Negative Thinking

"Recovery was frustrating for Lee. One of his largest battles was his negative thinking. When he started to work less and spend more time with his family, he was convinced that financial disaster was imminent and that he would lose everything, including his family. His family reassured him but it did not help. Instead he would rationalize that they were only saying that to make him feel better.

"Negative thinking is a common characteristic of workaholics and members of their families. It is promoted by perfectionism and an unconscious belief that it is possible to know and be in control of everything. When this doesn't happen disappoint fuels negative thoughts.

"Lee was unable to look at his life choices realistically and with promise. He was drained of the energy he needed to do his work and manage his life by this negative thinking."

Negative thoughts are unnecessary and unproductive.
[from Gary E. Hurst, Mike Kachura, and Larry D. Sides, Time Out. Daily Devotions for Workaholics. 2002. NEGATIVE THINKING - May 22]