What are they?
Have you ever found yourself repeatedly checking your phone, even when you know there’s no new notification? Or perhaps you’ve caught yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, even when you had a pressing deadline? Or bought cloths & gadgets when you don’t need them? These behaviours, while seemingly harmless, are manifestations of what we call “Invisible Obsessions.”
Invisible Obsessions are those behaviours or tendencies that we might not immediately recognise but play a significant role in our daily actions and decisions. They are patterns we feel compelled to follow, often without understanding their profound impact on our lives.
For instance, as an individual, I’m obsessed with buying Apple gadgets, even when I don’t necessarily need them. This behaviour, while seemingly satisfying on the surface, reveals something profound about our psychology—an insight that every marketer should grasp and harness.
At the core of these obsessions is our innate need for validation, control, and a sense of belonging. When these psychological needs aren’t met, they become powerful motivators, driving our behaviour in ways we might not even realize.
For instance, the need for validation might push a business owner to chase vanity metrics rather than focusing on genuine business growth. Or the need for control might lead an entrepreneur to micromanage their team, stifling creativity and innovation.
Common obsessions in a market and How to leverage them?