Have you ever wanted something so badly that it felt just out of reach, no matter how hard you tried? That was me, battling my weight for most of my adult life. I obsessed over every bite I took, constantly stressing about being too fat. But guess what? It didn’t make me any slimmer. All it did was balloon my anxiety—and my waistline—while crushing my self-image.

But then something clicked. I decided to take action—serious action. I signed up for a three-month gym membership and went six days a week, no excuses. I invested money I could barely afford, which only fueled my determination. I became obsessed.

That obsession led me to achieve things I’d never done before, like running distances I couldn’t manage as a kid. I found joy in pushing myself – in becoming more than I was. And that’s when I realised obsession isn’t a bad thing – it’s the only way to truly achieve your goals.

Why Obsession is the Key to Success

What got me looking and feeling my best wasn’t just commitment or action. It was a mental switch that I flipped—a switch that said, “I have to do this.” It felt obsessive because it was. But here’s the thing: if you’re struggling with self-worth, the only way to make profound changes is to become obsessed with your goals.

I know this because, in the 14 years since that transformation, I haven’t been able to flick that switch again. Why? Because I wasn’t obsessed. And that’s what held me back.

Determination and Commitment Aren’t Enough

When you want to make dramatic changes, you need more than just determination and commitment. You need an obsessive dedication to becoming the most fabulous version of yourself.

I’ve tried setting goals and sticking to them, but without that obsessive fire, I never reached the finish line. My low self-worth sabotaged me every time because I wasn’t all-in.

If you’re battling self-doubt and want to make big changes, you’ve got to become obsessed. Determination and commitment alone won’t get you there.

The Transformative Power of Healthy Obsession

Let’s clear something up: obsession often gets a bad rap. We think of it as unhealthy, like starving yourself to be thin or being dangerously fixated on someone. But obsession can be positive when you channel it into focus.

For example, “wanting a toned body and committing to six days of exercise a week?” That’s a healthy obsession. “Needing to lose weight for your health and sticking to a calorie limit?” Another healthy obsession.

Positive obsessions are the fuel that will take you all the way to your goals.

Embrace Your Irresistible Urge

According to the Collins English Dictionary, obsession is defined as being “preoccupied compulsively,” with compulsion being “an irresistible urge.” So, when you’re obsessed, you’re driven by a powerful, irresistible urge.

Think back to a time when you achieved something great. You were probably preoccupied with it. Am I right? [Tell me in the comments below] You had an irresistible urge that wouldn’t let go until you reached your goal. That’s what obsession looks like, and it’s exactly what you need to achieve the big stuff.

Make Obsession Work for You

To sum it up, the key to achieving your goals is to want them so badly that you won’t stop until you get them. It’s not just about determination or commitment; it’s about positive obsession.

So, what do you think? Are determination and commitment enough to achieve your goals? Or do you believe, like I do, that obsession is the Secret Sauce? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Drop a comment below, email me at gisellecoopercoach@gmail.com, or share your views on Instagram. Let’s keep the conversation going!