Carried to extreme

Dedication vs. obsession

Dedication is good thing. Dedication to a goal gives you the strength and perseverance you need to reach the goal. Dedicated people are not deterred by adversity; they simply endue it, work around it, and continue toward achieving their goal.

However, some people are so focused on reaching a goal that they neglect other responsibilities and become obsessed with reaching the goal. Then, even if they achieve their goal, there is no satisfaction because they have ruined their lives during the quest for the goal. Obsession is a bad thing.

Good Taekwondo students are dedicated to becoming black belts and achieving greatness in the art. However, when the dedication reaches the point of an obsession and it causes their education, jobs, relationships, and friendships to suffer, it is a bad thing. A true warrior works hard at his craft, but he knows there are other important things in life that must be nurtured.