A few days ago I was talking with a colleague about work and how difficult it is to take breaks.  Even on weekends, holidays and some vacation times, this person spoke of checking emails, sending texts and picking up voicemails.  It was not like the job depended on it, merely a habit had been formed!  Are these possibly the signs of a workaholic?

With such a striking lack of life balance one must wonder.  When time is taken away from personal relationships, when caring for self is low on the priority list, and health problems are ignored, then it is time to look at your behaviors!  Edward Deci was quoted in the book, Drive,by Daniel Pink, that human beings have an “inherent tendency to seek out novelty and challenges, to extend and exercise their capacities to explore, and to learn.”  At what point does that desire turn into being a workaholic?  The drive to complete a task — that thing that motivates us can not also be that thing that “controls” us.  One must distinguish between working hard and being a workaholic.

Pink examines the three elements of true motivation — autonomy, mastery, and purpose.  Those are all possible without being a workaholic.  Taking a little time for yourself does not mean you have totally stopped progress.  Please be careful how you manage your days, you are worth a break!

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”  — Confucius