Watson and Crick.

Why Discovering Your Obsession Can Lead to Your Greatness

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Ruby of the Ruby’s Life blog.

In 1999, I was stocking frozen food at a San Francisco Health Food Store and chatting with my friend Dan Moore, a painter and bicycle messenger (and now square dance enthusiast!). I was bemoaning my lack of success with writing and dance. There in the freezer aisle, in our padded gloves and box knives he gave me a little lecture.

“If you want to be good at something, you have to to be obsessive. You have to do the thing all the time, and when you’re not doing it, you have to be thinking about doing it. Why do you think business people who make millions are so good at it? They’re always doing business. Even when they’re not working, they’re thinking about better ways to do business. Same with the greatest writers and painters. They obsess all the time. Ruby, if you want to be good at writing, you need to be obsessive about it.”

In 2005, I picked up a copy of “The Best American Science and Nature Writing” and read an article about James Dewey Watson*, (you know, the Watson of Watson and Crick, the one who discovered the structure of DNA?) that harked back to Dan’s words and cemented what he said.

To paraphrase a little, Watson, at the ripe old age of 74 (this is in 2004) gives a couple of speeches a month, usually for the sum off $25,000. Sharing a lecture agent with Bill Clinton means he can be as preferential as he wants in his engagements. What I love the most is the unapologetic and balls-out title of his speech:

“Why I Deserved to Discover the Structure of DNA”

He gives five reasons, or criteria, which I think could be anyone’s criteria for greatness:

Go for broke- If you are going to do important science, do it.
Have a way to get the answer - If you haven’t a clue, you’re going to waste time.
Be obsessive - He not only knew DNA was important, but it was all he could think about night and day. “Did you see Jeff Goldblum play me in the BBC film? Crick didn’t get cast right; he didn’t come across in any way as obsessive, whereas I did. It was DNA or nothing for me.”
Be part of a team - Working with Crick, he had a partner to bounce ideas off and a pal to support him.
Talk to your opponents - A lot of scientists are afraid to share their ideas. But by cooperating with Maurice Wilkins, a scientist at a rival lab in London, Watson and Crick learned of experimental evidence that enabled them to clinch their discovery. The person who actually took the pioneering photograph, Rosalind Franklin, never shared her research, and died before the 1062 Nobel Prize was awarded to the three men. “Generally it pays to talk,” says Watson. Oh… and, another rule:
Never be the brightest person on the room; then you can’t learn anything.

Let that sink in for a minute…

Did you get all that? If not, go back and read it again and then go do something great.

Seriously. No truer words were spoken.

But as I re-read Watson’s advice, I think about my goals and obsessions. As of late, particularly in our current political/ecological/financial/intellectual climate, I wonder if the thing that has gripped me the most consistently for the last seven years (Blues and Swing Dance) is really the most important thing to focus my time and energy on. It’s certainly the thing that I obsess about the most.

But when I really think about it, I also feel a sense of re-assurance about my choices. In 1999, I knew I really liked dance and performance, but I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. It’s 2008 and I’m contemplating how to schedule in another teaching tour in the UK. Yesterday, a student wrote to thank my partner and I for our instruction last time we were there. They just won the UK Blues Championships and are convinced that they wouldn’t have gotten there without us.

I guess my point is… if something keeps coming back to you, even if you think you’re doing what you “should do,” pay attention to your obsessions. They just might make a difference.

*Jennet Conant, “The New Celebrity”, (from Seed Magazine) The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2004, pp. 38-44

Ruby is a writer, dancer, bodyworker, and indie-rock/blues lover. Read more from her at her blog, Ruby’s Life.

Why Discovering Your Obsession Can Lead to Your Greatness

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Ruby of the Ruby’s Life blog.

“If you want to be good at something, you have to to be obsessive. You have to do the thing all the time, and when you’re not doing it, you have to be thinking about doing it. Why do you think business people who make millions are so good at it? They’re always doing business. Even when they’re not working, they’re thinking about better ways to do business. Same with the greatest writers and painters. They obsess all the time. Ruby, if you want to be good at writing, you need to be obsessive about it.”

