Perseverance vs Obsession
Our focus this week — Nov 5-Nov 11: “Perseverance”
Today’s MotD: Perseverance vs Obsession. We’re encouraged to examine our motives when we working against what seems like insurmountable odds at times to make something happen. When does perseverance cross the line into obsession ? It’s usually when we let the ego be in charge rather than our true self.
I remember years ago my dad was in the back yard where he was about to tear down this old, rather dilapidated circular clothesline…you know, the ones that look like a extra large umbrella that a gust of wind turned inside out ? Anyway, our neighbor next door saw him out there and over the fence he called out “Hey Bob, you’re not going to try and fix that thing are you ?” Nothing motivates my dad more than someone telling him that he’s not capable of doing something. Without missing a beat, my dad replied “Yes I am. What ? You don’t think I can do it ?” For the rest of the afternoon he proceeded to fix what he had planned on tearing down and replacing.
I saw this happen enough times over the years that I’ve come to realize that what may have looked like perseverance, was really his ego-based obsession of wanting to prove that he was more than capable of doing what others thought he couldn’t do. And being his daughter, I’ve noticed that on more than one occasion, I manifest that same trait…you know, it’s that thing about the apple falling from a tree bit ?
From ThisvsThat.io regarding obsession vs perseverance:
”…obsession and perseverance are two distinct traits that have different motivations, focuses, impacts, and implications for one’s life. While obsession can lead to unhealthy behaviors and negative consequences, perseverance is a valuable quality that can lead to personal growth and success. Finding a balance between the two is essential for achieving goals while also maintaining well-being. By understanding the differences between obsession and perseverance, individuals can cultivate a healthy approach to pursuing their goals and dreams..”
How about you ? When actively pursuing a goal and faced with challenges, are you able to distinguish between persevering to make it happen vs being obsessed to make it happen ? What’s your motivation (your why) behind achieving this goal ? Is it truly something you’re passionate about or is it fear-based ?
BTW…Here’s the before…the front and back view of today’s puzzle piece and the pretty ceramic box that holds all my numbers from which I randomly choose each day’s puzzle piece number:
Peace & Blessings,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
Creating Mandalas 🔆 Awakening Inner Harmony
ABOUT THE 2025 Mandalas of the Day
Throughout the year, I’ll be building one large (48”x48”) Tibetan-styled Mandala one piece at a time…one puzzle piece at a time, that is. The mandala design and the reversed puzzle side were printed on artist-quality watercolor paper. The forward facing puzzle side was printed on a 48”x48” wood panel.
Each day, at random, I’ll be painting in watercolors one of the 365 watercolor puzzle pieces, that by the end of the year will become Archangel Mandala #4. Read more about the Archangel Series. The word/message for each piece will be inspired by Melody Beattie’s book “52 Weeks of Conscious Contact”.
Ultimately, the message of this mandala is about how we are all uniquely part of the one.
Mandala of the Day 