Have you ever heard the phrase "working smarter, not harder"? The phrase has become a popular mantra for many professionals, and with good reason. After all, there's only so much time in a day, and it makes sense to try to maximize our productivity and efficiency in order to get the most out of it. Specially in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of working faster in order to get ahead.

And while there's certainly value in finding ways to work smarter, there's something to be said for the power and impact of obsession when it comes to achieving mastery in your field.

When we're completely immersed in a problem or a field, important insights and breakthroughs often come to light. This can be especially true when we're working on something that's particularly challenging or outside of our comfort zone.

Sometimes, the best way to make progress on a problem is to simply throw ourselves into it and see what comes out the other side. This kind of total immersion can be intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

But what about when the work is mundane? Is there still value in embracing an obsessive mindset in these situations?

Absolutely. While it may not be as thrilling as working on a complex problem, there's still value in putting in the time and effort to master a skill or task. After all, mastery comes from practice, and even if we're doing the same boring thing for the 50th time, if we're self-aware about it, we can use that repetition to hill-climb our way to better skills and a stronger foundation.

This kind of focus and dedication can be especially valuable in fields where mastery is key, such as the arts or sports. In these fields, it's often the people who are willing to put in the time and effort to master their craft who rise to the top.

But obsession doesn't just apply to fields where mastery is the ultimate goal. It can be valuable in any career, whether you're working in an office setting or out in the field. When we're fully engaged in our work and focused on what we're doing, we're more likely to produce high-quality results and make a meaningful contribution.

So, while it's important to work smart and be efficient, don't underestimate the power of obsession in achieving mastery and success. The next time you're faced with a challenging problem or task, try embracing an obsessive mindset. Dive deep into the work, and see what insights and breakthroughs come your way. Even if the task is mundane, use it as an opportunity to practice and improve your skills.

Of course, it's important to find a balance between obsession and other aspects of our lives. It's not healthy to be consumed by our work 24/7, and it's important to take breaks and recharge when we need to. But by embracing an obsessive mindset when appropriate, we can tap into a powerful source of growth and success.