“Why I Deserved to Discover the Structure of DNA”

He gives five reasons, or criteria, which I think could be anyone’s criteria for greatness:

Go for broke- If you are going to do important science, do it.
Have a way to get the answer - If you haven’t a clue, you’re going to waste time.
Be obsessive - He not only knew DNA was important, but it was all he could think about night and day. “Did you see Jeff Goldblum play me in the BBC film? Crick didn’t get cast right; he didn’t come across in any way as obsessive, whereas I did. It was DNA or nothing for me.”
Be part of a team - Working with Crick, he had a partner to bounce ideas off and a pal to support him.
Talk to your opponents - A lot of scientists are afraid to share their ideas. But by cooperating with Maurice Wilkins, a scientist at a rival lab in London, Watson and Crick learned of experimental evidence that enabled them to clinch their discovery. The person who actually took the pioneering photograph, Rosalind Franklin, never shared her research, and died before the 1062 Nobel Prize was awarded to the three men. “Generally it pays to talk,” says Watson. Oh… and, another rule:
Never be the brightest person on the room; then you can’t learn anything.

Let that sink in for a minute…

Did you get all that? If not, go back and read it again and then go do something great.

Seriously. No truer words were spoken.

I guess my point is… if something keeps coming back to you, even if you think you’re doing what you “should do,” pay attention to your obsessions. They just might make a difference.

*Jennet Conant, “The New Celebrity”, (from Seed Magazine) The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2004, pp. 38-44

Ruby is a writer, dancer, bodyworker, and indie-rock/blues lover. Read more from her at her blog, Ruby’s Life.

Posted on 28 October 2008 in Goals, Productivity & Organization |
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Comments (72)

Ryan Wade Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:26 pm

You’re blog is freaking awesome dude!

I found it on twitter, and have been reading it ever since.

Thanks for the great content!

Talk with you soon,

Ryan

Demian Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:26 pm

Excellent article, Ruby. And I’d add to that patience. Not perseverance, but patience. The ability to sit on the shelf while you mature.

Ari Herzog Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:27 pm

Amen, Ruby! Thanks for another quote that Dan told you. I’m preparing an article on my blog about the secret behind my own obsession - and I’ll now be adding the above.

Bumbeak Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:29 pm

Interesting post. Bookmarked :).

Kell Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:34 pm

This articles came at a perfect moment for me. I have a piano exam next week and my entire life is absorbed by it at the moment, being my obsession. Although I sometimes wonder whether I obsess too much with this one thing and am neglecting other aspects of my life.

Aaron Gaul Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:41 pm

Along with obsession, do not forget relaxation. History shows that after intense work, relaxation allows the brilliant ideas to come forward spontaneously.

Leo Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:45 pm

I just wanted to thank Ruby for this guest post, which I’ve found to be very true myself.

But always remember that there can be negative effects of obsessions, and that a little balance is good now and then. :)

Alex Says:

October 28th, 2008, 20:52 pm

Leo

I think it is most important to have just 1 big obsession.

Stick to one thing, keep doing it if you really like it. Conversely, if you really like it you will keep on doing it.

Keep writing. Thanks.

Alec Satin Says:

October 28th, 2008, 21:01 pm

Ruby,

Fantastic reminder. Just like Kell above, this was just what I needed today.

Wish you well and will be checking out your blog.
Alec

rrr Says:

October 28th, 2008, 21:20 pm

I’ve been working very hard to figure out my passion/obsession. This has been hard for me because I am interested in everything, I’ve never been very focused on one thing.
I feel like I’m on the right track now. It’s exciting, and easy. When you find what you really like, it just flows.

Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:

October 28th, 2008, 21:44 pm

What a great post - the info you give is always so enlightening and makes me think about how I can apply it to my own life.

Fit Bottomed GIrl Says:

October 28th, 2008, 21:58 pm

This post really resonated with me. I’m so obsessed with my blog and getting our message out that sometimes I feel like it’s annoying to others…lol. But, hey, I may just be on my way to discovering fitness DNA. ;)

Hugh Says:

October 28th, 2008, 22:09 pm

No truer words, no doubt.

