Need advice on how to prevent...

[StoneFrog]

I got this issue that i get too interested in something, which results in a frenzy of obsessiveness; essentially unable to think or do anything besides that. As a result after a while i burn out, almost like mental shutdown, unable to focus on anything remotely requiring intellect. Its not like i loose interest rather unable to continue.

I want to know if anyone has any ideas on how to prevent this cycle. :confused:

[homegrown terror]

stay off wikipedia. that's where shit like that starts for me at least :)

[Lenina Rosenweg]

I can't give specific advice not knowing all the details. You may have a form of "bi polar disorder", I don't know. I would say that unless this is severe or debilitating, don't worry about it.Indeed you can take advantage of it. Pursue your interests, where ever they take you, then chill out for a while.

When you find yourself beginning to plunge into something, keep outside checks to enable yourself to "come up for air".Explain your interests to others, write about it, give presentations.When you do "crash" it won't be as severe and you won't need as much time to recharge.

Much of this cycle doesn;t seem that much out of the ordinary for creative people though.

[Kornilios Sunshine]

It might be just your character, if you really really can't stand it and interferes with your life, then consider consulting a specialist but I bet it's probably nothing to worry about.

[Ostrinski]

I'm diagnosed with AS and I have the same problem actually.

Tell me, do your interests persist for a few years and then randomly change? That's how it is for me.

[StoneFrog]

I am sure its just my personality, its just frustrating when you want to keep going, or when you look at all that time wasted. I guess i just got to find a way to manage it, reducing the behavior pattern. Maybe it would be good to do some of the things Lenina Rosenweg said; though i dont know anyone interested in the things i like, most just glaze over when i talk about it.

Maybe i should just write about it, more just as a release and to externalize what im doing.

[Tjis]

Plan your obsession. Reserve some time for it each day. Set goals for yourself that can realistically be achieved within that timespan too, so that you get some sense of accomplishment and progress. This will prevent burnout.
Outside of that reserved time, don't be involved with it. Consider any energy you spend on your obsession outside of the reserved time as wasted energy, since it does not lead to any progress like it would within the reserved time. Don't even think about it. You will probably forget many of your insights by the time you need them anyway.

[Firebrand]

I have the same problem, I've found the best way to control it is to push it onto self regulating things. TV programmes are good, they tend to only be on once a week, or music can be ok since you can do other things while listening to it so it doesn't take over your life.
And to be honest it does sound like you may be borderline aspergers, or at least have some of the traits. It isn't anything to worry about, just a possiblity you might want to keep in mind.

[Lobotomy]

what kind of obsessions? try channelling your obsessive energy into something constructive, or at least try to limit it to intellectual pursuits. If you're able to do that, this tendency of yours could be a great gift rather than a debilitation.

[TheGodlessUtopian]

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[Book O'Dead]

A possible solution to the problem you describe is creating a daily list of priorities, One that you absolutely have to follow. That way you might be able to schedule the object of your obsessive activity into a 1-hour time slot followed by something else that is different but equally important to you, like cooking your meals or washing your clothes or whatever.

It may be possible to channel all your impulses into positive and useful activities through strict scheduling and precise time management (something I'm particularly lousy at doing myself).

Even if making and keeping schedules and time management become an obsession in and of itself, it's preferable to repeatedly doing something for hours that, in the end becomes a waste of time.

Remember: Schedule and Time management. That little formula might be your ticket to wellness and personal success.