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The line between being a high achiever and a workaholic is razor-thin. In a world where hustle culture dominates, it’s easy to confuse being busy with being productive.
As burnout and mental health struggles gain visibility, there’s a growing need to re-evaluate how we define success at work.
Research backs up this shift—79% of employees identified chronic workplace stress as a significant issue affecting their well-being in a 2022 report from the American Psychological Association.
It's clear that overwork is no longer just an issue of time spent in the office, but a deeper challenge to overall health.
While ambition and hard work are often lauded, they can quickly spiral into unhealthy work habits.
Dr. Ramon Velazquez, Neuroscience Consultant at Mind Lab Pro, says, “What high performers understand that workaholics don’t is the importance of strategic effort.
“Recognising and breaking free from unhealthy work habits is key to avoiding burnout and sustaining long-term success.”
Here are five signs that you might be a workaholic and how to work less, but achieve more:
Constantly checking work emails outside of office hours—whether it's late at night, during weekends, or even while on vacation—signals that you’ve blurred the lines between work and personal life. High performers, on the other hand, establish clear boundaries.
Tip: Set specific times for email checks, and when you’re off the clock, disconnect entirely. Your productivity will improve when you allow your brain time to recharge.
Workaholics often convince themselves that success demands neglecting relationships and self-care.
They burn the candle at both ends, disregarding the toll it takes on their health and personal life.
However, balance is essential for lasting success. A personal life that thrives can fuel professional success.
Tip: Just as you schedule work meetings, make time for loved ones, exercise, and mental wellness practices like journaling or meditation.
“Make self-care a priority,” Dr. Velazquez advises. “A healthy personal life energizes your professional life and fuels your creativity.”
Staying late at the office or working long hours doesn’t necessarily mean you’re achieving anything. Many workaholics mistake busy-ness for productivity, but true high performers focus on outcomes, not hours worked.
Tip: Focus on results, not time spent working. Organize your tasks, prioritize what matters most, and aim for deep work sessions to maximize output with minimal hours.
A common trait among workaholics is the constant compulsion to stay busy. You may feel like you should always be doing something productive, but high performers understand the importance of breaks. Strategic downtime is a cornerstone of sustainable productivity.
Tip: Build rest into your routine as an essential part of your workflow. Take breaks, step away from work, and disconnect completely to allow your mind to refresh.
If you find yourself saying yes to extra tasks even when your plate is full, it might be time to assess your work habits. High performers are selective in what they commit to, knowing their limits and focusing on their core priorities.
Tip: Learn to say no. Politely, but firmly. Ensure that new tasks align with your long-term goals before accepting them, giving you more space to focus on what truly matters.
Dr. Velazquez says “The difference between a workaholic and a high performer isn’t about the hours put in,” Dr. Velazquez explains. “It’s about how effectively those hours are spent. High performers don’t necessarily work more—they work with intention, focus, and clarity.”
He continues, “Professionals often equate long hours and a packed schedule with success, but constant overwork can actually hinder peak performance. Just because you’re juggling endless tasks and working overtime doesn’t mean you’re necessarily being productive.You’re likely draining your mental energy, which can impair your ability to think critically and make strategic decisions."
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