nature, perhaps that’s why we feel more whole when we do it.

But often times people forget about themselves. If you really want to give and share the best of you with others, then you need to take good care of yourself. One metaphor – which can also be literal – is you can’t care for a sick person if you become sick.

Exercise regularly, eat right, work on issues that cause stress, get enough sleep. Prioritize these things. I’m not saying ignore others and focus on yourself 24/7. But when you take care of yourself, you’ll feel healthier, more energetic, and more balanced. And imagine how much more of yourself you can give to others. They’d be getting the very best version of you, and don’t your family, friends, and causes deserve that?

So take good care of your body, mind, and spirit all year round. Then you can give more of yourself to others.