The Obsessive character

In this post we take a look at the Obsessive character. In my last post we looked at the first of the three characters taken from George Leonard s book "Mastery" If you missed the last post please go check it out titled the "Dabbler".

OK let's move on to the Obsessive. Quote." The obsessive is a bottom line type of person not one to settle for second best. He or she knows results are what count, and it doesn't matter how you get them, just so you get them fast. End quote.

I think we can all relate to having some traits related to the obsessive character. I know certainly have, there are times here at WA where i have obsessive episodes of wanting to get everything done, totally focused on the end results with little consideration for the journey.

George Leonard draws on the analogy of the obsessive character learning to play tennis..Quote"He wants to get the stroke just right during the first lesson. He stays after class talking to the instructor. He asks what books and tapes he can by to help him make progress faster ( He leans towards the speaker when he talks. His energy is upfront when he talks)

The obsessive starts out by making robust progress His first spurt is just what he expected. But when he inevitably regresses and finds himself on a plateau he simply won't accept it. He re-doubles is efforts He pushes himself mercilessly He refuses to accept his Boss's and colleagues council of moderation. He works all night at the office, he's tempted to take shortcuts for the sake of quick results.

In relationships the obsessive lives for the upward surge the swelling background music the trip to the stars. He's not like the Dabbler. When ardor cools he doesn't look elsewhere he tries to keep the star ship going by every means at hid command: extravagant gifts, erotic escalation, melodramatic rendezvous. He doesn't He doesn't understand the necessity for periods of development on the plateau. The relationship becomes a roller coaster ride, with stormy separations and passionate reconciliations. The inevitable breakup involves a great deal of pain for both partners, with very little in the way of learning or self development to show for it.

Somehow in whatever he is doing, the obsessive manages for a while to keep making brief spurts of upwards progress, followed by sharp declines-a jagged ride towards a sure fall. When the fall occurs the obsessive is likely to get hurt and so are friends, colleagues,stakehoders and lovers.""end quote

In my last post we will take a look at the last of the three characters: The Hacker

Hope you enjoy this post. Please leave a comment would be appreciated

Marcus