In most cases, we think of “productivity” as a positive concept. In fact, many believe being a workaholic is necessary, if you want to be successful. But what happens when being productive is taken too far?
Dr. Sandra Champman, Chief Director for the Center for BrainHealth, defines addiction as a “brain disease that affects the brain’s reward system and results in compulsive behavior despite the harmful consequences.” Addiction isn’t just about substances – it can include activities such as gambling, sex, shopping, and even productivity. Workaholics or “productivity junkies,” can sometimes be a “mixed-blessing addiction,” because the short-term benefits (such as making a lot of money) act as a positive reinforcement, but it can keep a person who is struggling in a destructive cycle of addiction.
