I have the panacea for all workaholics. Ready for it?!
STOP WORKING!!
If it were that easy, I’d be out of a job! But in all seriousness, why is it so easy to work late hours, constantly check emails, and be known as the “problem solver”? Yet, it’s hard to “turn off.” Many people say they want balance between their personal and professional life, but their actions speak otherwise. When we are with our family and friends, we talk about work or have it in the back of our minds. At night our minds ponder over tomorrow’s priorities as we take one last look at our calendars while in bed to determine how early we need to rise for our first meeting.
It sounds horrible, but this is normal. What’s crazier, is that most people don’t think to change it until some defining event. We are sheep. We don’t question why we do this or whether we need to do this. One client realized that he needed to change after noticing that he was missing from many family photos, and not because he was behind the camera.
When did you start developing this work ethic and identity as being a “workaholic”? Consider what was happening at that moment. Has the context changed?
What are you missing out on from being a workaholic? What are you gaining from being a workaholic? Is the desire to have what you have missed out on greater than your calling to work as much? If so, it’s time to consider what’s preventing you from not being a workaholic. For my client, it was his dad’s voice in his head telling him to “take care of his family and responsibilities.” Later in our session we reached the conclusion that his dad instilled those values in him as a kid when times were hard. Well times aren’t hard anymore, and my client can take care of his family and responsibilities without being a workaholic.
Change your belief system
What beliefs do you have that no longer serve you? When did you start developing this work ethic and identity as being a “workaholic”? Consider what was happening at that moment. Has the context changed? If so, perhaps you can define a new belief and path. Work-life balance is achievable when you get to the root of the problem.
We make decisions based on the knowledge we have at that moment. The beauty of knowledge is that we continue to acquire it. How will you use the knowledge that you just learned about yourself to make a difference in your life?
This story is a series from the Coaches Corner – short stories, tips, and ideas from the bCOACHED coaches who got your back. Click here to read more stories from the Coaches Corner.
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