Workaholism Is Quietly Taking Over Your Life Here’s How to Break Free

Hello Leaders,

Hypocrisy is a close friend of workaholics, and few realize when they are losing their minds, social connections, and potential to perform optimally in more important projects. When it comes down to it, it’s less about how much work one does but rather how quickly one can get away from the computer.

Let’s get to know the signs of workaholic behavior and what you can do to start changing for the better.

Are You a Workaholic? Take This Quiz! ??

Below are four statements you should familiarize yourself with in order to establish a possibility of you being a workaholic.

Rate the degree to which each one describes you using the following scale:

1 = Not at all | 2 = A little | 3 = Somewhat | 4 = Quite | 5 = Very true

1/ I work because at some level there is a force in me that insists on work.

2/ I always find it hard to leave work once I am through with working.

3/ Missing a day at work makes me uncomfortable in any way possible.

4/ I commonly go the extra mile in my job.

Interpreting Your Score

If you have given any number to any of the statements 4 or 5, it may indicate that you may be workaholic. If the total score is 15 or above, it can be stated that one is acting clearly workaholic.

Reflection Exercise: Self-interrogate and discover why you feel the need to work excessively.

Is it external pressure, fear of being left behind, or self-imposed expectations?

The "Right to Disconnect" Law

Australia recently passed a "right to disconnect" law, allowing employees to ignore work emails after hours without repercussions. This law aims to address the modern dilemma of being always on and helps restore work-life balance.

Could this be the boundary we all need?

Workaholism in Action: A Common Scenario

Let’s look at an example:

Scenario: Rajesh, a senior manager of one of the organizations, boasts of the time he devotes to his work. He uses it after dinner to “keep up” and admits “guilt” as a result of not responding first to a certain e-mail. Not long ago, his partner told him that she used to see that he looked very preoccupied during even simple outings with the family.

Reflection: It is fantastic because Rajesh gives all 5s on all four statements in the quiz above. His situation is also affecting his personal life, making it clear that he needs to change his work habits.

Arianna Huffington’s Burnout Story

Arianna Huffington , founder of The Huffington Post, collapsed from exhaustion in 2007, leading her to reassess workaholism. She later founded Thrive Global to help others avoid burnout and prioritize well-being. Her transformation underscores why addressing work addiction is crucial.

What Does Workaholism Look Like?

Workaholism isn’t just about clocking long hours; it’s also about the mindset:

• Mental Preoccupation: Staying engaged with work even outside your working hours.
• Guilt Over Rest: Frequently experiencing guilt when not working or taking breaks.
• Blurring Boundaries: Lack of separation between professional and personal life.

Example: If you check your emails during a team dinner, you’re breaching personal boundaries. While it may seem harmless, it signifies an inability to disconnect from work.

The 4-Day Workweek Movement

Many companies are now experimenting with a 4-day workweek, with trials showing increased productivity and better employee well-being. A study in Australia found that businesses adopting this model reported higher efficiency and happier employees.

Could shorter workweeks be the future?

What’s Next?

If you have found yourself in the quiz or examples above, do not despair you are not alone, and there is hope.

The problem has been identified; now, let’s deal with it.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming in tomorrow’s Management Tip:

? Urgent presentation ideas: How to change the way we think about urgency.

? Resources to guide you on how to strike the right balance.

? Strategies to embrace rest without guilt.

Just by tuning in, you’ll learn practical ways to reset the workaholic mindset in your life.

Final Thoughts: Balance is Key

The future of work is shifting. Leaders like Steve Jobs believed that work should be meaningful, not just all-consuming. He once said, “For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”

If the answer is no for too many days in a row, it’s time for a change.

Let’s shift our mindset: Success isn’t about working harder but about working smarter. It means excelling at work while also being present for your family, friends, and personal growth.

And how many did you score on the quiz?

Feel free to comment your thoughts below.

It’s time we redefine success one that values balance over burnout.

Warm regards,

Aashish Singhal

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