Are you working too hard because you believe “I am a perfectionist”? Have you heard these words before? I have, many times. And I used to believe that it was about striving for perfection. But after spending two decades in the corporate world, I have come to see it differently.

Perfectionism can often be a disguise for workaholism. Which is a tendency to be consumed by work rather than being a diligent and dedicated individual.

The trap of perfectionism

Why do I perceive it this way? Over the years, I have seen individuals laboring for extensive hours—12, 13, or even 14 hours a day. They make themselves available for work during evenings, weekends, and even vacations. Their reasoning? “I have so much to do,” “There is no one else capable of doing it,” “I am a perfectionist,” or because they cannot sit still and relax.

Unfortunately, some of these individuals eventually experienced burnout. Others accumulated countless extra hours only to be let go when the company no longer required them. So, what was it all good for? Work addiction can stem from various factors, such as the need for control, fear of failure, and high-pressure environments.

How to counteract Working too much

Why do I care? It pains me to witness people around me succumbing to overwhelming workloads and mounting pressure. I have observed individuals dedicating more hours to work than anyone should expect. All while having partners and children waiting for them at home. As a colleague, I felt helpless.

I have always prioritised health above all else. And I happened to believe others shared this sentiment.

If you sense that your work approach might indeed be a form of addiction, why don’t we address this together? As a leadership and executive coach, I now find myself in a position to offer support. Helping individuals navigate challenging work situations. And with this they rediscover the joy in their professional lives.

There’s more to this journey than recognising work addiction and seeking guidance. It’s important to explore the underlying reasons and develop strategies for sustainable change. Let’s delve deeper into some key aspects:

1. Self-awareness: Take the time to reflect on your work habits, motivations, and the emotions that drive your behavior. Understand the patterns and triggers that contribute to work addiction.

2. Setting boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Define specific working hours and honor dedicated time for relaxation, hobbies, and relationships.

3. Delegation and collaboration: Learn to trust and empower your colleagues. Delegate tasks and responsibilities. In return recognise that teamwork can enhance efficiency and lower the burden of excessive workload.

4. Prioritisation and goal setting: Focus on identifying high-value tasks that align with your objectives and contribute to long-term success. Embrace the 80/20 principle, where 20% of your efforts generate 80% of the results.

5. Seeking support: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, coaches, or counselors who can provide valuable insights and strategies for overcoming work addiction.

You can stop working too much

Remember, breaking free from work addiction is a journey that requires dedication, self-compassion, and a willingness to make positive changes. The opportunity to create a healthier work-life balance and rediscover the joy and fulfillment are there.

I am committed to supporting individuals like you in this transformative process. Together, we can focus on cultivating a healthier work relationship. With this you create a more fulfilling professional life.

Message me today, and let’s work towards a happier, more balanced, and successful future.

You’ll find more on my offering on my services page.

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