November 6, 4:17 am
Stress management may required admitting an addiction
People engaged in excessive workplace stress are often looking for ways to manage it. But consider the idea that a step toward good stress management may involve a simple admission: Addiction.
I often joke that I’m addicted to food as I seem to crave it several times a day. But seriously, addictions are more common than we may think, and they often fly under the radar, unnoticed.
A while back I came across the following definition . . . see what you think:
A behavior that temporarily fills an unmet need
- sometimes continuing to the point of self-destruction
In terms of self-desctructive behaviors, most of us quickly think of alcohol or drugs. Rightfully so, as you can easily see how those addictions create the following characteristics:
1. Creates a predictable, reliable sensation
2. Becomes the primary focus and absorbs the addict’s attention during the experience
3. Temporarily eradicates pain or negative emotions
4. Provides an artificial sense of self-worth, power, control, security, intimacy, or accomplishment
5. Worsens the problems and feelings it sought to remedy
6. Causes loss of relationships
Anyone who’s been around people addicted to drugs or alcohol can see that these characteristics apply. But now let’s examine these same six items in light of an addiction to URGENCY:
1. Creates a predictable, reliable sensation. Of course! By rushing around, I always feel important.
2. Becomes the primary focus and absorbs the addict’s attention during the experience. Absolutely. By focusing on the project before me I can block out all the bothersome minutiae of life.
3. Temporarily eradicates pain or negative emotions. Sure! If I focus on getting this job done NOW, then I don’t have time to think about making that tough decision I don’t want to make, or the fact that I’m not getting along with my boss, my spouse, or my kids.
4. Provides an artificial sense of self-worth, power, control, security, intimacy, or accomplishment. Yes. Because everyone knows I have to get this done NOW, I can push harder for them to go the extra mile for me – or get out of my way so I can get this done!
5. Worsens the problems and feelings it sought to remedy. By either rushing ahead or waiting to the last minute, I’m neglecting the importance of planning, which means I’ll probably miss key details, which makes fixing the oversights all the more urgent, which compounds all of the above.
6. Causes loss of relationships. Unfortunately, yes. By focusing on production and not planning or the people involved, I am seen as less trustworthy. My urgency focus causes them to see me as uncaring, unconcerned, unreliable, and even unworthy of their time.
If, by chance, you have an Urgency Addiction, I hope this is starting to click. If you’re addicted to urgency–or know someone who is–I’ll have an upcoming post that will address ways in which Urgency Addictions can be overcome.
Filed in Work, Motivation, Management, Workplace, Corporate Culture, Coaching
An Anxiety Attack can be defined as the experience we typically have when we feel we are suddenly in danger, or something unknown is about to occur. An anxiety attack can be a terrifying experience, and involves a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with a sudden onset and usually lasting for no more than 10 minutes. Sometimes a person can experience a panic or anxiety attack suddenly without an obvious reason. Most people that experience one will usually experience further attacks, and those who have recurring attacks, or feel severe anxiety about having another are said to have panic or anxiety disorder.
From my own perspective, I find it hard to sense the difference between addiction and obsession when it comes to urgency and work related activities. I personally LOVE my work and involve myself fully in it whenever I get the chance, but of course you have to balance the pursuit of a job well done (and success) with well nurtured relationships, health and well-being.
I suppose moderation is the key, as with so many things. Nice article though, it struck a chord!
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