A Quick Guide to Engineering Obsession
Success isn’t luck, it’s a process.
You can build a self-fueling obsession with any goal by using this simple framework.
Here’s a shortcut to the key lessons.
The 4-Step Obsession Loop
This is the core engine for building momentum.
- Decide the Target: Be specific about who you want to become (e.g., “a pro golfer,” not “rich”). The journey is the goal. Bet on yourself.
- Identify Required Inputs: Pinpoint the actions that move you forward. This includes the main task (playing golf), supportive learning (watching pros), and lifestyle changes (habits that free up time).
- Locate Killable Habits: Find your biggest time-wasters (like social media apps) and use your willpower once to eliminate them completely.
- Replace Old with New: Fill the time you’ve reclaimed from bad habits with the productive inputs you identified in Step 2.
4 Essential Techniques to Stay on Track
These techniques prevent you from falling off track or obsessing over the wrong things.
- The Identity Filter: When faced with a choice, ask yourself, “What would a [pro in my field] do?” and act on that.
- Builder vs. Watcher: Prioritize action over passive learning. Endless studying without doing is just a form of procrastination. Be someone who builds and creates.
- Output, Output, More Output: Beat perfectionism. Shipping something at 80% quality is far better than never finishing because you’re chasing 100%. Obsession loves results, so keep producing.
- Focus on the Right Result: Define “success” on your own terms. Focus on results you can control (e.g., finishing the work) instead of external metrics you can’t (e.g., views, sales). This keeps your motivation high.
A final note: As your obsession grows, remember to take breaks. Rest is essential to avoid burnout and keep the spark alive.