An Old-Fashioned Idea?
At one time, the word “channeling” referred not to spirits supposedly talking to us through other people, but to finding ways in which to use negative tendencies in healthy, more productive ways. The idea was that if a man, for instance, tended toward exhibitionistic behavior, he might be able to satisfy that need by acting onstage (presumably, clothed). The idea of putting your negative energy into more socially acceptable endeavors might also work to some degree in the case of OCD.
An example: You're obsessed about electrical appliances and constantly check your TV, toaster, and electric skillet to see that they're in working order. Let's say you channel that obsession into an interest in computers; you learn to repair them and get to know their operating systems and how they work. By channeling your interest in a positive direction, you've learned new skills that may prove useful to you and others. You may even gain a potential livelihood. Other areas in which obsessive tendencies, unless taken too far, could be a boon to you include exercise and, particularly at work, organization.
If you are a perfectionist, you are not necessarily to be pitied. The trick is, making it work for you, and possibly others. (Attention to detail: great. Obsessing over every
Essential
People who are referred to as “perfectionists” may be channeling their obsessive tendencies in productive ways. And very often, the world is better off because of them. A large number of composers, artists, and other well-known creative people have been known as relentless perfectionists. Vive la différence!
Another concept pertinent to this discussion is “secondary gain.” This means that, even though an illness or situation might be legitimately terrible, or all but unbearable, there may be some positive thing (or things) you get out of it. A silver lining, if you will. This secondary gain can be one reason that the situation or behavior continues.
For example, a terrible marriage may still offer financial benefits, or your disagreeable spouse might still be a wonderful parent to the children. A job you hate might provide you, even so, with needed health insurance or friendships, not to mention income.
Often, we think of secondary gain in terms of illness: A stomach problem that causes extreme discomfort and keeps you from getting the nutrition you need might at least also prevent you from gaining an unhealthful amount of weight. (We do not recommend letting such a condition go untreated. This is hypothetical.) Or a back injury that keeps you from enjoying virtually all of the activities you did before might bring out your spouse's nurturing qualities. Again, the perceived gain may be quite small, compared with the loss, but it can serve to reinforce the situation nonetheless.
