Are You A Workaholic?

 Workaholism has become a social norm. Many people proudly call themselves workaholics, but true workaholism – an uncontrollable compulsion to work – can destroy personal relationships and lead to a lower quality of life.

How do you know if you’re a workaholic? Workaholics routinely work more than 40 hours a week and take their work to dinner, home, and bed. They neglect personal responsibilities and relationships and can feel anxious when not working.

“My drug is the juice from constant movement, constant communication, and continual achievement – the long list of to-dos and completed tasks at the end of the day,” says Darren Hardy, publisher and editorial director of SUCCESS Magazine and admitted workaholic. “It’s a wonderful high.”

Despite the thrills, there are many damaging effects. “Addiction starts to take over your power, drive your behavior and create a compulsion for continual use,” says Hardy. “This behavior can take you off course from your major goals; tax your physical, psychological and emotional system; and even damage or destroy relationships.”

Anyone displaying the characteristics of a workaholic should consider taking steps to overcome this potentially harmful addiction. On his blog, Hardy has created “Workaholics Anonymous – A 12-Step Program of Recovery and Personal Transformation” for recovering workaholics who are looking to transform their lives.

His first recommended step is to make a “Stop doing” list. Instead of writing a “To do” list, Hardy suggests jotting down a list of 10 activities that routinely eat up your time. Quitting things like checking your Blackberry during dinner or reading your e-mail all day can lead to a wealth of added time.