Gniy Says:

October 28th, 2008, 22:16 pm

I think it’s also important to know where to stop when your obsession doesn’t lead to your greatness because some kinds of obsession just don’t. Although diligence and dedication are must for all the dreams to come true, ability and capability are to be measured as well.

Simple Sapien Says:

October 28th, 2008, 22:19 pm

That is exactly where I am at right now. I have many passions, but I can’t master them all. I want to find that one thing that drives me crazy. The one thing I can’t live without and want to perfect all the time. It is easier said than done though.

Who knows if you will be burnt out on the activity in a month…a year… or 10 years. I wish I could KNOW, but we can never know what the future holds. I wish you all the best of luck in finding your obsessions and sticking to them!

- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien

A Dawn Says:

October 28th, 2008, 22:21 pm

This is soooo true. I wrote a post titled What You Need To Become A Successful Blogger? http://adawnjournal.com/2008/06/06/what-you-need-to-become-a-successful-blogger/ I pointed out what you need to become a successful blogger. I wrote “I think these are the most important things you need to become a successful person in this line of work (or in any line of work) … A. Passion B. Perseverance C. Believe in Yourself.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com

Andrea Says:

October 28th, 2008, 22:58 pm

I was having the same thoughts about my writing recently. I need to become more obsessive about it if I want to be any good! I have, thankfully, always known that I want to be a writer.

I was talking about our literary obsession with my friend, a journalism student like me, this afternoon. She said she really wants to be a novelist, and she doesn’t know why she didn’t major in English instead of journalism.

I answered by quoting my father, since this is a question I have myself pondered about many times. He said:

“I have known many wannabe writers who go into literature, and study literature with the intention of learning from the masters and becoming one themselves. The problem is, the more they read, the less they write, because they are intimidated. They begin to see that they will never be Dante or Verne and so they end up experts and never writers. Be a journalist, learn about the world, be inspired, and write. There will always be better ones, and it is always necessary to read, but don’t obsess with others’ work but with your own.”

I though that was great advice coming from him, thought I would share it with you.

FrugalNYC Says:

October 29th, 2008, 0:51 am

What if its blogging and photography? I’ve started both pretty recently and I’m combining both at this point. Just a novice at both, but definitely an obsession. Everything I read or come across, I think “this would make a great post” or “my readers would find this helpful”. And photography, I would come across a scene and think, “this looks interesting”, I like the lighting, composition or mood. Perhaps its good timing, perhaps bad, but I really should be spending more time looking for a new job, I do have a family to support and these obsessive hobbies won’t pay the bills.

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

October 29th, 2008, 1:35 am

Was this the guy who had the dream about two snakes coiling around each other, which made him realize DNA was a double helix?

Jonathan Says:

October 29th, 2008, 2:54 am

Thanks for sharing this article with us.

Obsession though is quiet a double-edged tool. One can easily be put off balance if obsessed by any topic. A few years ago I was obsessed by chess and when I think back of this period I realize I was very unhappy, though I reach a very decent level at this game…

Everything is a question of balance…

johnlazy Says:

October 29th, 2008, 3:46 am

Dynamic New Android, Obsession help you in a way but cannot create a better you.

Patrick Says:

October 29th, 2008, 4:14 am

Although I agree with the overall conclusion of the post, I think the example of Watson is a bit controversial. He and Crick (as far as I read) came in the possession of the unpublished results of Rosalind Franklin research, who made the X-ray photographs showing the double helix structure of DNA. How they got there hands on these results is not clear. So to state that she didn’t share them is easily said.

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Says:

October 29th, 2008, 4:34 am

As a Professional Organizer I’ve seen the bad side of obsession - people who obsess about one thing tend to let the rest of the world fall away and then the goal is lost in the resulting chaos.

I’m with Leo on the need for balance. It’s good to be passionate about what you want and to go for it with perseverance, patience and drive.

Of course, we all use language differently. For me obsession is a negative word, but for others it could be positive and could be the word that gets you motivated to achieve your goals.

