How Cultivating Good Addiction Makes Difference

The word addiction always seems connected to negativity in terms of detrimental vices and behaviour.

Addiction, as defined by the dictionary is the inability to stop doing or using something harmful. It is also the strong desire to do or to have something, or a very strong liking for something.

However, despite the usual understanding of addiction in the negative, some addictions can be positive depending on the object of interest.

The corn crop is usually harvested during this season in Nigeria and many people like myself are addicted to corn.

I can eat corn in large quantities, especially if it’s fresh and sweet. My love for corn is so much that I can drive to any distance just to get fresh corn.

As such, I noticed a certain lady who smartly positioned herself along a very busy, yet premium area where many estates are located.

She is so well positioned that you sometimes find many motorists lined up to purchase from her. This corn trader ensures her corn is mostly fresh and her charges are premium compared to others. Despite these issues, she always attracts customers and is unarguably the best corn seller in the arena.

I noticed her prices are outrageous and her customer service skills not fantastic at all, so I resolved never to patronise her again.

However, despite my unsatisfactory assessment of her services, I still found myself buying from her because of my addiction to corn. Imagine defying Lagos traffic and high prices just to buy from her.

My rational mind and my emotional self always have a strong fight on this particular matter. While my logical, rational mind detests this oppressive pricing and argues against patronising her, my emotions always rationalise my action.

Another interesting example of positive addiction would be exercising via any kind of sporting activities. I know a few friends who are addicted to different sports of their choice and would cancel any appointment to partake in such activities. These people have deliberately become addicted to exercises and enjoy every time spent doing it, hence they live fulfilled lives.

Whether in career or business, every manager should cultivate ‘good’ or ‘right’ addictions. Yours sincerely struggled at cultivating a reading addiction for years without success.

The problem is that even though I love to read, but it is only when necessary, not that I do it habitually. So, I sought help as I was determined to make it a habit.

Two fantastic acquittances gave me two great counsels, firstly that I need to have an accountability partner whom I would regularly share my book-reading progress with, and secondly, that I read just a chapter of a book a day. I have found these counsels very workable and useful because as I apply them, I get better by the day.

Correct addictions gradually build up to something of value in your life which become very useful over time. Are you aware that there are some addictive activities and actions, which can help any business or career person grow? What positive habits have you discovered that you need to get addicted to, to help in your career or business? What steps are you taking towards achieving that? What help do you need to conquer your weaknesses?