In my Confidence Catalyst Programme, we are working with Positive Intelligence® to uncover our ‘gremlins.’ Find out which inner saboteurs are holding you back here. This week, I’m looking at the Hyper-Achiever gremlin – for those with this saboteur, redefining self-worth beyond constant performance is particularly important.
The Hyper-Achiever
Sarah, like many of my Confidence Catalyst clients, is accustomed to being one of the few, if not the only, woman in the meetings she attends. Being a ‘Hyper-Achiever’ however, is when being a high-achiever tips into unhealthy habits and assumptions. Redefining self-worth away from hitting ever-higher goals is a big part of the solution.Â
Hyper-achievers seem:Â
- Driven – Never completely satisfied with what they just achieved.
- Goal-oriented – Always reaching for the next goal.
- Self-directed – ‘I’ll be happy when…’
- Competitive – ‘Success is what it’s all about.’
- Status-conscious – Dependent on hitting targets for self-respect and self-validation.
On to the Next Thing …
Happiness and contentment is always one achievement away. As a Hyper-Achiever myself, I know this ‘gremlin’ leads to unsustainable workaholic tendencies and even a loss of connection with the people that matter. This means redefining self-worth is vital.
Hyper-Achievers focus on being efficient and effective, but this approach leads to a lack of peace and happiness when not being proactive; for example, Sarah spoke of the hollowness she felt in the months after collecting her PhD. Redefining self-worth away from her targets was a big part of the answer for Sarah.
Does This Sound Like You?
- When were you last happy with your achievements?
- How long did that happiness last?
- When did working hard and doing everything perfectly, still not end with the result you wanted? How did you turn that into a positive?
If this sounds familiar to you, get in touch about my executive coaching, my next Confidence Catalyst programme, or even a webinar for your audience to explore this further!