5 Tips To Deal With Workaholism
Do you work to live or live to work? I hope it’s not the latter — live to work. I know what it looks like on both sides as an Executive Coach. The latter sends a shudder through my professional being. I see many workaholics as an Executive Coach, and I can tell you that working long hours, weekends and sometimes on holiday isn’t healthy. It’s career suicide.
The Treadmill
Let’s face it: it’s easier to jump onto the work treadmill in the morning and be surprised as the hours go by. Before you know it, it’s way past your official working time, and you’re still working. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Did you know 59% of American workers feel burnout? The figure for the rest of the world isn’t encouraging at 44% (Gallups 2023 State of the Workplace Report). Never underestimate burnout because it’s real, especially when it creeps up on you unexpectedly.
Working beyond your regular schedule is ok occasionally, but you risk doing severe damage to yourself in the long run if it’s regular.
Here Are My Top 5 Tips to deal with Workaholism
- Self Awareness
- Self Care — Take Breaks
- Revisit Your Personal Goals
- Get A Coach
- Do Something Non-work Related
1 Self Awareness
Understand you and your habits. We think we understand ourselves. You’d be surprised how much we don’t want to tune in. Why do we do it? Habit. Habits are created over time if repeated often enough.
Did you know it takes 21 days to build a new habit and three months to break one? If you’re working silly hours day, week in and week out, ask yourself the following:
- Ask yourself powerful questions like ‘Why am I working so much’?
- Who’s deadlines am I honouring?
- How real are these deadlines?
Then, Do a time audit and find out what you’re working on and how much time you spend on your work.
2. Self Care
If you’ve been reading my work here on Medium, you’ll know I’m a big fan of self-care. Why? It matters at a personal, family, work and societal level. It’s that simple.
You’re doing a great job if you’re taking care of your inner and outer wellbeing. You’re less likely to take time off work because of stress/illness, and you’ll be thinking of ways to make a difference in the world that you live in.
Self-care doesn’t have to involve candles, massages, or sitting in solitude on a mountaintop. It can be anything you want it to be. You’ll find whatever works best for you if you tune into yourself.
3. Revisit Your Personal Goals
How often do you visit your goals? Revisiting your goals regularly helps to recalibrate and focus on what matters. It also enables you to keep a healthy perspective and give the green signal to your powerhouse that you mean business.
Reviewing your goals regularly means you will healthily manage your work commitments. How? You’ll need time to execute your personal goals. It will also motivate you to break down your goals into manageable amounts and implement them.
4. Get a Coach/ Executive Coach
I have two Coaches, even though I’m an Executive Coach myself. Why? Both keep me on my toes and ensure I’m doing what I’ve agreed to and focusing on what matters.
Coaches can help you with
- Self Awareness
- Understand the patterns behind your actions and habits
- Goal Setting
- Help you set workable action plans
- Keep you accountable
- Help you empower yourself
- Review what’s working and what’s not working
5. Do Something Non Work Related
Like in the theatre, the curtain call signifies the end but marks a new beginning.
As you leave your work ‘role’, embrace your personal life with the same passion and commitment. Remember, you are the director of your life’s play — ensure it’s a blockbuster hit.
Remember, your career is just one aspect of your life. Balancing work with personal wellbeing is essential. Develop healthy out-of-work/office habits like hobbies and spending time with family and friends.
Engaging in hobbies and social activities enriches your life outside of work. It provides a sense of fulfilment and balance, improving overall wellbeing and workplace resilience.
Parting Comments
Make time work for you instead of running after it. It pays to add more buffer time to your work schedule so you’re not taking work home. I know so many people who do, and they feel guilty for not spending time with their families or even on themselves.
Remember, the onus is on you because no one will figure this out. Only you know yourself better than anyone else. However, striking a better work/life balance pays handsome rewards in the short and long term.
Thank you for your attention.
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Pervin
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