-Do you prefer working and feel guilty when you aren’t?
-Do you feel you are only as good as what you get done?
-Do you delay fun until all your jobs are done?
-Do you prioritize work over: exercise, eating, getting at least eight hours of recommended sleep?
If you answered yes to all of the above, you may be a workaholic.
While we blame our work for not getting time for everything we say we want in life, truth is we are addicted to our to-do list. Some of us only feel worthy if we are getting things done and feel lost when we no longer have to-do items.
If you were forced to stop working, would you still feel worthy?
What would you do with your time?
In reality, if you are a person who thrives on doing and a sense of accomplishment and you quit your job for more free time, you will find other things to do or you may feel lost.
So many people are in a rush through life to tackle the next task. However, if you are feeling a lack of purpose in your job and empty after the tasks are done, then you need to make a new list. Without a sense of purpose, the checking off a list for the sense of worth can lead to an unfulfilled life.
If you are a doer and a workaholic you are likely a 1,2,3,6, or 8 on the Enneagram. Each of those personality types may need to tap into other methods to create balance.
One’s may need to add fun on their list.
Two’s may need to learn how to set boundaries.
Three’s may need to learn more about their worth outside of what they accomplish.
Sixes may need to add daily positive affirmations and other ways to build their confidence and stop their worrying.
Eights may need to learn to ask for help versus controlling others in order to help keep things moving towards their large goals.
If you have admitted your addiction and want help, here’s an online course to learn more about your type and what you can do to live with purpose and become a recovering workaholic.
Melanie Simon
Become Fulfilled 