The link between leadership and addiction
Let me first say, hands up, I have an addictive personality (that’s why it was so easy to write this post!)
I can get obsessive, and fixated. I lose myself in the urgent and lose the joy of the journey to reach a goal.
This is an area I am consistently staying accountable to others in, and checking myself for, because if you like me are prone to addictive behaviour, and specifically the addiction to achieve it can be harmful not just to yourself, but to those around you.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Having an addictive personality when checked and channelled can produce incredible productivity, passion, and advocacy. Remember God created us in His image and He is passionate and driven to! We bring not only skill and gifting to our leadership, but also our whole selves.
So what is the link between leadership and an addictive personality?
Take a moment to think about the most compelling successful leaders you know. The best communicators, the entrepreneurs that inspire you. They all are compulsive risk-takers. Obsessive. Chase after a vision, and sometimes sadly reward or recognition dependent.
They have poured everything of themselves into becoming an expert in their field (obsessive). They have backed themselves at every opportunity (risk-takers). Settling for ‘good at’ isn’t an option, they seek out ‘best at’ (reward or recognition dependent.)
All of which can be great personality traits when self-aware and channelled correctly. After all, if you are dreaming one day of setting up your own business from scratch or achieving something that seems unobtainable, how are you going to do that without taking a few risks, backing yourself and obsessing about every detail?
The closer you look, the more obvious it becomes that the leaders you may look up to display signs of an addictive personality.
So why is it important to become self-aware if you are prone to this?
When a leader with an addictive personality is unhealthy or unaware, this personality trait can take you down a harmful road.
Signs to spot-
The first sign is unfulfillment.
That sense that you aren’t reaching your full potential. When unchecked this develops into a loss of confidence, envy, and even depression and because addictive personalities love extremes, going from 100% all in, to completely checked out.
The second sign is replacement, a pursuit of something to fill the void.
Addition isn’t just about substances. You can replace the sense of not reaching your full potential with something else that can provide you with the need to be ‘best at’. The search for something to conquer! For example fitness goals, or academic achievements. Replacement can be harmful because you are distracting yourself and filling your time with something else when your energy should be channelled into what is already in your hands.
The last sign is isolation.
When you aren’t hitting the heights you are aiming for, you can isolate. What may feel like protection from disappointment, on the outside looks like isolating ourselves from opportunities from fear of not being ‘the best’. Or even worse you isolate because you are indulging in addictive behaviour that is physically or morally compromising.
So how do we become healthy leaders with addictive personalities?
Knowing ourselves and becoming aware of the road your addictive personality can take you down, is key to health!
Here is some good news-
Because of how you are wired, you are always looking for solutions to problems no one else has foreseen.
You can go the distance with an idea because you can obsess over it.
You are always looking to innovate, and do things better because you have a compulsion to conquer and create (and be known as the creator).
But to become truly healthy FESS UP!
Push against your isolation tendencies and tell a friend, or better yet mentor.
Don’t be ashamed of this side of you, you are in great company!
You will need to take stock more regularly of your activities than most. Check that what you are doing isn’t a replacement (chasing a high) but it’s productive to what you are called to do!
Be kind to yourself! Don’t allow self-doubt to creep in.
And here is the best thing…
You aren’t meant to do this in your own strength.
In the team lineup, Jesus is the captain (get over it) and you are always 1st pick. When you are channelling your whole self in the right direction, just bring your best and He graciously takes care of the rest.
Seek your reward and recognition from Jesus, and be a good and faithful servant.
Lastly - This article has only touched on the addition to achieve but I have mentioned addictive behaviour that can be physically or morally harmful to you. I urge you to be honest if this applies to you and seek support.
Lauren Windle speaks openly about her Journey to health and recovery in the link below, as well as lists many organisations you can seek help and advice from. Take a look-
https://laurenwindle.com/lauren-windle-addiction-recovery/
Cheering you on.
Written By- Marie Aitken