The concept of work ethic conjures images of someone who gives 100% to their work. Yet, we have built a strong negative connotation around the workaholic.

How do we separate giving our all from being a workaholic?

There are two precentages to consider when talking about work:

1. The percentage of effort when working.

2. The percentage of your life used to work.

When we get these two mixed up we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by the work we need to do or guilty for not "giving our all" in our work.

Giving your all means being present no matter what you are doing. If we allow work to bleed into our life outside of work, we are doing a disservice to both our work and ourselves.

If you are prone to overworking, I would suggest hacking your work ethic: Whenever you are doing something, consider it an assignment. If you are eating a meal, don't let anything distract you. Eat in peace and when you are done, move on. If you are spending time with someone, don't drift to a work related topic. Be completely present with them and only them. That way, your work won't be an addiction, it will simply be another thing to stay present in.

Live In Motion,

-Joél Casanova