Cheers,
Alex

Martin Wildam Says:

October 29th, 2008, 6:45 am

Obsession can give you a boost, but it is no guarantee for efficiently working on your goals. Further you need rest also. And in addition to that being focused too much on your particular goal you might miss all the creative impulses that you get from other realms in life. As a sample look at how much can be learned from animals and nature even if your main work is not related to biology.

And being obessed often you overlook the connection with “the real world”.

Tal galili Says:

October 29th, 2008, 6:46 am

What a perfect timing.
1) I am about to start my thesis in my MA (in BioStatistics), after finishing all the courses. and it’s going to be about tRNA. and reading these words made allot of sense to me.

2) You just helped me discover a new Dance Blogger I didn’t knew about. I will inform my GirlFriend about it, who is also Blogging about Dance (In Israel) on:
http://www.DanceInIsrael.com
(I hope the link advertising is OK by you, only the dancers of the crowed will press it any way :) )

And as always - I love your content, keep going !

Tal.

Pamela Says:

October 29th, 2008, 7:29 am

I agree that passion is a great source of force and positive energy - your passion can also inspirate others to stand up and try again. However, I don’t agree that passion or obsession is automatically a good thing: it has to be ethical, no harm done to others. A lot of dictators and psychopaths are obsessed, with whatever things. In a smaller scale, a businessman ‘obsessed’ with his\her goal can do a lot of harm to other people around him by neglecting them - in case he has made the mistake of ‘wanting it all’ e.g. has to have a family just because you should have one, not out of a real motivation. I think the positive obsession or the ethical thing to do in this case is to use all your energy towards your goal, and accept that you might have to sacrifice having a family ‘on the side’.

Eric Hamm Says:

October 29th, 2008, 8:19 am

This was a great post, Ruby! And much more than a post, I could tell it was a summation of what drives you, and that’s what made it so powerful.

I really liked the idea about never being the smartest one in the room. I’ve heard the idea before, but it never stuck until just now. I think our pride so often gets in the way of our progress. We WANT to be the smartest person in the room, and this often leads to stagnant mental growth.

I agree with Leo’s comment about needing balance, but I would certainly say that most people who truly excel in a particular area, do so with at least some leanings in the direction of obsession.

Thanks for giving me something to chew on as I make my ’rounds’ throughout the day. Eric.

Chris J Says:

October 29th, 2008, 8:22 am

I love it. Obsession is the step beyond passion. I’ve been rethinking a lot of my goals and dreams and they all come back to the same place. I’m going to receive this article as further confirmation that I’m doing what I’m created to do.

Thanks

Daniel H Says:

October 29th, 2008, 8:30 am

This is a bit of a derail, but I don’t think “not sharing her work” was the only reason three men won the award before Franklin did.

dr aletta Says:

October 29th, 2008, 9:07 am

My husband, John M Aletta, is a Watson-like scientist. His obsession and love of pure science is so great he left a stifling university position to start his own company, CH3 BioSystems. Becoming an entrepreneur in middle age is truly going for broke! It thrills me that he meets all six of Watson’s criteria for greatness (which I always knew, of course).

Leo says remember balance. Children and a supportive spouse/partner goes a long way to keep a person grounded.

Jason Cochran Says:

October 29th, 2008, 10:34 am

While I like your writing, I think obsession is the wrong term to be using. I think FOCUS would be better. Obsession leans more towards attachment which can lead to suffering. Focus, on the other hand, is a skillful way of sharpening your mind and body.

Otherwise I don’t really see how this post has anything to do with Zen or Buddhism.

Vincent Says:

October 29th, 2008, 11:01 am

So much truth to the point about we need to be obsessive before if we are to be successful about something. I think I would say obsessive would also means passion.

Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger

Shannon Says:

October 29th, 2008, 11:49 am

I have never posted a comment, but I have been reading this blog for a couple of months now. I am so thankful for this posting today! It’s just the direction I had been looking for, because I am also a research scientist (without a degree yet, but being a student is the same thing, right)? I have been asking myself these questions recently: Why am I so obsessed with anything scientific? My favorite field of study has been in the otherwise disgusting field of parasites and microbes, but I become more fascinated with it all the time. Am I going crazy? Is it because I feel the need to overcome some fear of the unknown? Probably not, according to this article. The other irony is that just before coming here, I had been looking online for the details about a book that Francis Collins (former lead scientist for NGHRI and second contender for the prize of having discovered the entire human genetic code) has been reported to be writing. It willl likely be a huge success, because he plans to share his own views about what we should be doing to stay healthy, wealthy and wise. He’s sure to be the next Suze Orman or Andrew Weir of the science world! So many good examples of taking what your passionate about and just not looking back until it takes you to the top. I’m thinking about starting a blog now too, thanks to your example! :-)

DiscoveredJoys Says:

October 29th, 2008, 11:51 am

I think it is very true to say that you need obsession or intense focus to become ‘great’ at anything nowadays. But first you need to ask yourself if being great in one thing is appropriate for your meaning in life - it might be so, or it might blind you to the breadth of your vision.

Juliet Says:

October 29th, 2008, 12:15 pm

My boyfriend and I work together on a blog and application. We are passionate about it, but I am always wary of it intruding into the passion of what we share as a couple.

Juliet

s Says:

October 29th, 2008, 12:21 pm

come on man… “be obessive” can’t be a good advice on a blog called ZenHabits…

Jonathan B. Says:

October 29th, 2008, 12:46 pm

If “be obsessive” offends you, then think of it this way: “be 100% dedicated.”

At the end of the day, it’s pretty much the same thing.

Lior Says:

October 29th, 2008, 13:08 pm

So true. Thank you for the emphasis of the five points. Seriously something to consider. Regarding obsession, it must be something you love so your focus can be total, directed towards reaching your goals and making your dreams real.

Mark Says:

October 29th, 2008, 13:12 pm

Excellent advice and reminders, this is so important. The cornerstone of success. Thanks!

Deidre Says:

October 29th, 2008, 13:26 pm

The question of “deserve” is a big one. So many of us have outside influences telling us that we’re being selfish (immature, stupid, insert negative identifier here) if we pursue our passion to a certain point. Especially if it’s something like the arts, where the definition of success is hard to pin down. Making money? Being recognized on the street? Winning an award? Not being homeless?

I think a lot has to do with letting the outside world tell us what we deserve, as opposed to looking inside ourselves to imagine what we might deserve, or what your higher power feels you deserve, if you’re so inclined. It’s partly a battle for free will.

And does “deserve” have to be contingent on success? I think, first of all, we deserve to TRY. If you can get to the point where you can look your naysayers (even yourself) in the face and say “I deserve to give this my best shot,” then you’re halfway there.

Shannon Says:

October 29th, 2008, 13:54 pm

When I think of “deserve” used in the context given, I think about it as “do I deserve for my theories and hypotheses that I have in the field of science to be taken seriously?” In this particular field of the unknown, it’s very difficult to feel that your knowledge, research, thoughts, speculations and where all of it may lead to is worthy of pursuing or being validated by others as more than just your theories, which may also be way off and lead to nothing. It’s as if you have to first prove that your theories can be validated before they can be pursued, at which point the value of your theories can lead to others pursuing your dreams. Does that make any sense? I just re-read what I wrote and I don’t think it made sense to me either, but I definately see where the orator came up with the powerful message!

Rick Jones Says:

October 29th, 2008, 14:16 pm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/23/AR2007102301803.html

The Eugenics Temptation
By Michael Gerson
Wednesday, October 24, 2007; Page A19

James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who helped discover the structure of DNA in 1953, recently pronounced the entire population of Africa genetically inferior when it comes to intelligence. And while he hopes that everyone is equal, “people who have to deal with black employees find this not true.”

Watson’s colleagues at the Federation of American Scientists found his comments “racist, vicious and unsupported by science” — all true. But they could not have found those views surprising. In 2003, Watson spoke in favor of genetic selection to eliminate ugly women: “People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would be great.” In 2000, he suggested that people with darker skin have stronger libidos. In 1997, Watson contended that parents should be allowed to abort fetuses they found to be gay: “If you could find the gene which determines sexuality and a woman decides she doesn’t want a homosexual child, well, let her.” In the same interview, he said, “We already accept that most couples don’t want a Down child. You would have to be crazy to say you wanted one, because that child has no future.”

