The Power Of Productive Obsession with Eric Maisel, Ph.D.

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How can we use our brain power to fuel our passions and creativity? The word obsession has been high jacked for over a century. Eric Maisel has returned the power of the word "obsession" to us, and shows how we can be served by our "productive obsessions." He says, "My unproductive clients obsessed, but about negative things; these obsessions are the more customary ones we think about when we hear the word obsession, those worrisome obsessions. I was really curious if I could help people create and nurture productive obsessions . . . and this book is an outgrowth of working with people on creating and nurturing productive obsessions." Why is it that we waste so much time? Why is that that most of us believe in our own potential, but are often disappointed by our efforts? What stops us from knowing what we truly love to do? These questions and much more are covered in this dialogue. (hosted by Michael Toms)

Bio

Eric Maisel, Ph.D. is a licensed family therapist, a creativity coach, and author of more than 40 books. He also conducts writing workshops and trains creativity coaches.

His books include:

• Life Purpose Boot Camp: The 8-Week Breakthrough Plan for Creating a Meaningful Life (New World Library 2014)
• Secrets of a Creativity Coach (Motivational Press 2014)
• Why Smart People Hurt: A Guide for the Bright, the Sensitive, and the Creative (Conari Press 2013)
• Fearless Creating: A Step-by-Step Guide To Starting and Completing Your Work of Art (Tarcher 1995)
• The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Path Through Depression (New World Library 2007)
• Mastering Creative Anxiety: 24 Lessons for Writers, Painters, Musicians, and Actors from America's Foremost Creativity Coach (New World Library 2011)
• Making Your Creative Mark: Nine Keys to Achieving Your Artistic Goals (New World Library 2013)
• Natural Psychology: The New Psychology of Meaning (Natural Psychology Press 2012)
• Rethinking Depression: How to Shed Mental Health Labels and Create Personal Meaning (New World Library 2012)
• Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Productive Obsessions (New World Library 2010)
• Creativity for Life: Practical Advice on the Artist's Personality, and Career from America's Foremost Creativity Coach (New World Library 2007)
• Coaching the Artist Within: Advice for Writers, Actors, Visual Artists, and Musicians from America's Foremost Creativity Coach (New World Library 2005)

To learn more about the work of Eric Maisel go to www.ericmaisel.com.

Topics Explored in This Dialogue

• What is a productive obsession versus a nonproductive one
• What is a brainstorm
• How the word "obsession" got high jacked
• What is the three step process in eradicating negative thoughts
• What are the three keys in manifesting your productive obsession
• What is the relationship between depression and obsession
• Why it is important to develop an anxiety management arsenal
• Why you shouldn't throw away your productive obsessions too quickly

Host: Michael Toms       Interview Date: 7/27/2010             Program Number: 3372

Music Playlist

From Album: New Friend