Being a workaholic is a popular term from the 90’s. Now we prefer to say that we have a challenged “work/life balance”. While that may be a less threatening terminology, the impact of this state of mind is the same.
The biggest challenge when working with a “workaholic” is getting them to admit that they have a problem. Denial is STRONG in this realm. So, here are 20 questions – run through the list and see how many apply to you, or someone you love…
- Do you get more excited about your work than about family or anything else?
- Are there times when you can charge through your work and other times when you can’t?
- Do you take work with you to bed? On weekends? On vacation?
- Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most?
- Do you work more than 40 hours a week?
- Do you turn your hobbies into money-making ventures?
- Do you take complete responsibility for the outcome of your work efforts?
- Have your family or friends given up expecting you on time?
- Do you take on extra work because you are concerned that it won’t otherwise get done?
- Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?
- Do you believe that it is okay to work long hours if you love what you are doing?
- Do you get impatient with people who have other priorities besides work?
- Are you afraid that if you don’t work hard you will lose your job or be a failure?
- Is the future a constant worry for you even when things are going very well?
- Do you do things energetically and competitively including play?
- Do you get irritated when people ask you to stop doing your work in order to do something else?
- Have your long hours hurt your family or other relationships?
- Do you think about your work while driving, falling asleep or when others are talking?
- Do you work or read during meals?
- Do you believe that more money will solve the other problems in your life?
How well (or poorly,) did you score? If you would like to talk more about how the results might be manifesting in your life and what you can do about it, please remember that I offer all new clients a FREE Risk Free Session – 30 min to discuss your challenges.