Work addiction is very common
in our society today, yet
it is not one that is not
highly recognised.
An interesting article in
the March edition of The Success
Report published by Success
Technologies stated:
"Of all the addictions receiving
attention today (including
alcohol, drugs, gambling and
food) work addiction is perhaps
the least recognised and possibly
the most dangerous.
This is because a work addiction
is a compulsion that is rewarded
and reinforced by society.
In particular, it's rewarded
by corporations that encourage
overwork as the norm. The
lure of work is increasing
as innovative, flexible companies
use and reward fewer people
to get more accomplished.
Yet work addiction should
not be confused with hard
work; So how can you tell
if you're just working hard
or have crossed the line into
work addiction?
When work begins to hurt,
you're addicted, say specialists.
But how can you spot the work
addict among your colleagues?
According to Workaholics Anonymous,
these characteristics are
common to compulsive over-workers:
The Characteristics of Work
Addicts
They are usually in a hurry
They have a strong need to
control
They expect perfection of
themselves and others around
them
They have difficulty in relationships
They forget birthdays and
anniversaries
They are unable to relax and
have fun
They are impatient and irritable
They suffer from physical
problems usually brought on
because of stress, poor eating
habits and lack of exercise
such as headaches, fatigue,
indigestion, allergies, stomach
upset, ulcers, chest pain,
shortness of breath, nervous
tics and dizziness
Addicted workers often try
to do several things at once.
They eat breakfast while balancing
figures, return phone calls
while typing on the computer,
or read the business and trade
papers while going over meeting
notes. Work addicts also feel
indispensable and are consequently
unable to delegate.
Yet as bad as work addiction
can get, there is hope for
the work addict:
Steps toward personal recovery
Take a time management course.
Reorganise your life so that
work becomes proportionate
to family, friends and self.
Switch your focus to relaxation,
exercise, nutrition and spiritual
development.
Slow your work pace and also
learn to eat, talk, walk and
drive slower.
Learn to relax through massage
or relaxation exercises.
Work in moderation and keep
regular hours.
Set boundaries between work
and personal life.
Strengthen family ties through
shared activities and rituals.
Renew old acquaintances and
join social clubs that don't
include co-workers.
Learn to live in the present,
truly listen to others and
as trite as it may sound stop
and smell the roses. "
www.success.net.au
The Final Word
Work should be enjoyable and
satisfying, not just a means
to earn a living. However,
when it gets to the point
where it affects your health
and you find you have little
time for your personal life,
then it's time to take action
and do something about it.
If you are serious about moving
forward much quicker than
you would on your own, call
us on (03) 9532 5497 to see
how personal coaching will
dramatically enhance your
life.
Whatever you do, do something
now! Take that first step
Lorraine specialises in working
with businesspeople showing
them how to dramatically boost
their productivity, reduce
the stress and the mess in
their lives and have more
time for enjoying their life.
www.office-organiser.com.au
lorraine@office-organiser.com.au
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