Process Addiction:
A compulsion to engage in a pattern of behaviours (gambling, shopping/spending, working, internet, video game) and continue the process despite adverse consequences.
In my experience synchronistic signs and events constantly flow in my life. It's a passion for me to recognize and act on meaningful coincidences because they have helped accelerate my dreams and goals into reality.
And like any personal interest it is key to never let a belief or activity go overboard and cause consequences in your life or career. That's when it turns into an obsession or a process addiction.
The Number 23
The Number 23
movie is similar to the film Knowing (see tip#241) in that it explores the pattern of numbers. It also explores when synchronicities become an addiction. Jim Carrey stars as Walter Sparrow who discovers a fascinating book introducing him to the 23 enigma. This is the belief that all events are connected to the number 23 such as adding up the number of letters in your name or the address of where you live.In the film, Carrey also plays another character from the book he is reading, named Fingerling. His obsession with the number 23 is a perfect example of how destructive a process addiction can become.
On the flipside, Sparrow's synchronistic obsession leads him on a profound journey of self-discovery. So one's inner drive and process addiction can also be a fine line.
During the production of the movie other synchronicities with the number of 23 were discovered. The film was director Joel Schumacher's 23rd and Jim Carrey's production company is called JC 23 Entertainment. Read more at this link: click here
The 23 enigma is also a real topic and you can read more at Wikipedia: click here
Your Well-Being
These links are an example of how a belief or activity can attract and hold your attention. In the end it's okay to be passionate or fascinated about an idea but be mindful when it becomes destructive to your well-being.
So if you are stuck in your life or career take a closer look to see if you are stuck in a process addiction. See if something you are passionate about is taking time away from other important aspects of your life.
Only you can define a balance in your life with all your personal interests and passions.
Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009
Hey that was great relating the movie 'Number 23' to real life 'stuck in a process'. Very good. I really liked that movie. The idea and the resolution. Some areas of the movie, such as catching the dog were not as entertaining as other parts, and I wisht the photograhpy was slicker, but an intriguing and differnet movie. Saw it twice. Will see again.
ReplyDeletePaul K.
Great post, Emmanuel!
ReplyDeleteI agree, life is about balance. We all deserve pleasure in life but when we indulge too much, it actually harms us (physically, mentally and spiritually), and can harm others, too.
Addictions are good in several ways, though. You mentioned how Walter Sparrow's obsession lead him on a road to self-discovery. This has been true for me, as well.
In the past, my final response to getting unstuck in my life has been to tackle an addiction. There's a process to overcoming addiction and it usually requires some deep soul searching.
Another way addictions help us is that they're obvious signs of imbalance. When we overindulge on a consistent basis for a period of time, it's our own way of signaling to ourselves that we have some unresolved issues we need to attend to before we go to the next level.
I really believe that everyone has the ability to overcome an addiction. No matter what. We just need to find a way to do it...