Loving Your Job Does Not Make You a Workaholic (and 7 signs you might be)

I love my work.

When I am coaching, writing, speaking or listening deeply, I am living on purpose.

These are the places where I find flow.

I don't find flow when I'm sitting around, scrolling on my phone.

I don't feel aligned with the universe when I'm worrying about my to-do list.

Workaholism IS a risk when you love your work, however.

Because I love my work, it easily -- and often does -- spill over into all hours of my week.

Passion does not wait for 9am to roll around. Nor does it end at 5.

Inspiration doesn't adhere to Monday through Friday.

I get bursts of writing and coaching ideas at all times -- mostly after my morning cup of coffee and often in the shower -- at all times.

I quickly jot it down so I don't forget the inspiration.

Caring about others does not end when a session does.

This is true for anything you love.

But all of this passion, inspiration and care must be balanced with self-care and self-compassion.

This is the only way I can be excellent at what I do.

Taking care of me is a 24-7 obligation.

So I meditate, spreading loving kindness to myself and everyone I know.

I go to the gym and lift weights.

I cook, loving the aromas and alchemy of it.

I learn and explore.

I takes risks and make mistakes.

Balancing my life is how I walk my talk.

I am an instrument for transformation.

Here are some signs that work is an unhealthy addiction:

1. Your job is not in alignment with your values or life purpose.

2. You work overtime and weekends, because you're afraid of looking bad.

3. You work because it's the only place you know who you are.

4. You work, because when you don't you feel lost.

5. You work, because you don't know how to relax.

6. You complain about work all the time but you don't do anything about it.

7. You don't put boundaries around work and the rest of life.

The exact delegation of "work" and "life" is completely individual. Just because you work 8 hours, sleep for 8 and live the rest of life in the other 8, does not guarantee a happy or fulfilling life.

Balance looks different to each of us.

If you don't love your work -- at least some part of it on most days -- do something about it.

Loving your work is your birthright.

It's not luck to love your work. It takes courage to make it so.

Is your attachment to work a healthy one?

Are you passionate about your job or are you simply scared to step away?

What does work-life balance mean to you?