Today’s guest post is written by James, a Bristol-based business coach specialist at www.jamesohalloran.com. James discusses the power that modern addictions can have over us, and how coaching can help!
What are Modern Addictions?
In the memoir “Hungry Ghosts,” Gabor Maté shares his profound insights gained from two decades of serving addicts in downtown Canada. As a former GP turned trauma expert, he delves into the intricacies of addiction, shedding light on his own struggles with compulsion.
During his time treating patients entrenched in the clutches of heroin and crystal meth, Maté realised he harboured his own ‘acceptable’ addiction – an insatiable craving for buying classical music CDs.
Though it may have appeared harmless in comparison to the substances he treated, this compulsion wrapped tightly around his life, tugging at his relationships, and somewhat controlling every aspect of his daily routine.
Maté’s definition of addiction resonates deeply:
What is an addiction?
“Any behaviour that a person craves, finds temporary relief or pleasure in, but suffers negative consequences as a result of, and yet has difficulty giving up.”
Gabor Maté
So, what about you? What holds sway over your actions, demanding your attention without thought or purpose? In today’s world, some common addictions are:
- 🍬 Sugar (or processed food)
- 📲 Social Media
- 🍵 Coffee (or perhaps tea?)
- 🍷 Alcohol (a trigger for a lot of people)
- 🎾 Sport
- 💭 Thinking …
What can we do About our Addictions?
While some addictions seem harmless, they all share a common thread: they shield us from pain, offering a fleeting reprieve from our emotional landscape. They also keep us in our comfort zone without us having to ‘try new things and break free’ from the addiction, which requires action away from the unconscious state we are in with these addictions.
Confronting our compulsions may seem daunting, but with the right support, it becomes a journey of empowerment and growth. Reach out to James and reclaim your journey towards performance and joy all while tackling your gnarly business challenges.
| If you like what you’ve read you can work with James at https://www.jamesohalloran.com/ and read his original blog post here. Also, check out some of his testimonials here! And if you’re interested in personal development and self-improvement, why not sign up to my weekly (ish) Stephen Brown Coaching newsletter, or check out my blog post on harnessing the power of improv in the workplace? |
James O’Halloran
Bristol’s Business Coach
James is a Bristol Business Coach dedicated to supporting business founders and their teams. James helps clients identify behaviours, both beneficial and detrimental, guiding them towards a path of greater awareness, peace and success.