Hard work is something every organisation appreciates. But at times hard work becomes a matter of concern. Understanding the difference between hard work and smart work aids in achieving success at a faster pace…
“The ability of people to work hard, with emotional drive and concentration to achieve success is a wonderful thing. On the other hand, just like with all other good things, anything in excess can be harmful. Excessive hard work often turns people into workaholics, said Deepak Lamba, president, Times Centre For Learning & Times Conferences Ltd.
How is hard work dangerous?
The term “workaholic” has a bad connotation. If a person becomes so involved with work that it is an addiction that obliterates family obligations and even responsibility for one’s physical and mental health, then it is detrimental. Experts believe that working hard to earn a living must not be seen as a good thing if it means enduring long hours of drudgery and away from one’s family and friends.
Lamba believes that putting in hard work with a definite aim and an underlying reason is essential to sustain it on a long term. If one genuinely enjoys the kind of work one is involved in the hard work becomes meaningful and satisfying. “Humans need intermittent breaks to not only gather energy but also to end monotony. So, hard work becomes a gift if it is coupled with smart work. Merely working hard without a definite strategy or putting in hard work at things one does not enjoy, can leave one frustrated and exhausted,” he said.
The side effects
Workaholism is just another type of an addiction. It doesn’t look as dangerous or self-destructive as other life-threatening addictions but it is a threat to the overall well-being of an individual.
Repercussions of excessive hard work at a stretch may cause:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Inefficiency
- Damage to family and personal life
- Loss of wisdom
The cure
The key is self-introspection and control. Some effective measures include:
Create rules: Set rules for yourself. Take measurable steps to avoid working on weekends. Set aside some time for fun. Spend time with family and friends everyday
Time-out: Take time-out from work. Even in office, take a walk, do some stretching or participate in casual conversations with colleagues to refresh yourself. Pick up a hobby that contrasts with the kind of work you do.
Get over that guilt: This is probably the most important step. Don’t feel guilty when you are not working. You deserve that time off from work.
Lamba believes that if you have been consistently working hard and yet unable to achieve the right results and satisfaction, then may be the nature of work is not best suited to your skills and abilities. He suggested that one should self-introspect and figure out the issue. “Life involves larger responsibilities, passions and goals and one should not lose sight of this. Hard work should be used as a tool to achieve this and not a means in itself,” he concluded.
Apeksha Kaushik, TimesJobs.com Bureau
By Ramona Creel
