O1* - Obsess about your passions and you could be the next Pavlov

"Obsession with one’s problem is in fact the mainspring of all inventive power. Asked by his pupils in jest what they should do to become ‘a Pavlov’, the master answered in all seriousness: ‘Get up in the morning with your problem before you. Breakfast with it. Go to the laboratory with it. Eat your lunch with it. Keep it before you after dinner. Go to bed with it in your mind. Dream about it.’" Michael Polanyi

In my experience, there is no substitute for how far passion can take a person.

If you align your actions with your purpose then massive results can be achieved.

Clearly, Dr. Ivan Pavlov agreed.

Here are my three takeaways about overcoming obstacles from his quote above.

1. Define Your Problem

You need to know what it is that you are trying to solve, accomplish, achieve, etc. (i.e., be sure to clearly identify your objective).

2. Deliberately Think About Your Problem

You need to think deeply about how and work hard to accomplish your objective (i.e., don't wait for the answer to come to you, intentionally search for it).

3. Do Your Best to Stay Persistent in Pursuing Your Desired Outcome

You have to remain committed to the goal.

Remember Thomas Edison's famous quote, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." Staying persistent is hard work, but the outcome is worth it if it is something you are passionate about.

I review Pavlov's quote from Michael Polayni every month because I want to have the same commitment to my passions as Dr. Pavlov had to his.

What else can we do to be a Pavlov?

*Be sure to read the Intro post to this blog series to get the most out of it.