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Do these sound familiar? Can you see why non-triathletes
think we’re obsessed? But is obsession bad? I Googled both OBSESSION and
PASSION. Here are a few examples of what came up:
Definition of OBSESSION on the Web:
- Obsession" is defined as "a persistent disturbing
preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; compelling
motivation."
- A persistent, repetitive, and unwanted thought. Cannot
be eliminated by logic or reasoning.
- Recurrent and persistent thought, impulse, or image
experienced as intrusive and distressing. Recognized as being excessive and
unreasonable even though it is the product of one's mind. This thought,
impulse, or image cannot be expunged by logic or reasoning.
- Obsessive ideas are often unreasonable and disturbing.
Preoccupation with an obsessive idea can interfere with normal daily
activities. Persistent, intrusive thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images that
repeatedly enter a person's mind.
Definition of PASSION on the Web:
- Passion is defined as an "intense, driving, or
overmastering feeling or convictions" and "a strong liking or desire for or
devotion to some activity, object, or concept."
- In psychology and common use, emotion is the language
of a person's mental state of being, normally based in or tied to the
person's internal (physical) and external (social) sensory feeling.
While my research was less than extensive, it did point out
a few things. Most, if not all, definitions of obsession had a negative
connotation. But isn’t that just like our society to have more to complain
about than to boast? It’s easier to stand on the sideline and criticize others
for trying. It’s the American way. Where would Pro Sports be without fans to
point out everything the players and refs do wrong. Can you imagine players
watching fans play major sports? Do you think the same criticism would take
place? Or would there be a greater appreciation for the attempt?
I enjoy a good football every so often. But I know folks
who spend their entire Sunday in front of the TV surrounded by friends, an
assortment of junk food, and beer watching pre-game shows, double headers, post
games, and then the highlights on ESPN all night long (like the game wasn’t
enough). They spend the rest of the week either talking about the games or
preparing for the following week. Obsessed? For the record, I find nothing
wrong with this because it is what they love to do. It’s not my cup of tea.
Whether
you consider your interest in the sport of triathlon an obsession or passion is
no one’s choice but yours. However, acknowledge that you have chosen to do what
most people are unwilling to try. That alone will draw attention and possible
criticism. It may appear that you have chosen to be “different.” How do you
manage this?
Obsessions are not destructive by nature. Google
“Obsession with Triathlon” and you will find many positive stories of obsession
in our sport. It is the opportunity cost associated with your obsession that
may incur collateral damage. And so those of you with loved ones who may not
understand your passion, I highly recommend making deposits into their emotional
bank accounts; especially if you’re doing Ironman distance. Make quality
deposits; many and often because their will come a time when you will need to
make an Ironman size withdrawal.
Ironman can be summed up as one of the most narcissistic,
selfish, self obsorbing, time consuming, financially, physically, and mentally
draining sports the general public can participate in voluntarily. That being
said, those of us who understand Ironman and its journey know the sense of
accomplishment is immeasurable. I challenge you to find another product that
sells out a year in advance 1 hour after it goes on the market at a cost of
$450. If you can find others to embark on the journey with you, even better.
But keep in mind, nothing rewarding is easy. And so for a short period in your
life, it’s OK to be selfish if you’re willing and capable to be
selfless at other times in your life.
History
is not really appreciated until its long past. Those brave enough to have been
different are now regarded as founders of our country, great inventors,
influential people, etc…If these key people were unwilling to try something new
for fear of being “different”, would we still live in the same world we live in
today?
By
choosing to do triathlons (or an equivalent type A personality activity), you
may be considered, or made to feel, different. Those who don’t understand, or
possibly intimidated by, your courage may point and sometimes say mean things.
Regardless, don’t hide what defines you. Someone once said to me, “The
least we can do is figure out what we hope. The most we can do is to live
inside that hope.”
The naked eye only sees the amount of training required to
prepare for our sport making the use of the word obsession an easy label. The
naked eye may not appreciate the PASSION associated with training and racing.
The friendships built through triathlon are priceless. The difference between
fans of major sports and us is that each of us has a different reason for our
passion. Eccentric, difficult, maybe even certifiably crazy, these goals draw
us together in the same way a baseball game collects baseball fans. We just
happen to participate in our passion a little…OK, a lot! I can’t go to the
batting cages and hit a few with Mr. Bonds. I can’t go play catch with Tom
Brady. You think Kobi might shoot a few hoops with me? Probably not. But I
can line up side by side with the any professional triathlete and race the same
course with the same rules.
The feelings we have for triathlon, or other individual
sports, are clear to us but hazy to others. Consequently, your hobby inherits characteristics of both passion and obsession. Attempting to define or
rationalize your behavior may not be the best approach because it’s very
subjective. Doesn’t is seem like we live by a different set of values? Life isn’t hard enough, we need more to overcome….and we like it that way. Hmmmm Funny that!!!
What’s the bottom line? I think you’re better off ensuring
the emotional bank accounts surrounding you are well stocked (with your personal
deposits). Second, while the sport is not easy, it needs to be fun. When its
not, walk away. Third, ask yourself, does my passion help support my work-life
balance needs or does my life revolve around my obsession?
One last thought for those on the receiving end of the word
obsession (as defined by my Google lookup)….Never wrestle with a pig. You get dirty and the pig likes it.
My 2 cents …worth about 1
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