How to Overcome Being a Workaholic

Do you spend most of your time thinking about work? Are you neglecting other areas of your life because you prefer to be at work? If you answered, "yes" to any of these questions then you could be a workaholic. To help understand who would be considered a workaholic, what type of impact workaholism can have on your life and tips for overcoming being a workaholic, I have interviewed psychologist Ellen Schecter, Ph.D.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

"I'm a clinical psychologist and organizational consultant. My first career was in organizational behavior and leadership development , and then I became a licensed psychologist. My practice comprises both: a consulting practice focused on leadership consulting / executive coaching and a psychotherapy practice working with adults."

Who would be considered a workaholic?

"Workaholics are people who work compulsively and are driven by self-imposed demands. They are preoccupied with work, spending a disproportionate of time thinking about work, and over-indulge in work to the exclusion of other activities. Workaholics are often impatient perfectionists, with a high need for control, and difficulty delegating responsibility. They may either enjoy work or resent it."

What type of impact does workaholism have on someone's overall life?

"Research is a bit scarce in this area, but studies have shown that compulsive working or workaholism has negative effects on emotional well-being, physical health, relationships and family functioning. Work addiction has been linked to stress and burnout, depression, anxiety, and anger, and to physical health problems such as ulcers and heart problems. Workaholics can become isolated from others due to over-involvement with work, causing work/family conflicts and impaired relationships with family and friends. Workaholics have difficulty relaxing and having fun, and can experience leisure time or vacations as unpleasant. Children of workaholics have been found to be at risk for depression, workaholism, and other emotional problems."

How can someone overcome being a workaholic?

"To overcome workaholism, one must understand its source and how it is maintained. Both internal and external factors can influence the development of workaholism. Externally, organizational, cultural, and family expectations may reinforce prioritizing work to the exclusion of other activities. Workaholic behavior is often rewarded in corporate America; some cultures and families may also over-emphasize work or achievement over leisure time or relationships. Internally, low self-worth, insecurities, and avoidance of painful feelings and fears, such as anxiety or fear of failure or intimacy, can lead to compulsive overwork as a means of self-validation or self-soothing. People who work compulsively are often in denial about their workaholism and its impact on self and others. They can seek help through Workaholics Anonymous or seeing a professional psychotherapist."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is a workaholic?

"Psychotherapy can help workaholics change the thoughts and behaviors that sustain workaholism. Psychotherapists can help the workaholic identify the impact and costs of their behavior and make self-care plans to help them stop excessive work, slow down, gain greater life balance, and foster enjoyment of relationships and leisure activities. Psychotherapists can also work with couples and families of those suffering from work addiction."

Thank you Dr. Schecter for doing the interview on how to overcome being a workaholic. For more information on Dr. Schecter or her work you can check out her website on http://ellenschecter.com.

Recommended Readings:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5961860/how_to_create_balance_between_your.html?cat=5">How to Create Balance Between Work & Your Personal Life

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5591346/how_to_destress_after_work.html?cat=5">How to De-Stress After Work

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6039354/how_to_cope_with_an_annoying_coworker.html?cat=5">How to Cope with an Annoying Co-Worker