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When it comes to the parents of disabled children, Watson has somehow confused “loving” and “courageous” with “crazy” — the sign of a heart clearly inferior to the gentle hearts of children with Down syndrome. And most of us have met women who don’t look like models and gay people who prefer being alive to the preferences of their parents.

“If you really are stupid,” Watson once contended, “I would call that a disease.” What is the name for the disease of a missing conscience?

Eli Says:

October 29th, 2008, 14:18 pm

Great source of inspiration! I’ll use this advice to motivate myself while writing my dissertation.
Thank you Ruby and Leo!

Kim McGinnis Says:

October 29th, 2008, 14:46 pm

Ruby,
Thank you for that truly insightful post. I could not agree more. In order to be successful in the fullest meaning of the term “successful”, one must follow their true core desire.

It is only when you are acting with a true passion that you will develop the strength and discipline to keep going when the going gets tough.

I feel fortunate to love what I do - and doubly fortunate that I have a wonderful partner (like Crick) to bounce ideas off of.

Torley Says:

October 29th, 2008, 15:02 pm

Way to put obsessions in a positive frame! And that’s not spin — it could be the difference between living a happy life and not.

I have a term: GLADDICTION.

Glad + Addiction

I’ve written more about it here: http://torley.com/the-power-of-gladdictions

Neil Says:

October 29th, 2008, 16:20 pm

Great article Ruby. Number 1 & 6 stick out for me. After all if you’re going to do something do it! If you already know all the answers starting networking with others who can expand your knowledge.

sd Says:

October 29th, 2008, 16:25 pm

not sure if Watson is the best person to highlight here (especially given his most recent outrageous racist comments) and for his “collaboration” with Wilkins. Many scientists acknowledge that Watson stole the idea from
Rosalind Franklin.

http://tiodt.blogspot.com/2007/10/james-watson-is-not-only-bigot-but-he.html

It was Franklin, a trained chemist, who while working for Dr. Maurice Wilkins at King’s College, took numerous x-ray photos of the DNA structure, and in particular one now known as ‘photo 51′, which clearly showed the structure and which she was quite close to figuring out on her own. According to an article written by Dr. Lynne Osman Elkin, a professor of biological sciences at California State University, Hayward,

NOVA: How close did Franklin actually come to deciphering the structure of DNA?

Elkin: She was very close. She had all the parameters of the helical backbone. She was the one who figured out that there were two forms of DNA, which made solving the whole structure possible. She had figured out that backbone of the A form is antiparallel. It wouldn’t have been very long before she figured out that the B form backbone was antiparallel as well.

Only she couldn’t have guessed the evil designs that lurked within her very lab. Her trusted partner and mentor, Maurice Wilkins, secretly and without her knowledge took photo 51 and showed it to James Watson. Wilkins then described in detail to Watson over dinner how research at the college was progressing and what he and Franklin were thinking.

Watson himself described the exact sequence of the betrayal, in his book, The Double Helix, where he writes,

Walking down the passage…[Wilkins] revealed that…he had quietly been duplicating some of Rosy’s and Gosling’s [Rosalind's assistant] X-ray work…Then the even more important cat was let out of the bag: Since the middle of the summer Rosy had had evidence for a new three-dimensional form of DNA…When I asked what the pattern was like, Maurice [Wilkins] went into an adjacent room to pick up a print of the new form they called the “B” structure. The instant I saw the picture my mouth fell open and my pulse began to race. The pattern was unbelievably simpler than those obtained previously…and Maurice told me he was now quite convinced she [Rosalind Franklin] was correct.

Wilkins got his thirty pieces of silver, sharing in the recognition by the Nobel committee with Watson and Crick. Franklin, who actually deserves to be credited with discovering the structure of DNA more than any of the other three, had died by then, and in fact it is quite likely that the price for her research was indeed her life– she got ovarian cancer likely after exposure to the large number of x-rays her research entailed.

