An Addict’s Confession

Day 64 – My name is Wesley Donehue, and I’m a workaholic.

Today was a long day in the office. Autumn always brings long days. Vacations are over, and we must squeeze in as much work as possible before the holidays begin.

This is the time of year I work the hardest. Early mornings and late nights are the norm. No, I don’t do as God says and observe the Sabbath with rest. Saturdays are for football, which leaves Sundays after church for housework and preparing for Mondays.

I say I’m a workaholic because I obsess over work. It’s hard for me to rest because when I do rest, I think about work. I’ll be leaving for China on Sunday morning and, during the ten days away, I’ll be thinking about the office. I cannot disconnect. My brain just isn’t wired that way. I try…and I will keep trying… but it rarely ever works.

But here’s the deal – I love it. I absolutely love what I do. I love building campaigns, web strategies and my company. It’s my career and my hobby.

Is workaholism unhealthy? The lack of rest can be unhealthy, but, in the long run, I believe it is only unhealthy if the goal is wrong.

Here’s how I break it down:

Do you work around the clock for power? Or greed? Or jealousy? Or money?

Do you work around the clock because you’re having fun? Or for your family? Or for the glory of God?

If it’s for power, greed, jealousy or money, working tirelessly is unhealthy.

If it’s for fun, family or God, I say keep on busting butt.

Working is a creative outlet for me. It is how I express myself and expend boundless energy. I do not do it for money. I don’t want to be a millionaire with a giant boat and car collection. I just want enough money to provide for my family and to travel around the world.

Lastly, my faith tells me to do everything for the glory of God. I wake daily and thank God for the motivation and energy he has given me. And I close my day by thanking him for productivity.

I can’t tell you if your motivations are unhealthy or healthy. Just ask yourself what your motivations are. It shouldn’t be hard to figure out.

- Wesley Donehue

PS – I REALLY am going to try to disconnect as much as possible while in China. As I said last week, everyone needs to shut their brain down or their work will suck bad, no matter how much time they spend on it. Rest is the fuel that drives your creative engine.