Wellington, who grew up in Norfolk but is based in London, said that though she has always been focused and driven, her story shows that, with passion and dedication, anything is possible.

Similarly, many artists, writers, musicians and scientists put much of their success down not to a genetic gift, but primarily to their obsessive traits.

For instance, James Dewey Watson, winner of the Nobel Prize and co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, once said it was all he could think about day and night. He described himself as obsessive, saying it was 'DNA or nothing for me'.

Likewise, JK Rowling, who devoted 17 years to creating Harry Potter, once said he was the centre of her life and the most important thing to her, aside from her three children.

She also said the books saved her - not just financially, but when it came to her sanity.

And John Updike once wrote of Catcher In The Rye author JD Salinger: 'The refusal to rest content, the willingness to risk excess on behalf of one's obsessions, is what distinguishes artists from entertainers, and what makes some artists adventurers on behalf of us all.'

So, despite the negative associations, having a productive obsession appears to be a key ingredient in enjoying a happy and satisfying life. But some other psychologists have sounded a note of caution.

'There is a fine, but important line between obsession and passion,' says Cary Cooper, professor of psychology and health at Lancaster University.

'People who have an obsession tend to exclude other important things in life, such as their health and family.

'They tend to be controlling, inflexible, isolated and unfulfilled people and very often the obsession reflects an unconscious desire to avoid something else.

'So if someone is obsessed with work or the gym, sometimes, deep down, it is about avoidance.

'Perhaps they do not want to go home to their spouse or partner and would prefer to work long hours or work out. That is never healthy.

'On the other hand, being driven by a passion can be important for some people. If someone feels passionate about their work or about keeping fit, but also makes time for their family and has a well-balanced life, that is far more healthy than pursuing something to the exclusion of all the other important aspects of life.'

So how do you cultivate a passion, but avoid the negative aspect s of full-blown obsession?

According to Dr Maisel, whatever the project is, it should be rooted in love, interest and a desire to improve the world.

He suggests that people who have a vague but unexplored interest in something, but who always put it off, should begin by dedicating themselves to it for a month.

Ambitious plans often get lost or even vanish, he says, because people find reasons not to make the leap to at least try to immerse themselves in it.

He believes that when people do commit, even for a month, their brains become retrained. It stops pursuing fluff and worry and instead embraces its own potential.

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