Imagine business as a Formula 1 pit team. How successful do you think you would be? Would you be the team manager, calmly orchestrating the events from the safety of the pit wall; or the type running around, doing every job to ensure it's done well, getting in everybody's way but feeling good because you are busy helping out - the end result being the car going out late and with only three wheels?
A big problem for business owners is we convince ourselves that being busy is what business is about and as long as we are giving our all, then there is nothing else we can do. While we know we need to work smarter rather than harder, the reality is life throws curved balls and we end up reacting to the environment in and going back to our old ways.
We become addicted to the buzz, and the last person to realise this is the one with the problem. Like an alcoholic, it is those around us who suffer most. Family is neglected, friends become acquaintances, and worse still the people employed to provide support are driven away if they refuse to behave similarly.
If you are a workaholic the first step is recognising it. The signs are clear. If you need help to see them ask somebody close to you to be honest.
The more obvious symptoms include:
• struggling to sleep at night because your mind won't stop;
• stressing and losing your temper over relatively minor issues;
• starting things and not finishing them;
• working late or over weekends when those around you are enjoying themselves;
• being accused of not listening to other people
Once aware there is a problem, take ownership of it. The only problem is will you continue doing what you've always done, so get what you've always got - or will you change?
Decide how many hours per week / days per year you want to work and what your team should do for you. What you'd rather do instead of working all the time is important because if you don't have something you like better, you will end up doing what you are doing now, even if you hate it.
The longer you have been a workaholic, the longer it will take to change your habit. Be honest and admit when you need help. Others will see you fall back into your old busyness habits far sooner than you do.
So, rev up your business and get out of the pits!
Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway, ActionCOACH Business Coaching in KZN.