Written by Miller Hollstein

Editor's Note:

In this edition, Miller Hollstein’s “An Ode to Obsession” draws inspiration from the influential work of Zach Pogrob, whose exploration of the theme of obsession has resonated deeply within the fields of motivation and personal development. Hollstein’s narrative is a tribute to Pogrob’s dedication to understanding how focused passion can transform obstacles into stepping stones towards success. Through this piece, we hope to extend the dialogue on obsession that Pogrob has pioneered, illustrating how intense focus and commitment can lead to profound personal and professional achievements.

A black flag has been raised. 
 
And no quarter shall be given.
 
The enemy has landed upon our shores. It has spread throughout our lands. 
Hidden in plain sight, it has infiltrated our homes, hearts, and minds.
 
Like a relentless plague, the enemy has ravaged our world for far too long. 
It has taken many loved ones, with many more in its crosshairs.
 
Who is this enemy? 
 
It has gone by many names, but in this day and age it is known as: distraction.
A ceaseless pull away from what you know and feel to be true within yourself. 
 
From authenticity
From your vision
From alignment
From happiness
From fulfillment
From success
From you
 

 
However, there is hope! The war is far from lost. 
The time to fight is now. But first, you must pick a side.
Choose not to fight and you have already been lost.
 
Will you join the cause? 
Will you write your own story? 
Will you fulfill the prophecy?
 
There is no surrender, the enemy is to be killed, and they will fight to the death.
 
Take up arms and fight. For you, for me, for the world.
 
The key to victory: obsession.
 
Obsession with your vision. Paired with unapologetic, faithful, and aligned action.
 
For some, this is family, for others it is running, business, or self-improvement. 
 
It doesn’t matter what it is, but it is up to you to decide for yourself.
 

 
You must arm yourself with knowledge of the enemy. 
 
Our enemy has many tricks, but one in particular is dangerously effective.
It stems from fear and its name is: Comparison. 
 
Perceived perception of those around us that taints our every thought and action.
 
No two people have the same vision, nor the same path to achieving that vision.
Our stories, memories, environments, and life paths are all unique. 
 
You are uniquely you.
 
So, why would your vision be any different?
 
Your vision is yours and no one else’s.
That means that no one else’s vision (or their opinion of yours) matters. Period.
 
Too often, we take advice from people who have not even come close to achieving the thing that we wish to. We listen to judgment and ridicule from those whose opinions we do not value because we want to be accepted and not judged.
 
Even worse, we listen to the comparisons from those with no vision of their own.
 
All of this is a means of distraction.
 

 
A visionless person is unknowingly a pawn in the enemy’s army.
Brainwashed and hypnotized, they unquestioningly do the bidding of their evil master.
 
They do not know where they are going, and so, they will draw you onto a pathless path.
 
Do not listen to these people. They do not have direction. They do not know themselves.
They do not know their own truths.
 
And they sure as hell don’t know yours.
 
So we must fight. Decide for yourself what you want and go.
 
Shut out the noise of the world. The distraction. The comparison.
 
Focus on you. Focus on your vision.
 
Obsess over it. Let it consume you.
 
And you will be victorious.

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