Do you have Workaholic tendencies? (Learn how to find balance)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workaholism isn’t about the number of hours you work—it’s about your ability to disconnect from your job. To help determine whether you might be a workaholic, read the following statements and rate the degree to which each one describes you, using the following scale: 1 = never true; 2 = seldom true; 3 = sometimes true; 4 = often true; 5 = always true.
 
1. I work because there is a part inside of me that feels compelled to work.
 
2. It is difficult for me to stop thinking about work when I stop working.
 
3. I feel upset if I have to miss a day of work for any reason.
 
4. I tend to work beyond my job’s requirements.
 
Add up your total score. If you rated any of these items a 4 or a 5, you have some workaholic tendencies. But if your total score is 15 or above, you’re displaying significant signs of workaholism.  (Source: Qualtrics research)

6 Tips for Overcoming Workaholism and Finding Balance

1. Redefine “urgent.” Workaholics often see every task as high priority, creating unnecessary stress. Step back, review past tasks, and see how many were truly urgent.
 
2. Reinvent your to-do list. Shift your focus from completing everything to prioritizing what's important. A tool like the Eisenhower Matrix (also known as the “urgent-versus-important matrix”) can help you decide how to spend your time.
 
3. Learn to say “no” and delegate. Practice declining tasks that don’t align with your priorities. You don’t have to do it all.
 
4. Fix your workaholic clock. Track how long tasks actually take, then adjust your expectations. Give yourself more time or ask for help.
 
5. Control rumination. Break the cycle of overthinking work by practicing mindfulness or using mantras to shift focus. You may also try scheduling a specific time to mentally revisit work concerns, limiting how much headspace they occupy during your off-hours.

Click here for more tips on how to manage your self-talk.
 
6. Embrace rest. Incorporate intentional breaks, physical activity, and hobbies into your day. Recovery fuels better performance.Being a workaholic doesn’t necessarily mean you are a high achiever; it might indicate that you are seeking something else, such as attention, or using work as a way to escape. Remember that working harder won't solve the underlying issue. Long-term success requires balance, which means making time for personal growth, relationships, and hobbies outside of work. By addressing workaholism, you not only improve your well-being but also become more productive in the long term and set a positive example for those around you.

Being a workaholic doesn’t necessarily mean you are a high achiever; it might indicate that you are seeking something else, such as attention, or using work as a way to escape. Remember that working harder won't solve the underlying issue. Long-term success requires balance, which means making time for personal growth, relationships, and hobbies outside of work. By addressing workaholism, you not only improve your well-being but also become more productive in the long term and set a positive example for those around you.

Check out a related post: 7 Ways to Achieve A Work/Life Balance  (3 min read)

To your greater success and well-being,

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

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