How to Break Free from the Hyper Achiever's Grip
In a world where ambition is often celebrated as the cornerstone of success, many of us find ourselves on the relentless pursuit of more. The drive to achieve, excel, and attain greatness becomes the fuel that propels us forward. And yet, paradoxically, this very pursuit can sometimes be the greatest obstacle to our well-being and success.
Do you feel stressed because you're not achieving enough? Constant frustration with others who aren't aiding your goals? Endless self-doubt and unworthiness because your achievements are never enough?
If you nodded in agreement to any of these questions, you've most likely encountered the relentless companion known as the "Hyper Achiever" - a saboteur that lurks within, compelling you to find your worth in your achievements.
The Hyper Achiever: A Silent Saboteur
I was once a fervent believer in the power of constant achievement. My journey was a race, not against others, but against my own benchmarks. I saw every completed project as a stepping stone, a victory - and yet, the finish line kept moving. For every achievement I unlocked, I set new, loftier goals. It was an insatiable monster, an internal voice that could never be silenced.
This saboteur convinced me that my worth and self-love hinged solely on my accomplishments. It held me hostage to the idea that my value was tethered to my achievements. But here's the paradox: despite this endless chase for success, the hyper-achiever makes happiness elusive. There's no finish line, no point at which you can sit back and say, "I've done enough."
Every hiccup, every roadblock, felt like a dagger through the heart. Stress became a constant companion, frustration the natural response to anyone who didn't contribute to the relentless journey of achievement. Doubts gnawed at me, whispering that my accomplishments were never enough.
The Hyper Achiever ties self-love to achievement, creating a form of conditional love. It demands that you constantly outdo yourself, leading to a never-ending cycle of self-imposed pressure. The ironic reality is that this monster's presence leads to achieving less, not more.
The Liberation from Self-Sabotage
However, there's a path to weaken this saboteur, and it's not through combat or suppression. Instead, it's through understanding, embracing, and reframing.
Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence' approach has shown that we have the power to identify and label our self-saboteurs, gaining the ability to weaken their negative impacts on our lives. I'm fortunate to have discovered this approach thanks to my friend and fellow coach, Paul Grainger. This profound journey opened my eyes to the Hyper Achiever within me and led to a revelation - we can choose not to be slaves to this saboteur. I've now integrated this transformative approach into my coaching practice.
The way to diminish its power lies in embracing it and labeling it, acknowledging that, yes, it is there. But the most significant weapon against it is learning to dwell in the present moment. It's a practice that redirects your focus from past achievements and future aspirations to the here and now.
The 'Now': The Antithesis of Hyper Achievement
The concept of mindfulness, of living in the moment, might appear counterintuitive to a Hyper Achiever. But it's here that the saboteur's power weakens. By refocusing on the present, you start to recognize the worth beyond achievement.
Your 'now' is not defined by what you have achieved or what you will. Instead, it's an embrace of who you are in this very moment. It means extending self-love not just for your accomplishments but for your essence, your journey, and your mere existence.
The pursuit of success isn't inherently wrong; it's our relationship with it that often needs a recalibration. Understanding the role the Hyper Achiever plays and how it can sabotage us is the first step to liberation. It's a call to find a balance between ambition and self-compassion.
Now, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How much does this article resonate with your experiences? Share your insights in the comments 💬⬇️
Call to action!
If you're interested in discovering how to tackle these saboteurs, stay grounded in the present moment, and attain a lasting transformation in your career and life, I invite you to delve deeper into my "Reconnect" program.
Let's discuss how it can be tailored to address your specific career objectives. Reach out to me via DM or schedule a discovery call, through my website Eyleegrowth.com, and let's embark on your journey toward a more fulfilling and balanced professional life.
Leila Boutaleb-Brousse