Leveraging OCD for SEO

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is nothing to be taken lightly, and can be a huge roadblock for someone suffering from the condition if not treated properly.

Wikipedia Page on OCD

I have OCD, but it’s what I and medical professionals consider a mild case. It can be a little annoying at times, but luckily for me I’m able to control it and recognize when I’m acting up. My particular thing, normally called “rituals” by those with more severe cases of OCD, is to have everything perfect (or at least my idea of perfection). Constantly straightening pictures on the wall, objects on my desk, code on a page, traffic to a site, always working to ensure tidyness and PERFECTION. Sometimes this causes me to lay unrealistic expectations onto others around me, and I don’t understand why they don’t strive for the same idea of perfection or work as hard as I do. I constantly wonder how anyone could just go to work, come home, wake, go to work, etc. day in and day out, instead of really following their dreams. Some people just like the simplicity/consistency of a stable job and routine life, and I can respect that. I’m just not one of those people. But that’s a whole other topic…

Anyway, I feel as though I have been able to leverage my particular OCD mannerisms to make myself a more effective web developer and internet marketing consultant. I have a very precise eye for detail and the minute but important elements that others normally overlook, which ensures that the work I perform is done right the first time. Because I can’t help but put the extra time and effort into perfecting a site and its’ marketing strategy from top to bottom, the end-result is pleasing to both visitors and search engines alike. I’m also what’s referred to as a “Visual Thinker”, which definitely helps when coming up with new and creative site ideas and/or ways to get traffic to sites. It may sound like I’m bragging here; I’m definitely not. Believe me, it’s no fun having OCD, OCPD, or any other form of psychiatric disorder.

What I’m merely pointing out here is this: instead of thinking of your flaws as weaknesses and just accepting them, try to turn those flaws into assets whenever possible. Because of my nit-picking, “it has to be perfect” attitude and methodology towards my work, I feel I add value in a way that someone not as meticulous simply can’t.

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