Joyous Living Says:

October 29th, 2008, 16:48 pm

“I guess my point is… if something keeps coming back to you, even if you think you’re doing what you “should do,” pay attention to your obsessions. They just might make a difference.”

This is so true. Many times I obsess over what I “THINK” I should be doing rather than doing what I “know” I should be doing. In other words many times something keep coming back to me and I ignore it over what, at the time, I think is better. Many times opportunity life throws at you can be missed in this manner. I lost alot by not paying attention and obsess over things that brings life’s value to me.

Miss Attica Says:

October 29th, 2008, 17:01 pm

If you want to succeed you have to give it your all, no matter what your goal is! Thanks for a great post!

Obsessed Webmaster Says:

October 29th, 2008, 17:47 pm

Definitely.

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that way. You have to be passionate & obsessive about what you do. It is a great way to motivate you to do better and to improve more.

Great post.

- Sam

Maura Says:

October 29th, 2008, 18:37 pm

Hmmm… I like the general concept, but have a few comments.

- The word “obsession” has some negative connotations and is probably not the best word to describe what seems to be described here. Maybe “passionate dedication” is more appropriate, to share / swipe some good ideas from fellow readers / respondents.

- The obsession or passion should have certain merit to it, and hopefully doesn’t unduly compromise your values or health, or that of others. I’ve known people to be extraordinarily obsessive in their pursuit of chemical alterations to the brain (addicts), or objects of their desire (eg, stalkers).

- I’m curious how Picasso would have felt about collaborating on paintings and sharing the credit (signed by Picasso, et. al.?). Artists do often share ideas, or use understudies, assistants, etc., but the execution of the art is sometimes most appropriately an individual event or expression.

Thomas Says:

October 29th, 2008, 19:45 pm

Nice post, but I think it should be “1962″ Nobel Prize and not “1062.” Not a big deal, really.

Descartes Says:

October 29th, 2008, 19:50 pm

Great advice-so many of us have a few of the keys going for a positive obsession, but most of us don’t have all of them. It’s hard to talk your opponents and harder still to ask advice from other when you think you are the smartest person in the room.

Great article as always

James Priestley Says:

October 29th, 2008, 20:14 pm

Zen version: When doing, just do.

Clarissa Says:

October 29th, 2008, 21:00 pm

I love your blog. I subscribed to it because there is so much I have to read and so much I’m looking forward to you posting. This post in particular from your guest blogger gave me the idea I needed for my first post on my new blog. I like the message: Go for broke. If you get a second, check out my blog. Any feedback from a pro is valueable to me.

Hot Alpha Female Says:

October 29th, 2008, 21:23 pm

This is sooo true!

It reminds me a lot of “Think and Grow Rich” which basically says you have to have a burning desire for that which you want to achieve backed with massive and consistent action.

I think having an obsession is fine. Having an addiction is different.

Hot Alpha Female

Anonymous scientist Says:

October 29th, 2008, 22:52 pm

Watson is one of the worst people one could look to for advice on achieving greatness. He was unethical, a poor collaborator, and not conducive to science generally. (Not respecting others’ intellectual property or intellectual abilities is extremely damaging.) His obsession was with making a name for himself, not promoting science. He was undoubtedly great at the former. If that’s the kind of greatness you aspire to, I don’t want to hear about it.

anon Says:

October 30th, 2008, 0:43 am

Another scientist against Watson as a role-model, here. People like Watson are the main reason I sometime regret my career choice - and he’s definitely not the one I’d chose to emulate.

If you want to pick someone who actually is a hero to the scientific community, go with someone like Feynman.

minerva Says:

October 30th, 2008, 2:22 am

This your another great post, Leo…

And I gonna thank you for this post
Make me realizing that to reach something, I can’t hold on “let it flow”.
I have to make ‘it’ flows as the way I purpose…

Ian Says:

October 30th, 2008, 5:26 am

Whilst some people will get great benefit from following their obsessions, many others will not, so I think this kind of blanket advice for everyone shows extreme ignorance and arrogance on the part of the author.

As experts in the field of positive psychology have shown, what matters for realising your full potential - whoever you are - is recognising your true nature and doing things in accordance with that.

