Obsession is a word that has gotten a bad reputation. We use it most often in a negative way. The most notable example is the psychological diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is so well known that most people just use the acronym OCD.
However, just as with the term freak, I think obsession can be a very positive thing. As I have mentioned before in my CandyFreak post, some very successful people are obsessed with what they do.
Mark Cuban, the billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, just posted 12 rules for start-up businesses on his blog. Here are the first two rules.
1. Don't start a company unless its an obsession and something you love.
2. If you have an exit strategy, its not an obsession.
What are you obsessed with? Make a list.
Instead of trying to get over it, how could you get into it?
How can you turn your obsession into a business or a career?
Susan,
Exactly! Your particular expertise is surely valuable to some group, probably missionaries and/or mission organizations.
Maybe, after all your study, you could write a book of your own that draws out lessons from the lives of these noteworthy people.
The internet and other technology has made in increasingly possible to commercialize very narrow areas of knowledge and interest.
Your purchase of antique volumes on Ebay is one example of that. One idea is to start a community around your interest in missions history. In a sense, you have started that process with your blog. Good luck.
Dave
Posted by: David Rendall | March 15, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Hmmmmmm... So now I must figure out how to take my obsession for reading about unique missionaries and buying their antique volumes on ebay, and work this into future vocational aspirations!
Posted by: Susan M. Ford M.Ed | March 15, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Of course if I were able to spell, this might also be helpful!
Posted by: Susan M. Ford M.Ed | March 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Hmmmmmm... So now I must figure out how to take my obsession for reading about unique missionaries and buying their anitque volumes on ebay, and work this into future vocational aspirations!
Posted by: Susan M. Ford M.Ed | March 15, 2008 at 06:19 PM