I realized recently that I’m addicted to work. The realization came when I couldn’t ‘switch off’, going back to my phone or laptop every few minutes to check notifications and want to make more progress, although I just spent 10+ hours being very productive.
It is a deep passion that takes over me sometimes. I called it Immersion before. Zach Pogrob calls it Obsession. But regardless of what you call it, it is an absolutely powerful force. I don’t fully know where it comes from. Probably a chip on the shoulder, which is another name for trauma (or a positive interpretation of it). I think it’s a very rare case – and it’s a beautiful thing when it happens.
To simplify it, however, it’s absolutely an addiction. The high of ‘getting shit done’ gives you serotonin, and you want more. You get hooked. Just like any other addiction, you start craving more subconsciously, and that takes over like auto pilot.
Addiction is no good.
Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine, or idealism.
Carl Jung
I love this quote. It is absolutely true. If anything fully takes over control, to the point of loss of control on your end, then it ends up owning you, and that almost never ends well.
You must integrate with your purpose. You must be intentional about where you want to go.
If you’re controlled by anything, be it a desire, a substance, or a force, then it may steer you away from achieving the goal.
What is the goal? You define it.
Why do you do what you do?
Once you find it, then you can let that direct you.
I’m explaining this poorly, but the TL;DR lesson here is:
- No addiction is good. If you find yourself addicted to ANYTHING (coffee included) then cut it cold turkey. Discipline your mind and teach it a lesson: I am in control, and I don’t need anything external. You can go back to it later (coffee in this example) if you wish, but now you know: I’m in control. Do this often, and repeat when you think your subconscious has forgotten that lesson.
- Set a goal, and go after it. Make sure that the goal itself doesn’t consume you so that you forgot why you set the goal in the first place. Fundamentally, all we want as humans is to be happy. If you peel the onion with ‘why’ on any goal enough times, the answer ends up being ‘because it makes me happy’. That goal we had set sometime in the past was meant to make us happier. That might change. If it’s not bringing happiness anymore, revise why. Take control. Fix it if possible, drop it if you can’t.
The strongest minds are not addicted to anything.