When does Passion become Workaholism? There is nothing like the rush you get when you are aligned with your passion and following your heart’s desire. You feel truly alive and time loses its grip on you. You can work through meals and are stunned to notice the sun is no longer out and its well past quitting time.
So, what’s wrong with this picture?
Maybe nothing. Great deeds have been accomplished when someone operating from a place of passion.
The question is…at what price?
When does passion become workaholism? It happens when the passion has morphed into an addiction. Like any kind of addiction, you’ll realize it when you see that what you are doing is no longer something you “want” to do, but now you “need” to do it. If you aren’t sure if that’s happened, ask yourself how you feel with the thought of taking a break. If a panic starts creeping in, you’re probably there.
Here are two other things to ask yourself:
- Where is the joy in my life?
- What is my body telling me?
Life is about joy – that feeling you had when you started your passion pursuit. If you are not feeling it any longer, ask yourself why. Is it that the mission or work or circumstances have changed? Maybe you have done all you can in this role/position/relationship. Maybe it time for a change. Or is it that you are burnt out? Which leads to the second question….
Your body doesn’t lie.
Take an honest appraisal of your physical being. Are you tired, even exhausted? Having trouble sleeping? Having stomach or intestinal issues? Gaining or losing weight? Losing your hair? These are your body’s way of telling you to TAKE.A.BREAK. And if you don’t listen, it will up the stakes and you may find yourself bedridden or with a more serious illness.
Being passionate and putting your entire being into something is a gift. And like any gift, make sure you honor it and use it appropriately. The world needs healthy, passionate people!