Podcast #558

 

OBSESSED WITH OVERWORKING? FINDING BALANCE AS A HIGHLY MOTIVATED PERSON

Break the cycle of overworking and learn to not let work dominate your entire life. This episode will break down why we get caught up in an overworking addiction and self-induced stress. We explore the alluring trap of excessive ambition and the toll it takes on achieving a balanced work/life harmony. Join us as we unravel the keys to breaking free from this cycle and creating a happier, healthier lifestyle. Discover how to trust yourself, work smarter, and achieve more without sacrificing your well-being.

This week on The Confidence Podcast, we’re coaching on:

• The overworking achievement trap
• How to trust yourself, work less and achieve more
• Finding balance as a highly motivated and driven person

ANNOUNCEMENT

Join me this month in the College of Confidence for SELF-TALK MONTH.

www.collegeofconfidence.com/join

Happy birthday to my beautiful baby boy, Baker!

LISTENER OF THE EPISODE

OVERWORKING: WHY DO YOU DO IT?

The Overworking Achievement Trap:
Be driven

Decide to work harder than anyone else

Get results

Repeat

What this fails to see is that it is not just your work and your effort that gets results, but rather your consistency, your follow through and your thoughts.

Working more than anyone else is NOT what makes you stand out.

It’s just what exhausts you. 

Then you get addicted to it.

Then fear comes in and you stop trusting yourself

WHAT DOES IT GIVE YOU?

False belief in yourself

Distraction from growth

While striving and working hard can lead to accomplishments and success, it’s important to distinguish between healthy ambition and overworking to the point of detriment. Some people may find themselves stuck in a negative cycle of overworking due to certain perceived mental benefits, even though it’s ultimately detrimental to their well-being. Some of these perceived mental benefits might include:

1. Sense of Purpose and Identity: For some individuals, their work becomes a significant part of their identity, giving them a sense of purpose and validation. They may believe that their worth is tied to their achievements, leading them to overwork to maintain that sense of identity and self-worth.
2. Achievement and Recognition: Overworking can result in greater accomplishments and, in turn, recognition from peers and superiors. This external validation can become addictive, reinforcing the belief that working excessively is necessary to maintain that level of achievement and recognition.
3. Avoidance of Negative Emotions: Some individuals may use work as a way to escape or avoid dealing with negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, or personal issues. Immersing themselves in work can provide a temporary distraction from these feelings, leading them to overwork as a coping mechanism.
4. Fear of Failure: A fear of failure can drive people to overwork to the point where they feel they are less likely to fail. They might believe that working harder and longer will increase their chances of success, even though it may lead to burnout in the long run.
5. Social Expectations and Norms: Societal norms or pressure from family, peers, or colleagues can play a role in fostering a culture of overworking. Some individuals may believe that they must work excessively to meet these expectations and avoid judgment or criticism.
6. Financial Incentives: The promise of financial rewards, promotions, or other tangible benefits may motivate individuals to overwork, believing that the potential payoff justifies the sacrifice of their mental and physical well-being.
7. Addictive Work Culture: In some work environments, there may be a prevailing culture that glorifies overworking, equating it with dedication and commitment. This culture can encourage individuals to remain stuck in a cycle of overworking, thinking it is the norm or expected behavior.

It’s important to note that while these perceived benefits may seem compelling, overworking and striving excessively can have severe negative consequences for mental and physical health. Chronic stress, burnout, reduced productivity, strained relationships, and even physical health issues can result from sustained overworking.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE FROM YOU?

Overworking can take a significant toll on individuals, impacting various aspects of their lives. Here are some of the things that overworking can take from you:

Physical Health: Overworking can lead to physical health issues, such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. Prolonged periods of stress and lack of self-care can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal problems.

Mental Health: Overworking is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant pressure and feeling of never being able to relax or disconnect can contribute to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.

Relationships: Overworking often means less time and energy for meaningful relationships with family, friends, and partners. It can strain personal connections and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Work-Life Balance: Overworking disrupts work-life balance, leaving little time for leisure, hobbies, and activities that bring joy and relaxation. It can lead to feelings of imbalance and dissatisfaction with life.

Creativity and Productivity: Working excessively for extended periods can actually decrease productivity and creativity. The brain needs time to rest and recharge to function at its best.

Career Satisfaction: Despite the initial sense of achievement, overworking can eventually erode career satisfaction. The negative effects on physical and mental health can overshadow any short-term gains in career advancement.

Time for Personal Growth: Overworking can hinder personal growth and self-development opportunities. It leaves little time for learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, or exploring new interests.

Quality of Work: Fatigue and burnout can lead to decreased attention to detail and reduced quality of work. Over time, this may harm professional reputation and hinder long-term career growth.

Creativity and Innovation: When constantly in a state of pressure and exhaustion, the capacity for creative thinking and innovative problem-solving can suffer.

Happiness and Fulfillment: Overworking can rob individuals of the chance to find genuine happiness and fulfillment outside of their work.

Physical and Emotional Boundaries: Overworking can blur the lines between work and personal life, making it difficult to set healthy boundaries.

Long-Term Well-Being: Ultimately, overworking jeopardizes overall well-being and can lead to serious physical and mental health issues if not addressed.

It is crucial to recognize the negative impacts of overworking and prioritize self-care, work-life balance, and overall well-being. Creating boundaries, taking breaks, seeking support, and maintaining a healthy perspective on work and success are essential steps toward a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.

BREAKING THE CYCLE:

Ask yourself: what do you want to be remembered for? A good work ethic or a good life ethic?

What are you most afraid of?

What are you willing to change?

EPISODES TO REFERENCE:

#539: Stop Trying to Prove Yourself: You’re Good Enough Already

#544: Work Confidence

#541: Not Ready Syndrome

FINDING BALANCE AS A HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND DRIVEN PERSON:

It’s not balance, it’s rhythm.

Know your priorities.

-Not preferences (to do it all) – priorities

-ABC/123

-What will it take to get to where you want to go 

Understand and honor your limitations and your desires.

-Don’t do what you don’t want to do.

-Say no more and yes when you really mean it

-Ask yourself “what would love look like here”?

-Know your physical and emotional capacity

Communicate effectively

-With yourself

-With your family

-With others (work, sports teams, commitments)

We must be willing to expose ourselves to potential judgment and being misunderstood to access the freedom to live our own lives according to what works best for us. 

LISTENER OF THE EPISODE: