Are You A Work Addict?

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

About The Author

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

---

W Edwards Deming

Immediately post second world war W Edwards Deming went to... Read More

God, Grant Me Patience.....And, I Want It Now!!

Are you facing a difficult time in your life? Do... Read More

Moment of Magic

Laughter may or may not be a shock, relieved, but... Read More

Coaching - An Adapting Tool For Attaining Fulfillment In The Global Economy

At a time when the global economy is bringing innovation,... Read More

Managing Performance Every Day

The scenario?The company has decided it needs to eliminate costs.... Read More

Leading Grief Groups: The Preliminaries

Preparation: If you desire advertising the group, announcements need to... Read More

How to Make $100,000 as a Personal Trainer

In the movie, "The Gladiator," Emperor Commodus' rose to power... Read More

Trust In The Moment, and Trust In Yourself

Do you often get yourself upset and feeling less than... Read More

Three Great Ways to Deal with Negative People

1. Do not believe everything you hear!With close friends and... Read More

The Long Way

I wrote you about four years ago, when my eight... Read More

Words That Inspire - PEACE

WORDS THAT INSPIREA monthly quick shot to motivate you, in... Read More

Do You Mind If Someone Screams At You?

A headhunter was on the other end of the phone.... Read More

Executive Coaching -The Business Benefits

Executive coaching is an investment for you and your business... Read More

Why Pacing and Leading is for Wimps!

Okay, you have read some books on body language and... Read More

Friends?

I met my friend when we were in graduate school,... Read More

Where to Begin?

January is the king of months for those looking to... Read More

What Dost Thou Speaketh? Hey, Affirm This Way!

Articulating repetitive statements with emotion will inevitably connect you to... Read More

Aim For Your Star

"Aim for your star, no matter how far, you must... Read More

Coaching May Be For You

Are you looking for someone who will hold you accountable... Read More

Transform Your Image And Accelerate Your Success

Being a lifelong student, I am regularly attending seminars etc.... Read More

Business Coaching - Ten Ways of Dealing with Mistakes You Made

You can either choose to dwell on what happened and... Read More

It?s All To Do With The Way You Wake Up

Do you start your day with anger, frustration and annoyance... Read More

Coaching: YOU Can Improve Your Organizations Performance

GOOD BUSINESS COACHING: Clearly, the right kind of coaching can... Read More

Are You Too Critical?

First of all, criticalness breaks up more relationships, than anything... Read More

Learn to Say No!

How many times have you agreed to do something that... Read More

Top Ways to Maximize Your Talents at Work

Are you maximizing your strengths and promoting your talents at... Read More

The Real Truth About Working Smarter, Not Harder

Running a business or department can often stretch you to... Read More

Build Your People Skills

How would you like to get along even better with... Read More

Business Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

"There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in... Read More

Anger: To Control or To Learn

Many of us will do anything to avoid another's anger,... Read More

Successful Change Starts With A Shift In Perspective

Like so many in corporate America today, Susan needed more... Read More

Attitude

What makes attitude so important? Why not just learn some... Read More

The Power of Online Memberships

Have you ever noticed geese flying overhead, whether that be... Read More