[blind archer]

Apologies if this is not the right place for this topic. I don't have OCD and may not have OCPD but this thing seems to belong both there and here.
I just wanted to share that I feel like I am a reluctant completionist.
I have to finish all the movies, video games(101%), books and whole series of shows and anime that I started, even the ones that I begin to hate or lose all interest in (which is most of them).
I waste time completing not-so-important things that could have been used for starting more important work.
I try to finish foods and other consumable products as soon as I buy them instead of conserving them for future.
I end up only starting and doing things to complete them when their main objective was enjoyment or to pass time, like traveling or learning a musical instrument.
I get very distressed if I am not able to complete things.

I hate all of this. This thing is deteriorating the quality of my life an I don't feel enough control over it but I'm trying my best.
Does anyone else do this? Any tips on how to deal with it?

[lavendersage]

I used to force myself to complete books that I'd decided stunk until I finally said to myself that life was too short. And it is - so no more of that goin' on.

I stayed in a few too many movies that stunk as well because I thought, "Well, I paid for this..." until I also decided I'd rather go do something else for free and not be miserable than stay watching a terrible movie that I paid for.

I don't do most of the other things that you mentioned. I've read that CBT is good for OCD/OCPD. I'm sorry that I don't have more to impart than that!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Originally Posted by blind archer

...
I get very distressed if I am not able to complete things...?

Presumably you feel you should/must finish everything, and to not finish something is the end of your world - why, who says, where did that come from?

My world is full of unfinished books, undone chores, unanswered letters - I don't like it much, but I can only do what I can.

[Ruminati]

Well if it's your world I can blame this realm of unfinished business on you then MOCS ay? =)

Blimey OP! This place would drive you round the bend then.. I have a stair near the front door which has a ginormous stack of unopened mail..which I've named the 'Denial Pile'.':/

Sound like it really aggravates you. Can you get some kind of therap

[francisR]

hi blind archer

This does seem like a kind of OCD. People feel that they must complete certain activities, because if they don't. They fear that something really horrible is going to happen. What do you think would happen if you did not complete one of those things?

If you think something bad will happen just take one small thing and don't complete it and see what happens and you will find that nothing disastrous will. Calling the bluff of this particular tendency is a very good way of dealing with it. Have you ever discussed this particular problem with a counselor? I really hope and pray this does get better for you in the future. Take care. God bless and best wishes from your friend Francis

[lavendersage]

Originally Posted by Ruminati

a ginormous stack of unopened mail..which I've named the 'Denial Pile'.

I am totally stealing that.

[blind archer]

I don't know how to explain it but... I don't always FEAR things being incomplete.

Sometimes I feel like I will be happier if I just finish that last chapter or that last cookie. I feel like I'm denying happiness by not doing so. And it never happens, I don't notice any change in my emotions. And still I never learn. These false promises are hard to fight when you are depressed and would do anything to feel pleasure again.

Other times it's just I think I would get rid of a burden by completing stuff. If I don't I just keep getting reminded by my thoughts that something is not finished yet.