Addicted to Done

There’s a silent addiction that’s wreaking havoc on the lives and businesses of women. It’s a new term I just learned from my accountability partner who calls it “addicted to done“.

So what does the term mean? It’s an addiction to the adrenaline surge that comes when you experience the awesome thrill of crossing something off your to-do list! It’s energizing and feels great temporarily, yet it’s effects aren’t long lasting and often, it moves you away from the results you really want.

The seduction is that you need to keep it going, so you focus on those easy to-do administrative and logistic tasks so you can experience the thrill again and again. The problem is you’ve spent all of your time “doing” the busy work which is helpful, yet not always priority or moving you toward the bigger vision of your life personally and professionally. You might find “addicted to done” keeping you from engaging and connecting in your personal relationships, and working “in” your business instead of “on” it which can diminish your business’ sustainability and results.

Now I’m not saying don’t spend time on administrative tasks or logistics items. What I am saying is that to create a thriving life and prosperous business you need to consciously choose, again and again, where you invest your time so you get the ongoing intended impact and results you desire.

So here’s an assignment for you:

1. Pay attention to the types of activities you are doing. Are they task driven or relational? Are you looking for instant results or building a foundation that will support ongoing achievements? Instead of doing “either/or” identify how you might be able to do “both/and”. The goal is to create meaningful impact today, while focusing on quality of life and business sustainability over the longer period as well.
2. Find an accountability partner. Meet with or talk to this person at least twice a month to share your wins and struggles, and to brainstorm next steps.
3. Debrief. Spend a few minutes daily to answer these questions, “What’s working?”, “What’s not?”, “What change will I make tomorrow?”

As you move forward with this strategy, you’ll find the thrill of getting things done as you create a fulfilling life and prosperous business at the same time!

Would love to know what you’re thinking…Post your comments below!