Contrast this with obsessions, which are largely based in the psyche, which itself develops from birth based on your interactions with other people and the world at large. The psychic overlay on top of your true self can sometimes seriously limit your ability to see the real you and lead to inner conflict when you end up in a situation that fits with your own life story but does not fit with your true nature. I would even argue that a lot of mental illness comes from ending up in these kinds of situations.

USEFUL reading that I would recommend to others would be: Authentic Happiness and Flow.

Amanda Says:

October 30th, 2008, 10:08 am

Blues + Swing for the win! Eye-opening post that, for me, clearly illuminates one particular aspect of my life ^.^

Zen Lady Says:

October 30th, 2008, 15:41 pm

Egads… Rick Jones, thankts for the Post article. And also for your comments, Anonymous Scientist

I just (yesterday) applied for a position as Dr. Watson’s assistant out at the Cold Spring Harbor labs. I had heard he was “weird”, but not racist or sexist. I’m unemployed and applying for lots of jobs.

Oh, well.

Practical Motivations Says:

November 1st, 2008, 7:03 am

This is gooooood. I read from somewhere that “If you try something 10 times, no matter what the probability of success is, that probability will actually triple when you try it 20 times…”

Becoming obsessed with what you want to improve on does make sense.

JefferyK Says:

November 2nd, 2008, 2:47 am

The obsession has to come first. The obsession leads. You don’t choose an obsession — the obsession chooses you. Being able to combine an obsession with an income large enough to pay the bills is a lovely idea, but most of us have to settle for mediocre day jobs so we can indulge our obsessions while keeping a roof over our heads.

mark meves Says:

November 4th, 2008, 16:09 pm

” thank my partner and I ”

should be

” thank my partner and me”

because “me” is an objective pronoun (not subjective like “i”)

anyway please erase this comment

see hypercorrection

Someone Says:

November 4th, 2008, 17:10 pm

Thank you, all of you who piped up to defend Rosalind Franklin, and to point out the ethical problems with lionizing Watson. Everything I wanted to say after reading this post has already been said better by other commenters. I found the way the post dismissed Franklin’s accomplishments to be very frustrating– even more so than simply failing to mention her would have been (and that would have been bad enough).

دردشة Says:

November 5th, 2008, 12:07 pm

Blues + Swing for the win! Eye-opening post that, for me, clearly illuminates one particular aspect of my life ^.^

Ruby Says:

November 7th, 2008, 1:21 am

I almost forgot that there’s always an interesting flurry of comments after a a zen habits post. Thanks for your perspectives folks.

To the scientists who have a particular beef with Watson. I hear that… or rather, I have heard from different sources, less than savory thoughts on his methods. I think that’s an entirely separate discussion though. Certainly an interesting one. But don’t let it stop you. I don’t let Kenny G stop me from playing music.

To me… the nugget of the article that I lifted Watson’s criteria from was about how drive and determination can take you places.

Some folks have talked here about trying to “find out” what their obsession is. There have been enough times that things like dance, writing and music have crossed my path in a significant way, that I now allow myself to guiltlessly obsess about them, rather than view them as distractions from more “important” things.

Another way to think about it is… would you do it for free?

Frank Says:

November 9th, 2008, 18:27 pm

Maura wrote:
“The word “obsession” has some negative connotations and is probably not the best word to describe what seems to be described here. Maybe “passionate dedication” is more appropriate, to share / swipe some good ideas from fellow readers / respondents.”

Passionate dedication is not enough. It won’t get you through all the “nos” and discouragement that will come. You need to be potentially pathological, and yet disciplined and lucky enough not to go nuts. You need to walk an incredibly, discouragingly fine line.

I really think it’s a crapshoot and part luck - not just at being recognized and coming up at the right time and place, but actually being crazy and controlled at the same time and lucky enough not to lose it.

Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:

November 10th, 2008, 8:20 am

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that way. You have to be passionate & obsessive about what you do. It is a great way to motivate you to do better and to improve more.

Fantastic reminder Ruby. Just what I needed today. Thank you.