Projectors + Obsession

Every Projector I know has a tendency towards obsession. We obsess over our relationships. We obsess over personality typing systems. We obsess over our health. We obsess over our insecurities. We obsess over the illusion of control. Projectors have an aura which focuses like a laser beam; once their attention gets hooked, it’s extremely difficult to for them to look at anything (or anyone) else.

The locus of their obsession becomes the center of their world. They will research and gather information and go deeper than anyone else. It starts off harmless, maybe even helpful. But it can quickly spiral out of control once they get lost in the deep end. It can quickly become destructive on every level of their lives. Their blinders have gone up; they can no longer see the forest from the trees.

So the Projector who’s obsessed with their relationships stays too long, even when it's abusive or far past its expiration date. The Projector who’s obsessed with their health becomes orthorexic, meticulously controlling every ounce of food they put in their body. The Projector who’s obsessed with personality systems holds rigidly to a false identity given to them, even when it doesn’t work. Their focus turns into tunnel vision. They become spellbound, unable to look away.

Your ability to focus so intensely is both your gift and biggest blind spot, as what you focus on magnifies. It expands and swallows you whole. When you obsess over the wrong things, you create chaos. You struggle to know when enough is enough; so you have to learn when to quit.

It’s very difficult to pull yourself out of your obsession once you’re already in waist deep. Yes, you’re the Type who’s here to “guide” but you also need guidance. You need mentors and people who truly see you, who recognize, who can point out what you can’t see. You’re not immune to getting it wrong. You don’t have all the answers; it’s okay to admit you need help at times.

When your obsession is redirected into the things that actually serve you, your life will spiral upwards. Your obsession becomes constructive instead of destructive. You become the expert in your chosen field; you get to the core, you discover the essence, you crystalize the truth in a way that nobody else can.

So be obsessive, but be obsessive over the right things. Be obsessed with creating a life you love; be obsessed with your craft. Obsess over your gifts and innate talents; pour your attention into what feels sweet over what tastes bitter. Abandon the need to nitpick at your own (or others) shortcomings and unplug your focus from that which drains you. Redirect your focus, and you will redirect your life. That is the secret to your success.