Passion vs. Obsessed: Are We?

Today we are launching?www.lorikiel.com, a website created by as a passion project to pay it forward with all of the knowledge I have collected over 30 years of experience. Our tagline is honest: “I am obsessed, so you don’t have to be…” we promise you won’t be disappointed.

I chose the word “obsessed” because I am a logophile who is fascinated with words and their meanings. I also try to hold others accountable for their word usage. Don’t even get me started on the word “integrity”; it is a concept that must be demonstrated, not just spoken.

But seriously, let’s ensure we are all on the same page with what we are passionate about and why. Read the definition below and then practice restating everything you claim to be passionate about.

Passion as defined:

Take a moment to consider a strong and barely controllable emotion. Nowadays, the overuse and misuse of this word have stripped it of its defining characteristic. This phenomenon is common with words that possess powerful meanings as we try to set ourselves, our brands, and others apart. Why do we feel overworked, burnt out, and stressed if everyone is passionate about everything? Can we truly be passionate about so many things?

Let’s examine the term “obsession,” which is often used interchangeably with “passion.” First, we’ll define it.

Obsession as defined:

As noted above, it is something that is fixated on and can also be a passion. It pushes the boundaries by stating that a similar word is “mania,” Yikes, we rarely describe ourselves as having a “mania” for something, and for good reason. The definition is not one that we want to associate ourselves with:

In this case, and for the sake of understanding the tagline, yes, I am obsessed with commercial strategy. I wake up thinking about it; I work all day trying out the many ways to execute commercial strategy, and I go home at night rethinking everything I did that day, what worked and what failed. It is likely borderline mania at times, especially if you are part of my team that is always in the winds of change. We are fearless in trying things out, willing to fail, and, most importantly, ready to start over.

Today is the day we launch?www.lorikiel.com; however, in many ways, nothing will change. I will continue to research commercial strategy and the many definitions. I will continue to try out various organizational structures and strategies. And yes, I will continue to be passionate because when we get it right, my emotions are “strong and barely controllable” However, obsessed will be the word I identify with as I?am?fixated as defined, and I?am?100% preoccupied with helping others understand all things commercial.

Please check out the site, continue to subscribe to the newsletter, and follow “if only out of curiosity.”

I am obsessed, so you don’t have to be…Lori