Oh yeah, I can relate, it happens to me a lot actually.

Hell yeah. Have you ever gotten consumed by a thing then distracted by another thing only to be consumed again?!

It’s all or nothing for me. Currently obsessed with improving my golf swing. Before that, obsessed with film photography. It can be productive but also draining

Do you replay conversations over and over?

Most definitely, I saw a snake where we’re staying and now I can’t stop looking for more and thinking one is going to be at the door or on my car.

Yes, I am currently in this situation. I have a very problematic neighbor, and the thoughts of the problem, which could be easily resolved if they behaved sanely, would be non-existent. For some reason, the situation torments me immensely, and I have no path I can see to resolution. I am losing enormous amounts of sleep and mental well-being over it. My wife says to just shut it out and go to sleep, but I don't know how to do that.

Does anyone ever didn't get obsessive though?

are we talking OCD obsession or something else?

Yes! It kinda sucks

“one-track mind” refers to someone who is preoccupied with a single subject or thought, often to the exclusion of other things. This term is frequently used to describe someone who is fixated on one particular idea or topic and tends to think or talk about it constantly

In psychology, having a “one-track mind” can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, especially if it becomes extreme or interferes with daily life. Here are a few potential concerns.

So this all consuming sensation does not interfere with the usual activities in the course of your days? In other words, you’re still able to accomplish the things in life that you normally would. … maybe have to make a conscientious effort to pull away from the prevailing thoughts to regain normalcy?

My obsessions tend to last for hours vs days. Like I'll obsess over something all day today, but then not have it intrude for a few days then suddenly reassert itself. Kind of an ebb and flow of obsession.

sounds like a mix of ADHD and OCD :)

All the time man

right there with you my friend! this sounds like it could possibly be ADHD or OCD or autism! there’s a lot of overlap between the three. i have ADHD and i suspect also OCD and possibly autism but it just takes too dang long and is too expensive to get testing done 🥲

Yes, for me I believe it's rumination type OCD. It flares up when I am under a lot of stress.

As a rough estimate, I'd say 100% of people who have ever lived have wished they could turn their thinking off with a switch. But our brains are wired, trained, socialized and habituated to do this and there are lots of reasons why.

Ruminating for hour, days even years about something ... anything ... could indicate low self-esteem or chronic depression. Thinking a lot about swimming? Seems like you have an enjoyable hobby, not an obsession. BUT if you can't show up for work because thinking about your breast stroke has cost you three nights of sleep, it might be time to call a professional (a therapist, not a swimming coach).

"Mindfulness," in very simple terms, is the practice paying attention so completely and lovingly to the people and things immediately around us that the mind has no space for unwanted or unhelpful thoughts.

Mindfulness originated with Hindu meditation 5000 years ago.

Yes, I understand; in fact, I experience it frequently. But did you ever avoid being obsessed?

First thing first, kudos! that you are self-aware of it. If it's just in moderation and short-lived, it's not a big problem...its called passion. Then again, life is all about passion and distraction. You have something to live about. If you become too self-aware, life would be so boring and eventually depressive.

To a greater extent than I care to acknowledge. Humans are imperfect by nature, and thus, turning thoughts off like a switch is incredibly hard.

Achieving consistent success requires diligent practice; however, perfection remains elusive.

[Two Monks and a Woman

](https://www.alphahome.org/two-monks-and-a-woman/#:~:text=The%20young%20woman%20asked%20if,and%20carried%20on%20his%20journey)

This narrative is exceptional, effectively illustrating the themes of comparison and relinquishment.

Yes, I have diagnosed OCD, but it often is helpful, like in your example. It can also be negative like if instead of being excited and happy about swimming, you feel depressed and stop swimming because you feel you'll never be good enough. Not saying you have OCD but I tend to go all in too.

yeah same for me with mma

I hade before i got the right meds

I believe you have discovered what we in the business call... a "hyper-fixation". They are usually temporary but can last months to years if given the right mind space to grow into what neuro-typical people may perceive as hobbies. Good luck with your swimming endeavors.

Absolutely. When I have a project I want to start it’s ALL I can think about. It’s honestly annoying sometimes

Yes

Story of my life. It's a blessing and a curse.

Me but with writing. God forbid I sit down and try though, then my brain becomes porous and the ideas fall right out

Yes I can totally relate!! I do this with whatever I'm really excited about in life. I obsess over it & try to perfect it, until one of 3 things happens...I get bored with it, I complete it, or I realize there's no way for me to achieve whatever it is lol 🤷‍♀️ I'm adhd, idk about you & they call it hyperfocusing lol

Absolutely. I love football ( European one) and I'm so obsessive about my club team that I start imaging how can make the team better like new signing, new commercial deals etc. It's been 2 weeks that my YouTube recommendations are all about my club stories.

I hyperfocus constantly. I was hyperfocused on camera equipment, then golf, then espresso machines, then my home sonos setup. Now I'm hardcore focused on the gym, including gym clothing, apps to track calories, etc. When I get hyperfocused on something, it consumes me.... morning noon and night.