7 Ways to Stop Being a Workaholic
workaholic
My name is Aisha and I’m a Workaholic. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always done ten things at once. I think it may have even started in elementary and middle school. I was in student council, I was in plays at school and professionally, and often had a job on top of that. I have always done THE most.
As a person who struggled with depression, I think that was a part of my nature. The busier I was, the longer I could steer clear of my problems and keep the troubles out my mind. These roles and responsibilities also gave me a sense of belonging, a place and often a purpose. That desire has continued in my adult life.
Last year, while working full-time, I started The Strength of SHE. I started it because I had a longing to continue to empower women and to be a positive voice online and on social media that wasn’t solely about “The perfect hair” or “The perfect beat face”, because no one is perfect right? But we can all learn from one another to add on to our lives or seek lives that fulfill us and make us happy.
That’s all well and great, but I didn’t just start a blog. I started a blog with seven contributors that I managed. That was probably mistake numero uno. It was a great concept and idea to have a team to help me gear up this project, but I had bitten off more than I could chew when it came to managing so many ladies at once, while also being managed from 9-5, 7-6, 8-7, just depending on the day. Not to mention, I was in my final months of my MBA program.
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Everything started off great, but the struggle was real became an understatement. After struggling to juggle these responsibilities and having adjustment issues with changes at work, I decided to leave my job to focus on graduation and my entrepreneurial goals. So I did just that. But instead of leaving with a plan, I left with ideas—an overwhelming amount of them. I began to start various projects including a freelancing business as a graphic and web designer, began writing a book (which will be announced soon), began to host events throughout my city and started two shops, The She Shop and Fearlessly Faithful. I’m literally insane.
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No I’m not crazy, I’m passionate. I love to help others and I love my passions—so I work daily to fulfill them all. I left that job in January, and in these eight months, I have learned so much about myself and where I do and don’t want to go. I often still found myself in an unhealthy situation, with less hours of sleep and more hours of work. My body definitely felt it and hated it. So I knew something had to change.
I ultimately have come to the realization that I am a workaholic, but I don’t want to be anymore. I found that I was still working too much and not living enough, which can be normal for an entrepreneur in their beginning months. So maybe I’m just not about that life.
Here are some affirmations and realizations that will help me stop my addiction to working way too hard, way too quickly. Hopefully they will help you too!
You don’t have to do everything right now
It’s okay to make time to cook and eat
Listen to your body, don’t push it and get sleep
Enjoy time outdoors and with the people you love
Set boundaries for clients and others you work with
Take time to unplug to find peace and solitude
Set realistic goals, so that you can reach them realistically
