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.
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