How High-Achievers Can Prevent Burnout

In today’s fast-paced world, being a high-achiever is often celebrated. The ability to set goals, take action and achieve success is admirable. However, there comes a point when the constant pursuit of accomplishments can lead to burnout and a sense of emptiness. In this post, I’m going to discuss how high-achievers can prevent burnout and still achieve their ambitions. The simple shift from “doing” to “being” is crucial to your success.

Understanding the High Achiever’s Dilemma

High-achievers are known for their relentless drive to excel in various aspects of life, whether it’s their careers, personal goals or relationships. They set the bar high, work tirelessly and often define their worth by their achievements. While this mindset can lead to impressive accomplishments, it can also bring about stress, anxiety and a perpetual sense of restlessness.

My journey with being a high-achiever and burnout

I know this well. When I was 33, I had a breakdown due to burnout which was diagnosed as depression. At the time (back in 2012) there wasn’t a lot of information available to support mental health challenges and my doctor gave me two options. He said, “I can prescribe you anti-depressants but they won’t take affect for 6 weeks or you can go and get yourself some sunshine.”

When I first heard this, I was a bit surprised by his prescription. How can sunshine be the answer? But he wasn’t prescribing a holiday per se. He was prescribing vitamin D and more importantly, he was prescribing the ability to ‘just be’ – a concept that I had to google because I couldn’t understand it!

The Power of Being

To transition from “doing” to “being” doesn’t mean giving up on goals or ambitions. Instead, it’s about finding balance and rediscovering the joy of living in the present moment.

I was lucky to have unwavering support from my family, so I did leave the country and spend 2 months in rural Mexico staying at a dear friend’s house. Her father is a Shaman and he helped me come back to myself and begin my healing journey.

It’s why I’m such an advocate for my wellness retreats as the antidote for burnout or a first step in the recovery process. The retreats offer respite from the chaos of modern life because all your needs are taken care of.

We easily discount how much we’re responsible for until we actually get a moment to rest and someone else is taking care of our basic needs. It’s something I love to be able to offer people because I know firsthand how it feels to never be able to prioritise myself.

As much as I’d love you to attend a retreat every few months, I know that’s not practical so I’ve put together some tips that high-achievers can use to prevent burnout below.

Here’s how high-achievers can prevent burnout:

1. Mindfulness Practice:

• High-achievers can benefit immensely from mindfulness meditation. This practice encourages individuals to be fully present in the moment, to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment and to cultivate inner peace.

2. Self-Reflection:

• Taking time for self-reflection is essential. High-achievers can ask themselves deep questions about their values, passions and the purpose behind their actions. This introspection helps align their actions with their true selves.

3. Embracing Imperfection:

• High-achievers often have high standards, which can lead to perfectionism. Learning to embrace imperfections and failures as part of the growth process is essential for finding peace in being.

4. Disconnecting to Reconnect:

• Taking breaks from constant busyness is crucial. High-achievers should schedule periods of rest and leisure, allowing them to recharge and reconnect with their inner selves.

5. Nurturing Relationships:

• Building meaningful connections with loved ones can provide a sense of belonging and fulfilment that transcends achievement. High-achievers should prioritise these relationships.

6. Setting Balanced Goals:

• High-achievers can continue setting and pursuing goals but they should ensure that these goals align with their authentic desires, rather than societal or external pressures.

7. Seeking Professional Guidance:

• Sometimes, the transition from “doing” to “being” can be challenging and it may require the support of a therapist or coach who specialises in personal development and well-being.

Conclusion

Shifting from a constant state of “doing” to a more balanced state of “being” is a profound journey. It allows high-achievers to rediscover the richness of life beyond accomplishments, find contentment in the present moment and ultimately lead a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. It’s a journey worth embarking on, one that leads to not just success, but true happiness and inner peace.

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