NFIB

Signs of Becoming a Workaholic
03/ 25/ 2002


Owners of small businesses and home-based businesses are particularly prone to overwork. Perhaps this is because entrepreneurs are naturally over-achievers who set high standards, or because the pace of business is becoming faster year by year. Hard work is usually thought of as productive and leading to increasing success. But overwork is often associated with upcoming mental and physical difficulties. In today's Workshop, contributor Jeffrey Moses discusses how a person can recognize the tendency to overwork in themselves or others, and shows simple ways to help overcome this all-too-common syndrome.

Common signs of overwork include: infrequent time spent with family and friends, which can lead to family difficulties; feeling the constant need to work evening after evening and on the weekends; thinking of relaxation as wasted time; anxiety about being away from phone, fax or e-mail; furiously trying to fit as much work as possible into every business day, and often missing family appointments because of work; undue anxiety during simple, everyday situations such as when waiting in line at the post office or when in slow traffic; health changes, such as insomnia, lingering flus or colds, or sudden weight loss or gain; onset of memory difficulty or forgetfulness.

Constant overwork, and the stress accompanying such pressure, can take its toll on mental and physical health. If stress persists, the system will begin to rebel and break down, resulting in the possibility of serious illness.

To reduce the drive to overwork, a person must first realize that it is a problem. When business associates comment over and over about a co-worker's overloaded work schedule, the person should listen. The same is true when a person's family members complain that he or she is always absent from family activities.

Often, an over-achiever needs to re-prioritize goals and methods for achieving them. They should realize that overwork is counterproductive in the long run; it will lead only to stress and illness. A more steady, manageable schedule is best-suited for long-term success in any field.

A person should take breaks during the workday. If he or she sits at a desk, they should get up and stretch. Or better yet, they should step outside and take a few deep breaths. The old saying, "take time to smell the roses," contains a lot of good common sense. Often we get so wrapped up in work that we take no time to appreciate the world around us. Too often, this includes our family and friends.

On the weekends, an over-achiever should take time to engage inactivity that totally changes the everyday pace. They should watch TV, play with the kids, read a book, meditate, jog or walk vigorously, or simply take an afternoon nap. These "schedule-busters" will help a person slow down, and will set the tone for a more relaxed, and perhaps even more productive, workweek.

Hobbies for over-achievers should be easy going. Competitive golf, for instance, plays into the same edge that a workaholic has at the office. And light tinkering with tools in the basement shouldn't lead to building an addition on the house.

Over-achievers obviously need to relax a bit and take life a bit more leisurely, but for many workaholics this can be as difficult to accomplish as it is for an alcoholic to stop drinking. When this is the case, professional help may be needed. They should consider consulting a psychologists or psychiatrist experienced in the field.

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