Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology, University College London, has recently issued an article in The Sunday Times, regarding workaholism. The article is a great read and very insightful.
I want to point out one point, in particular, from the article. Furnham notes that experts provide psychological definitions of the seriously and unhealthily addic-tive types:
- "Those who devote more time, attention and thought to their work than the situation demands;
- Those who become emotionally crippled and addicted to approval, control, power and success;
- Those with a chronic inability to regulate work habits, who overindulge in work to the exclusion of all else;
- Those compelled or driven to overwork by inner pressures, despite low enjoyment at the tasks."
Furnham goes on to point out many workaholics have low psychological wellbeing, poor extra-work relationships and near disastrous family life. There's more... read the entire article.
Consider these characteristics. Do you identify with any of them? If so, you may be experiencing what is called work-life imbalance. It is a very unhealthy way to operate. It may require some investigation as to the source of your self esteem, or spending more time with your family, or working with a professional to uncover the underlying issues of the need for approval, etc.
The more you understand the reasons behind workaholism, the more you will be able to overcome it - and be serving strong!
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