When I was younger, I was a workaholic for a number of reasons:
a) I lacked self confidence in my own abilities and thought that the people around me were better than me, so I worked harder to compensate;
b) I was a perfectionist and didn’t know how to let less important tasks slide;
c) I worked in an environment where working extra hours without compensation was expected and demanded;
d) I had a bully for a boss and my colleagues and I were too naïve to confront her.

Now that I am older, wiser and have made choices in my life which suit my values and personality, I am now a “work enthusiast” in many aspects of my life. The key is to be able to set priorities and boundaries and adhere to them. I am enthusiastic about my work, my volunteering, my family life, my hobbies and my own personal time.

Going to Dr. Marcel Forget’s and Dr. Tony Brunelle’s annual “Ultimate Wake Up” workshop (http://www.ultimatewakeup.com/) has been a great way to learn how to discover, plan and follow through with my priorities. I highly recommend this workshop and have already signed up for the one in November 2010.