What is an Achiever?
An achiever is someone who prioritizes success and demands the best for themselves in one or more areas of their life. Achievers excel in academic and career related endeavors, as well as extracurricular and personal hobbies. Think Type-A’s, overachievers, and go-getters.
Achievers are intelligent, curious and have an innate drive to achieve. These individuals are natural born “doers” and focus their efforts on reaching goals. Achievers often have a competitive spirit and likely set high expectations for themselves (and others). They also tend to bounce back quickly from adversity.
What’s Wrong with Being an Achiever?
You might be thinking “That’s great!” or “What’s wrong with being successful and hard-working?” There are definitely benefits to being an achiever, namely success, but there are challenges as well.
Most achievers experience high levels of stress, as they go hand in hand. It takes a great amount of effort and energy to be successful. Achieving can become an issue when you neglect other areas of your life such as your physical, mental or emotional health.
Maybe you are achieving at work or in school, but your relationships aren’t as satisfying as you like.
Maybe despite receiving academic or professional acolades, you feel like something is missing.
Maybe you have it all together on the outside, but have resorted to coping in unhealthy ways (avoiding, isolating, using alcohol/drugs inappropriately, overexercising, worrying, or procrastination).
Maybe you are capable and self-sufficient, but just can’t seem to sort out whatever is bothering you on your own.
Common Issues That Bring Achievers to My Office
High-functioning anxiety: You appear high-functioning on the outside - organized, happy/calm, proactive, punctual, helpful and active. But on the inside you might be overthinking, procrastinating, ruminating, having racing thoughts, or insomnia. Anxiety is the most common mental health issue that faces Americans and it’s very common amongst achievers.
High-functioning depression: This is the same as high-functioning anxiety, such that you don’t appear depressed externally. You perform well, go to work or school, and keep up with your responsibilities or activities. Essentially, you function “almost” normally but are simultaneously experiencing fatigue, lack of motivation, hopelessness, lack of meaning/purpose, or disconnection.
Imposter Syndrome: This is the persistent feeling of not being good enough. You constantly doubt your skills, talents and achievements. Despite competence and capability, you still feel like a fraud. Imposter syndrome is characterized by feelings of inadequacy despite observable success and is quite common amongst perfectionists.
Perfectionism: This is a personality trait characterized by high expectations and standards usually driven by a fear of failure. Perfectionists are highly critical, tend to focus on imperfections and have trouble seeing anything else. If you are a perfectionist, you might have trouble relaxing, difficulty delegating, procrastination tendencies, a rigid mindset, or avoid taking on challenges if you suspect you will fail.
How Therapy can Help Achievers
Many successful people avoid therapy because they don’t think they need it. There is a belief that success was achieved with hard work; therefore, you should be capable of overcoming challenges on your own too. Newsflash - high-achievement doesn’t make you immune to any of the reasons why a person might seek therapy.
Therapy can help achievers:
Expand your identity beyond your achievements
Recharge and refocus on what matters
Identify values (what matters deep in your heart)
Transition from a goals-based to a values-based living
Learn to “unhook” from unhelpful mental chatter
Become more present in relationships
Increase productivity and performance
Establish healthy habits that are sustainable
Evaluate lifestyle changes to reduce stress
Create a balanced self-care routine
