This really resonated—especially the idea that clarity emerges through action rather than planning.
What I’ve been wondering, though, is how this connects to presence. In my experience, it’s not just about taking action, but about whether attention is actually in the experience while it’s happening.
It seems like without that, even “wayfinding” can turn into another form of doing without feeling.
I’m curious how you see this—how do we move from constant doing into actual awareness while we’re in it?
"A similar dynamic plays out in how many people approach their lives. They try to eliminate uncertainty, predict what will be fulfilling, and determine the “correct” path in advance."
This is something I see often as well.
People try to remove uncertainty, predict what will make them feel fulfilled, and decide the “right” path before even living it.
But life doesn’t really work like that.
Most of the time, clarity comes from moving through it, not planning it in advance.
You nailed it, Marcia. We try to think our way into a life we haven't yet experienced. It’s the ultimate 'gravity problem.' Once we accept that clarity is a byproduct of movement, the pressure to have all the answers disappears.
Welcome to the community, Lawrence! I’m glad you found your way here.
I just finished your piece on obsession, and it’s a provocative take. You’re hitting on a fundamental tension: the ruthless prioritization that society often calls pathological, but history recognizes as the engine of transformation.
It’s a fascinating counterpoint to my recent discussion with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans from Stanford. We explored how the 'Utility Trap' can hollow us out, but you’re arguing that if the obsession is internal, the work actually becomes the replenishment.
I’m looking forward to diving deeper into your work. Let’s definitely keep the conversation going!
This really resonated—especially the idea that clarity emerges through action rather than planning.
What I’ve been wondering, though, is how this connects to presence. In my experience, it’s not just about taking action, but about whether attention is actually in the experience while it’s happening.
It seems like without that, even “wayfinding” can turn into another form of doing without feeling.
I’m curious how you see this—how do we move from constant doing into actual awareness while we’re in it?
"A similar dynamic plays out in how many people approach their lives. They try to eliminate uncertainty, predict what will be fulfilling, and determine the “correct” path in advance."
This is something I see often as well.
People try to remove uncertainty, predict what will make them feel fulfilled, and decide the “right” path before even living it.
But life doesn’t really work like that.
Most of the time, clarity comes from moving through it, not planning it in advance.
You nailed it, Marcia. We try to think our way into a life we haven't yet experienced. It’s the ultimate 'gravity problem.' Once we accept that clarity is a byproduct of movement, the pressure to have all the answers disappears.
Lovely article John, I just subscribed.
I'm glad I found my way here. Will be reading more.
Anyways, this is my new stuff;
https://lawrenceomoregiejr.substack.com/p/obsession-is-the-key-to-mastery?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3g3d4k
Hopefully, you'd like it or any of the pieces on my page and connect back.
Do have a lovely day.
Let's grow together here
Welcome to the community, Lawrence! I’m glad you found your way here.
I just finished your piece on obsession, and it’s a provocative take. You’re hitting on a fundamental tension: the ruthless prioritization that society often calls pathological, but history recognizes as the engine of transformation.
It’s a fascinating counterpoint to my recent discussion with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans from Stanford. We explored how the 'Utility Trap' can hollow us out, but you’re arguing that if the obsession is internal, the work actually becomes the replenishment.
I’m looking forward to diving deeper into your work. Let’s definitely keep the conversation going!