In a society that worships achievement and success it is sometimes hard to discern when the healthy achievement of a desired goal has become an obsession that can never be satisfied.
Although the term addiction is most often associated with
dependency on certain substances it has a much broader application.
Addiction can also be a dependency on a particular practice that
appears to be beyond one's voluntary control.
The difference between mildly obsessive behavior and actual dependency
lies in the degree of harm that the repeated action brings to the
person behaving that way and others around them.
There is nothing wrong with achieving -- it is a highly prized behavior
that enjoys the support of society at large. Healthy achievement has no
victims whereas overachieving does.
In the former a goal is striven for and achieved. The person may then
direct their attention to other things. The overachiever may not rest
after an achievement. He or she must move on compulsively seeking a new
goal.
The compulsory behavior associated with overachieving has to do with
the effect that is experienced, much like a heroin addict needing the
next fix. An overachiever is unable to stop. The experience of
achievement acts like a drug in the system providing a high that blocks
out awareness of all other things.
This singular focus sacrifices everything to the "high" of achieving.
As with all other addictions to the high does not last and so the next
fix must be sought.
Like all forms of addiction, overachieving must be recognized for what
it is: a problem that has the potential to destroy all that is held
dear. Once the behavior is recognized for what it is it can be treated.
Therapy should help dissipate the anxiety that often lies behind the
compulsive need to achieve.
Addictions.org
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