Obsession, by definition, is an intense focus on a particular idea, person, or thing. It often leads to persistent thoughts that can dominate your mind, driving you to act in ways that others might consider extreme. While obsession can sometimes disrupt daily life, it can also be the very thing that propels individuals toward extraordinary achievements.

The Role of Obsession in Success

Many people wonder how to achieve success. Is it talent, luck, or something else? From my experience, success is often rooted in obsession. While money isn’t my primary goal, I recognize its importance. Financial independence allows us to have freedom and security in life. Money, however, is merely a byproduct of creating value, and creating value requires a deep, relentless focus—something I’ve found through obsession.

According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people who exhibit a high degree of "harmonious passion" (which can be seen as a healthy form of obsession) are more likely to achieve their goals and report higher life satisfaction. This suggests that an intense dedication to one’s work or craft often correlates with long-term success.

My Journey with Obsession

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur. My dream is to build a company that creates value and innovates for humankind. I have a list of ideas and a plan to achieve them. But I’ve noticed something: my biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of resources or knowledge; it’s distraction.

When I was in college, I was obsessed with movies. I watched films from all over the world—Hollywood, Korean, Chinese, French, Japanese. I couldn’t stop. That obsession led me to pursue filmmaking. I taught myself through the internet, YouTube, and books, constantly consuming new information. This obsession consumed me to the point where it shifted my career focus for a time.

Eventually, I sat down and reflected: Why do I feel the urge to pursue both entrepreneurship and filmmaking? Why do I continuously learn without formal education? The answer I found was simple—obsession. It’s not that I’m extraordinary, but my obsession drives me to achieve what others may think is impossible.

Obsession vs. "Impossible"

Society often praises extraordinary individuals, labeling them as unbeatable in their fields. When people say things like, "No one can beat that filmmaker," my first thought is, "Why not?" This sparks an obsession within me to surpass even the greatest. The same thing happened with chess. After watching a video claiming that a 2500 rating was nearly impossible, I became fixated on achieving that goal, learning and practicing daily.

This pattern repeats in many areas of my life. I’m drawn to the idea of achieving what others consider impossible, and that challenge drives me forward. It’s not always a joyful feeling; in fact, it often brings pain. But that pain represents growth, and it’s something I’ve come to accept as part of the process.

Take, for example, Elon Musk, who is often described as obsessed with his vision of colonizing Mars and revolutionizing transportation. His obsession has driven him to take risks, work tirelessly, and push through failure. The same could be said for athletes like Kobe Bryant, whose ...