Confessions of a Recovering Workaholic

Have you ever found yourself in a place where your job consumes your entire world, becoming your sole source of joy and fulfillment? It's like tumbling down a rabbit hole where work morphs into your identity, purpose, and entire universe...

If you're nodding along to what I'm saying, know that you're not flying solo on this one and read along. I'm about to share yet another slice of my own journey into finding my groove!

Anyone who really knows me probably won't be too shocked by what I'm about to say. But here's the thing—I never really saw myself as a workaholic.

I mean, sure, I'm really passionate about what I do, and I dive headfirst into whatever task is in front of me.

I'm all about juggling a million things at once and hoping none of them hit the ground.

But "workaholic"? Nah, not a label I'd slap on myself.

Yet, as I've reflected on the past few years, I've had to admit that maybe it fits better than I thought. A workaholic isn't just someone who loves working hard (guilty as charged). They're also driven by this relentless urge to keep pushing, keep grinding, no matter what. And, well, that part hits close to home too.

So, how did I come to this realization, and why does it matter? And what changes have I made to slowly recover?

Let's dive in.

For years, I was the poster child for workaholism, burning the midnight oil and then some. I'm talking crazy hours—like 14 to 16-hour days—where work was pretty much my whole world. Even when I managed to squeeze in some time for myself or my loved ones, I wasn't really there mentally. Work was my jam, my security blanket, and my source of joy and validation, and it did give me a great sense of fulfillment. But why?!

It's often a perfect storm of factors, but in my case—a need for validation, a fear of falling short, and that relentless pursuit of perfectionism whispering, "You can always do better." These elements merged into a single-minded drive for success at any cost.

Did it pay off? Yeah, it did. But man, did it take its toll.

My personal relationships? took a hit.

My health? Wasn’t great.

And my sanity? Let's just say it went on a little vacation.

But as I journeyed through the trenches of burnout and exhaustion, I realized that life extends beyond the confines of work. It's about striking a balance, rediscovering passions, and reconnecting with loved ones.

So, if you're feeling trapped in that same cycle or if work-life balance seems like an elusive dream, hear me out.

In the hustle of modern life, finding that sweet spot between work and everything else can feel like chasing a unicorn. We're told to hustle hard, grind it out, and success will come knocking. But is it really that simple? Spoiler alert: it's absolutely not!

So, where's the secret sauce? How do we find that balance without losing our minds?

I wish I had all the answers, but I'm still figuring it out myself.

But I’m here to tell my story and what I've learned along the way so far. I’m hoping it might offer you a nugget of insight into what I did to break free from workaholism, create a more balanced lifestyle, and rediscover joy within and beyond the nine-to-five grind.

I came to understand that seeking validation, joy, and fulfillment solely from work wasn't cutting it anymore. So, I took a (long) moment to pause, reflect, and devise a plan of action.

It's about shaping a lifestyle that embraces every facet of our lives—work, family, friends, personal passions, and everything else in the mix. Think of it as sketching out your own tailored calendar toward a healthy, balanced, and mentally sound life.

Now, maybe you're already doing all this, right? BUT—are you doing it while being fully present, aware, content, and understanding that it could bring you the same (or even better) sense of value, happiness, and success? That's what made all the difference for me.

Here's your checklist!

• Let's kick things off with work. We all know it takes up a huge chunk of our time, so it's important to handle it smartly. I’m not telling you to “break up” with your work! Of course not! It's the opposite! Dive in headfirst, go crazy, love it, and give it your all, but also learn to set some boundaries to keep that “work-life balance” in check.

For me, it’s setting specific work hours, cutting out distractions, and making sure I'm tackling my job like a champ—unless, you know, someone's literally on fire and needs my help pronto!

Efficiency, prioritization, and knowing when to say no can work wonders.

And boundaries? They're your best friend. Learn to set them and stick to them like your life depends on it—because it kinda does.

• Now, family, friends, and loved ones are next on the list. They're our rocks, our support system, our cheerleaders, and our ride-or-die crew. So, don't forget to make time for them, whether it's sharing a meal, going for a stroll, or simply chatting on the phone. Nurturing these relationships isn't just important; it's what keeps our hearts full and our spirits lifted.
• ?Hobbies, interests, and all the stuff that makes you tick. They're like your personal therapy sessions. Whether it's painting, strumming a guitar, taking a walk in nature, diving into a good book, or even skydiving if you're feeling wild. These activities are your go-to for recharging your batteries and reminding yourself of what really lights you up.
• Physical exercise? Super important. But I’ll keep it real—I'm not exactly a fan of traditional workouts. Not at all. So instead, I opt for stuff that gets me moving and having fun at the same time! Think swimming, dancing like nobody's watching, hitting the tennis court—whatever floats your boat, no rules attached! Because moving your body isn't just about staying in shape; it's about feeling alive and kicking!
• Investing in your future stability is very important too. It's not just about socking away money; it's also about investing in yourself. Take some time to think about your finances, where you want your career to go, and how you can grow personally. It's all about building the foundation for a future that's both stable and fulfilling.
• And then there's, of course, the "me time." These are the moments when you get to kick back and focus on yourself. Whether getting a massage, soaking in a long bath, binge-watching guilt-free, or just chilling in complete silence, these moments are like hitting the refresh button for your soul. They're your secret weapon for staying grounded and feeling rejuvenated. Trust me, they're not luxuries; they're necessities.

But, you might ask yourself, WHEN? WHERE? And HOW? Let's be REAL!

Crafting a lifestyle that ticks all those boxes is a REAL challenge, no doubt about it! But it's worth every bit of effort, I promise. Try at least..

Now, I'm not going to lie and say I've got it all figured out. Nope, far from it!

Some days, things magically fall into place, and other days, it feels like a total circus. But it's okay to focus on just a couple of things one day, a week, or even a month. You don't have to juggle everything all at once. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you and slot it into your routine.

And it’s TOTALLY okay if some days it all goes haywire. You'll find another time to make it happen. It's all about practice, trial, and error until you nail it like a pro!

There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people kickstart their day with a workout, a healthy meal, or a good book. Me? I dive in with a badass cup of coffee and some energizing tunes—maybe even a little impromptu dance session. It's all about finding what lights your fire, not what works for everyone else.

This journey is yours to design however you please! Embrace the bumps, twists, and turns—finding the balance that fits for you is all part of the ride.

Yalla,

Peace out ???

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