The Psychology Of Overworking: 4 Key Drivers Behind The Urge To Hustle
For entrepreneurs and high performers, the distinction between living a full life and overworking is particularly nuanced. There's a fine margin between thriving in a life full of energy and abundance and slipping into unhealthy overexertion.
Overworking isn't just about having a full schedule with activities we love. It transforms into something concerning when it leads to perpetual exhaustion and an unsustainable pace. Feeling as drained at the end of the day as if one has run a marathon, waking up with a sense of dread, and constantly feeling as if time is scarce are clear indicators that we are pushing ourselves too hard.
But how to stop the cycle of exhaustion, especially in the early days of entrepreneurship, when you often feel you have to work faster, better, and harder than everyone else?
Understanding the psychological drivers behind overworking is the first essential step.
Inferiority or Imposter Syndrome: A pervasive sense of not measuring up. This feeling, commonly known as Imposter Syndrome, drives us to push ourselves too hard in an effort to prove our worth. Such a drive may root back to childhood, marked by harsh criticism or lofty expectations from our parents, or it might stem from societal norms that link success to non-stop productivity. This creates a cycle of endless comparison and the quest for validation through accomplishments.
Scarcity Mindset: The fear of not having enough—be it time, money, or opportunities—propels us to utilize every minute of our day for work or productivity.
Avoidance: Using overworking as a means of avoidance cleverly disguises itself as commitment and drive, making work a socially acceptable form of escape. For some, diving into work offers a diversion from addressing unresolved personal issues, whether they're conflicts in relationships or unhealed emotional wounds. Yet, this approach typically leads to a vicious cycle, where the core issues go unresolved, making work both a sanctuary and a source of stress.
Distorted Views of Happiness: Many of us are raised with the conviction that happiness directly correlates with professional achievement and material success. This conviction is often bolstered by societal stories that celebrate financial and status achievements as the pinnacle of a successful life. Consequently, overworking is seen as a misdirected route to happiness, with the goalpost always moving to the next accomplishment. This chase neglects the complex nature of happiness, which includes emotional health, meaningful relationships, personal development, and satisfaction that extends beyond our professional lives.
In the entrepreneurial community, these drivers are particularly pronounced. Western cultures reinforce the idea that constant busyness is synonymous with success and importance, trapping us in a cycle of overworking.
For a deeper exploration of this subject, check out the full video on my YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on mental health tailored specifically for entrepreneurs.
If you felt identified in inferiority, scarcity, avoidance mindsets, or a distorted view of happiness, know that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
At ZenFounder, we specialize in guiding high performers and entrepreneurs like you from a state of feeling stuck to one of clarity, energy, innovation, joy, and purpose. Connect with us today and start transforming your relationship with work into one that enriches your life.