Throughout my career, I’ve always faced problems head-on. Confronting challenges directly is part of who I am. However, there was a time when my dedication to work tipped into workaholism. I wasn’t running away from personal issues or avoiding complex relationships; I tackled those as they came.

My workaholic tendencies were more a reaction to external obstacles: authorities who seemed intent on hindering my progress and colleagues who, perhaps out of envy, spread misinformation or tried to undermine my efforts.

I could overcome these barriers by working harder and striving for perfection. Perfectionism became both a shield and a driving force. I thought that if everything I did was flawless, no one could question my capabilities or impede my success. But this relentless pursuit of perfection led to exhaustion and diminishing returns. It began to affect my well-being and satisfaction with my work.

Understanding Ikigai vs. Workaholism

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to “reason for being.” It represents the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Living your ikigai means engaging in fulfilling and balanced work, bringing joy and purpose to your life.

Workaholism, on the other hand, is an uncontrollable need to work incessantly. External pressures or internal insecurities often drive it. While workaholics may appear dedicated, their relentless work pace could be more sustainable and can lead to burnout.

I began to realise that my perfectionism and workaholic habits were not serving me as I thought they were. Instead of simply overcoming obstacles, I allowed external challenges to dictate my well-being and work habits. I was reacting to the authorities and colleagues who stood in my way by pushing myself harder, but this approach was draining me.

Lessons Learned:

  1. Facing Challenges with Resilience, Not Overwork: While addressing obstacles directly is essential, there are better solutions than overworking. I learned to approach challenges strategically, conserving my energy for effective action rather than exhausting myself.
  2. Letting Go of Perfectionism: Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. Striving for unattainable perfection led to unnecessary stress. By accepting that 80% of the quality is still excellent, I became more productive and content.
  3. Embracing My Ikigai: Reconnecting with my ikigai helped me find joy in my work again. Focusing on what I love and what brings value to others allowed me to work passionately without the burden of perfectionism.
  4. Setting Healthy Boundaries: I learned to prioritise my well-being by setting boundaries. This included allocating time for personal activities like playing tennis in the morning, enjoying meals with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies that rejuvenate me.
  5. Choosing Battles Wisely: Not every obstacle requires the same energy level. I began to discern which challenges needed confrontation and which were better handled with patience or strategic planning.
  6. Surrounding Myself with Supportive People: I consciously collaborated with individuals who respect and support me. This positive environment reinforced my ability to thrive without overextending myself.
  7. Moving Forward with Purpose: I’ve found a healthier balance by shifting my focus from reacting to external obstacles to nurturing my own well-being. I’m still deeply committed to my work and continue to face challenges head-on, but I no longer allow external negativity to consume me. Embracing my ikigai has enabled me to find fulfilment without sacrificing my health or happiness.

I now understand that working smarter, not more complex, and letting go of the need for perfection means something other than compromising on quality or dedication. It means recognising my own value, setting realistic expectations, and cultivating a work-life balance that sustains long-term success and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The journey from workaholism to embracing ikigai hasn’t been easy, but it’s been profoundly rewarding. By acknowledging that I don’t need to overwork to overcome obstacles or prove myself, I’ve opened up space for personal growth, stronger relationships, and more meaningful achievements. I continue to enjoy my work passionately, but now it’s in harmony with a balanced life that honours all parts of who I am.

Remember: Facing challenges is essential, but so is taking care of yourself. By aligning your efforts with your ikigai, you can overcome obstacles without losing sight of your well-being and true purpose.

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