Workaholic?
A LinkedIn article by Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten Inc. caught my eye. It reads:
“Maybe being a “workaholic” is not as bad as everyone thinks.
The term “workaholic” is generally used in a negative context. But perhaps its reputation is undeserved. If you are driven to work extremes by an external force, such as your employer or even a financial reward, then it is more akin to slavery. But if you are driven to work extremes by an internal force, such as the desire to make something truly great and innovative, your motivation is achievement.
External rewards such as money can only drive people so far. However, the pursuit of a great achievement is a far more powerful force that can drive people beyond the known limits of mankind. After all, it wasn’t a pot of gold that motivated man to put people on the moon; it was patriotism, pride, achievement, and a dash of adventure.
So, if people say you are a workaholic, try to identify what is motivating you. External drivers will only lead to exhaustion. Internal factors will bring joy and satisfaction. These are the workaholics that have more fun.”
My late father, Hal Crandall, was often characterized by others as a workaholic. He bristled at the pejorative term for his passion. He loved his work, and often, there was nothing that he would rather be doing. He would say, “While Michaelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel, were they calling him a workaholic as he whiled away the hours doing what he loved?” (And no, I’m not delusional enough to be comparing Crandall Associates to the Sistine Chapel…!)
Hal never turned down an invitation to spend time with friends or family. But his “leisure” time was often spent at the office, tinkering…thinking…dreaming…and loving every minute of it. Would it have somehow satisfied other people if some of that leisure time was spent gardening or watching tv? Are those pursuits more noble?
Yes, it is important for all of us to have balance in our lives. But I agree wholeheartedly with Mikitani’s assertion that “some workaholics have more fun!”
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