A workaholic is a person who perceives work as the only means of self-realization. His love for this activity is too great, according to other people. So much so that it goes far beyond the usual industriousness. Many consider this feature a disease. But is it really so?
Definition
Previously, workaholic people were perceived by the majority positively. Their desire to work and improve in their professional field evoked others only respect and desire to praise. But now, in the courtyard, the 21st century is a time when almost any hobby or quality of a person is considered as a deviation from the norm or even a disease.
The fact is that a workaholic is a person for whom work and career are the most important in life. Family, leisure, entertainment fade into the background. And this is normal, because everyone has their own goals in life. But most psychologists have come to the conclusion that workaholism is harmful to health.
Opinions
Some people think that if a person works in a sweat, then he is dysfunctional. And just hiding behind his work. In rare cases, it is - a person really copes with his problems, plunging into business with his head. But often this statement is incorrect. Many people just like to improve professionally and achieve success in their careers. It really gives joy.
Psychologists also assure that an overly hardworking person may not notice how he will harm himself. Lack of sleep, chronic overwork - all this can cause somatic or mental illnesses. There is also some truth in this. Still, sleep is an essential part of our life, necessary for maintaining health. But many workaholics forget about him, which sooner or later makes itself felt.
Psychology of Personality
A workaholic is the same person as everyone else. But with its own characteristics.
So, for example, it is difficult for him to switch to another activity, even if he has finished work. And if he does rest, thoughts about her do not allow him to completely relax. That is why he feels confident and energetic only during work. If he is not busy with anything fruitful and useful, then he has a feeling of irritation and dissatisfaction. An overly hard-working person perceives the absence of affairs as laziness and idleness. And, of course, if he meets someone, then the conversation usually only leads to work.
Other qualities
In other words, a workaholic is a person for whom his professional activity is life. Many consider this feature abnormal. But this is very good. So this person goes to work as a holiday. He likes her, he loves her and enjoys her. Many people would like to become the same. Why? Because the vast majority actually hardly get up in the morning to reluctantly get dressed and go to an unloved job, where they will look at their watches every 10 minutes, waiting for the end of the day. They do not like the salary, annoying boss, burden their responsibilities. But the workaholic is the opposite. He is successful, he has goals, prospects. Yes, it is difficult for him to relax and learn to be distracted from work. But if you want, you can achieve this. But to love a hated work and learn to enjoy it is much more difficult.
Signs of a workaholic
A person for whom his work is the meaning of life can be recognized by some features. He is persistent - does not hesitate to focus on details and details. Sometimes such a person is excessively circumstantial. He is distinguished by systemic thinking, well-developed logic and straightforwardness. The start of work is inspiring. When he begins any activity, he becomes more energetic and cheerful.
Still often these people are scared by the opportunity to make a mistake. If they find some kind of mismatch, then they begin to double-check everything from the very beginning. Often workaholics working with someone on a team behave strangely, according to others. They double-check what others have done, try to find a mistake, typo, blot. Others may perceive this as disrespect or distrust. But in fact, this quality is simply the desire to do everything perfectly. This sometimes interferes, but such is the specificity of a workaholic.
How to learn to relax?
Well, the above was briefly described about who such a workaholic. Is it good or bad to be one? There is no universal answer, since everyone has their own opinion on this matter. But one thing is certain. Rest is still necessary. And since it is difficult for a workaholic to do this, it is worth talking about how to learn how to relax.
First, all things must be done in advance. If the person is an office worker, it will not be difficult to implement. Reports, reports, projects - everything needs to be prepared in advance. For a week ahead or two. This will save you from obsessive thoughts about what you need to work. Having found a few free days, you need to go to a place where nothing reminds you of work. Since there are many weekends and holidays for workaholics, you can go abroad. It will affect any person. Even the most avid workaholic. Indeed, in a new country, everything will be unfamiliar, interesting for him, and this will captivate him.
