Workaholism can be a tool for self-sabotage. It creates the illusion of progress while allowing entrepreneurs to avoid the difficult, strategic work—like building systems and empowering teams—that is actually required to scale the business and break through to the next level.
We all have a subconscious limit for success. When we exceed what we feel we deserve, this internal 'thermostat' kicks in, causing us to self-sabotage and return to our comfort zone. This creates a recurring cycle of growth and retreat in business, finance, and health.
Self-sabotage often stems from feeling unworthy of success. Creating a separate persona—like NFL player Bo Jackson's on-field 'Jason'—allows you to embody the competitive traits needed to win in business without being held back by your personal insecurities or fear of 'stepping on toes'.
Some leaders are uncomfortable when business is calm and predictable. This triggers their internal 'thermostat,' leading them to create unnecessary chaos—like a sudden website redesign—to return to a familiar state of firefighting, sabotaging steady progress in the process.