Entrepreneur.com
According to psychologist, professional speaker and trainer Dr. Jack Singer, it's important for Type A personalities to have an outlet, be it a hobby, a sport, or a therapist.
When Badger's feeling close to burn-out, he escapes for an afternoon to watch a movie solo. Rhodes relieves her work-related tensions by exercising and cooking.
For Kurth, a change in environment can make all the difference in his mental health. His solution is to pack up his laptop and escape to a scenic location about an hour from his office. His "secret spot" is located in a county park where he can do business amidst the picturesque backdrop of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
In addition to having an outlet, Singer -- who's been working with workaholics for 33 years -- offers these quick tips for diffusing Type A symptoms the fastest:
Integrate relaxation into everyday activity.Laugh and have fun.
Get away from everything -- even your phone.
Pay attention to family and/or your support system.
Exercise to break down tension and stress.
Communicate openly with those closest to you.
Don't be afraid to get help. Entrepreneurs may attempt to be superheroes, but when it comes down to it, they're only human. The constant stress that comes along with nurturing a growing business can be taxing. Badger, Kurth and Rhodes can attest to that. But they're also proof that being a workaholic isn't a death sentence. "'Workaholic' can have a negative connotation," Kurth says. "I'd like to think of it in a positive sense; that I'm doing it because I love my product and I love the folks I'm working with."
Are You a Workaholic?
If any of the stories above sound familiar, consider getting some help -- as difficult as that may be. "Most Type A people don't get any help until after experiencing their second heart attack," Singer says. Singer, aka "Dr. Jack," is the president and CEO of Psychologically Speaking, based in Laguna Hills, Calif. Singer coaches local entrepreneurs and high-powered CEOs, and provides phone therapy for out-of-towners seeking help. To find out if you're exhibiting workaholic traits, look at the checklist below. "The more items that apply to you, the greater the chance you fall into this workaholic/Type A syndrome," Singer says. If you do find yourself checking off multiple symptoms, Singer recommends you seek help to avoid potential burn-out. Workaholic (Type A) Checklist1. Extreme competitiveness
2. Rapid speech
3. Impatience
4. Hates lines and waiting
5. Difficulty delegating
6. Fear of failure
7. Need to be in control
8. Irritable
9. Multi-tasking
10. Resistant to change
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