If this prospect of relaxation does not seem tempting, then you can resort to another option. Namely - to a voluntary business trip. You can combine business with pleasure - go abroad to some lengthy seminar or forum. This form of relaxation for the workaholic will be more familiar. He will benefit, but at the same time distracted and scattered.
Classification
Interestingly, workaholics are even divided into types. The first is the most common in modern society. This is the so-called workaholic "for yourself." He likes everything, and he does not seek any excuses for his fanatical love of his own work. We can say that this is a happy person in his own way. Most often, by the way, this is a workaholic man. Well, or a confident woman.
The second type is workaholics "for others." It would not hurt them to become more relaxed and take time to rest, as they explain their desire to work in the sweat of their faces with a desire to improve the financial situation of their family. Or help the company.
The third type is “successful.” Most often combined with the first. A successful workaholic goes to work as a holiday, and thanks to his qualities he achieves career heights.
The fourth type is "loser." People who do any job. Whatever they were entrusted with. Petty, unnecessary, unimportant. At the same time, they try to fulfill it as best as possible, but because of such trifles, they fail to achieve significant success.
And finally, the fifth type. Hidden workaholic. These people are quite interesting. They realize that their desire to work is too pronounced. They do not want others to see it. Therefore, with the rest, they assure that they hate their work and that they do not want to do it at all. Although in fact the opposite is true.
How to become a workaholic?
As mentioned above, many people would like to love their work and run to it with joy. You can become a workaholic, but for this you need powerful motivation and work on yourself.
First, you need to arouse interest in your activities. It is necessary to fall in love with your work, set some goals, take on an unusual project. In the depths of the soul, a person should have a feeling that he really likes to work. This often helps to create the right atmosphere. An office worker, for example, can take on some kind of project and stay at work for the night when everyone goes home. To be alone with yourself and the official atmosphere. It can arouse the right thoughts, set up a working mood, help concentrate. A person, in the end, will feel like the owner of the office. In general, you need to love your activity and make it more diverse.
Effects
A fanatical desire to work, even going beyond workaholism, is fraught with serious consequences. It will not be easy in the first place to the family members of such a person. Conflicts and even divorce are not excluded. This can be understood, since a close person a workaholic needs attention, love and care. If he does not provide this soul mate, the relationship will be destroyed.
Due to lack of sleep and fatigue, diseases of the digestive and cardiovascular systems can develop. The appearance of mental disorders, stress, insomnia, paranoia is not excluded. If a person has truly crossed all boundaries of understanding workaholism and excessive love of work, he should think. Rest, healthy sleep, proper nutrition and pastime with a soul mate - all this should become an integral part of his life. If the situation is absolutely deplorable, antidepressants will help. Appointed by their respective specialist.
How to act close?
Fanatical workaholics rarely think about their special attitude to work. Much more often this worries their loved ones. And they want to know how to convince a person who is not indifferent to them to have more rest and take time for themselves.
Getting started on fixing a workaholic will be difficult. The first thing you need to learn - in no case can you solve the problem with cries of hopelessness and tirades that a career will not go anywhere. This will only aggravate the situation. You need to understand that work for the workaholic is the most important thing in his life. And accept it. You can not pronounce those words that can hurt him. It is better to act by bringing arguments and evidence. We can say the following: “You didn’t think that it would be nice for you to set aside a couple of days for your vacation? That would be a good idea. You will be able to gain strength in order to start working more productively and successfully. Recently, your performance has been falling. Allocate a few days for yourself to distract and relax. It will increase your chances of productive work. ”
Such words will help to convince a person that he really would not hurt the rest. Because he will perceive relaxation not as a way to relieve stress, but as an investment in successful work.
Total
As you can see, workaholism is a very interesting and controversial topic. People who like their work are now becoming less common. And, no matter what psychologists think about this, workaholism is rather a positive quality. But everything should be a measure. Because otherwise it would really be considered a disease. And a person will need serious help.