What is a workaholic?  According to James Gleick's book "Faster, The Acceleration of Just About Everything (Vintage Books, 1999), this term was coined in 1968 by a minister, Warren E. Oates, who saw that "he and his colleagues were often compulsive, driven, restless and positively addicted to their calling." (p 153). Certainly, workaholism can be destructive to self and family and I don't recommend it. But there is an aspect of workaholism that may people ignore--the workaholic loves his or her work and could stop working so much but chooses not to. Why?

Well, the simplest explanation is that people like to be busy because it means they are needed, they're important. Even if the work itself is not absorbing, being in demand is. If your schedule isn't full, then no one wants you. Also, people like to be where the action is. They don't want to be left out.

Leisure-holism?  Work is not the only thing we occupy our time with. Although statistics on whether or not we actually work more nowadays are contradictory and elusive, Gleick does cite increasing numbers of hours spent at leisure. In 1998, PC users spent 10.3 hours on average playing Civilization II. Visits to national parks have increased 12 times since 1962. Time spent on the Stairmaster, watching TV and gambling all has increased. Perhaps it's our puritan heritage that makes us believe even during leisure time our hands must not be idle.

Type A Lives.  Gleick devotes an entire chapter to debunking the science behind the designation Type A. None of the findings holds up, but people still believe in it because they see evidence of it everywhere. Type A people are compelling because they're fast moving and exciting. But we also denigrate them for not stopping to smell the flowers or spend quality time with family. Maybe we should just stop feeling guilty for wanting the rush.

Stay in the Fast Lane.  Although I'm usually a proponent of leisure time spent doing nothing, of being less busy and having less stuff, I believe for many people this is just not the answer. And I'm also a proponent of finding a style of organizing, or of living, that comes naturally because it's based on who you are. So, let me say that there's nothing wrong with living a fast-paced life.

Do It Faster.  Look at how you can support that lifestyle by paring down other time consumers. If you're out all day and most evenings and weekends, keep your home life as simple as possible; keep furnishings spare to lessen housework, get a wash-and-go haircut, rent or borrow items you need occasionally, like sports equipment. For those tasks you can't cut out but don't love, let go of perfectionism. Just get them done so you can go on to something you enjoy more. Keep your date book by your side. The busier you are, the more likely things will fall between the cracks. Writing things down will help you avoid over scheduling or double booking. Remember that you're doing all these things because you want to, either because you enjoy the activity or you want to be involved (and if that's not true, you have the power to change it). Celebrate it, don't complain about it!

Embrace It.  As always, see what works for you. Just giving in to being busy may take a load of stress off. Or you may feel that you've opened up the floodgates and are overwhelmed. Organizing yourself is often a one step forward, two steps back activity. That's how you find out what doesn't work. Think of it as a feedback loop and use that valuable information to shape your life.

Take Care,
Claire