Are you a high achiever or know someone who is? If so, have you often wondered why those who always go the extra mile are more prone to burnout?
It’s not their fear of trying or their inability to take on any project.
No. It’s the curse of the high achiever…
The strong mental attitude that both pushes them forward and pulls them apart. That deep desire to improve every task they take on. Unfortunately, it’s that same drive that leads to the tunnel vision issues that burn them out.
Here, we investigate the reasons why high achievers are more likely to face burnout than others and what you can do to strike a balance between success and well-being.
But first…
Stress vs Burnout
Before we dive into why high achievers work themselves to the point of exhaustion, let’s get one thing straight: Burnout is not your everyday stress.
Stress is manageable in short bursts. But when it hangs around for too long without a break and the effects accumulate and are not managed effectively, it turns into burnout.
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) characterise it as when you feel emotionally, physically, and mentally drained because of prolonged stress, have increasingly negative feelings towards your job, and experience reduced professional efficacy (World Health Organization, 2024).
Recent studies show that burnout is a big issue, affecting 95% of workplaces. The fact is it’s a genuine threat, and it’s not just about individuals pushing themselves too much; it’s also about how organisations manage them.
The fact is…
While burnout can hit anyone, studies show that high achievers and those highly enthusiastic about their work are more prone to it.
That’s why we say it is the #1 curse we high achievers face. This curse (which has also been called ‘overachiever syndrome‘) is especially common among those in their 20s to 30s, hitting them within the first ten years of their careers.
Don’t keep struggling on your own… get support today starting with the Optimum Performance for High Achievers Program!
Why High Achievers Burnout
Determining if someone is facing burnout isn’t always easy. Often, high achievers keep working hard even when they’re struggling. But changes in attitudes and energy levels can be early signs.
Feeling tired, frustrated, and withdrawing from work are classic signs of burnout. Overachievers often experience feeling completely worn out due to a combination of internal and external factors, including:
- Lack of Boundaries
High achievers may struggle to set boundaries, including between their work life and personal life. The constant drive to excel can lead to overworking, neglecting self-care, and ultimately, burnout.
- Perfectionism
The fear of failure and the pursuit of perfection can drive high performers to set unrealistically high standards for themselves. When they fall short of these standards, it can result in stress and extreme exhaustion.
- Excessive Workload
Overachievers tend to take on more tasks than they can handle, leading to an overwhelming workload. The constant pressure to deliver exceptional results can make you fatigued and broken-down.
- Limited Support
High performers often lack the necessary support from colleagues or supervisors, despite their achievements. It’s not unusual for them to find themselves doing extra work to help out colleagues, and while this can be valuable, it becomes a problem when it feels like they’re carrying the team. Inevitably, high achievers also often get tasked with lots of small, unrelated tasks, which add up and contribute to burnout over time. Feeling isolated in their success can also contribute to burnout.
- Mismatched Tasks
High performers often find themselves assigned tasks that don’t align with their strengths and interests, which can lead to disengagement and exhaustion.
- Organisational Practices
Organisations may inadvertently contribute to employee’s feeling completely exhausted by overloading their high performers with challenging projects, expecting them to compensate for other team members, or assigning unrelated tasks.
- Continuous Pressure
Constantly feeling the need to meet high expectations, coupled with the pressure to outperform, can create a stressful environment that may lead to burnout in overachievers.
Understanding the risks of burnout is crucial for both individuals and organisations to take proactive measures to prevent burnout and foster a healthier work environment.
11 Simple Ways to Combat Burnout
Sound all too familiar?
If you or someone you know is dealing with burnout, it is important to focus on recovery.
This can include turning your ambition inward and regaining control. You can start by paying attention to your body’s needs. You can also apply simple techniques such as breathing exercises, taking regular breaks, or implementing a daily wellness plan.
Here are some proactive steps you can take to prevent burnout:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Establish achievable goals that align with your abilities and capacity. Avoid setting overly ambitious targets that may contribute to stress.
2. Prioritise Self-Care
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and allocate time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. In our Optimum Performance for High Achievers Program, we take you step by step through creating your ultimate self-care plan.
3. Establish Boundaries
Learn to say NO when you are at full capacity. Set clear boundaries between work and your personal life to prevent overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed.
4. Delegate
Delegate tasks wherever possible. Distributing responsibilities can alleviate your workload and prevent burnout. If this is a particularly troublesome area for you, start small.
5. Take Breaks
Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge. Stepping away from work or projects, even for a short time, can enhance productivity and reduce stress.
6. Seek Support
Cultivate a strong support system and share your challenges with colleagues, family or friends who can provide guidance and encouragement.
7. Practice Mindfulness
Try to incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine. These techniques can help manage stress and promote mental well-being.
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Acknowledge that perfection is unattainable. Set realistic expectations for yourself and recognise that everyone – even you – has limits!
9. Diversify Tasks
Avoid monotony by diversifying your tasks. Engage in activities that challenge you in different ways, preventing burnout from repetitive, high-intensity work.
10. Evaluate your Workload
Periodically assess your workload and commitments. If you notice signs of excessive stress, reevaluate priorities and make adjustments as needed.
11. Have a Break!
Whenever possible, take time to disconnect and recharge! A break from routine can significantly contribute to preventing burnout.
Would you like help with implemention?
The burnout struggle doesn’t have to be an unavoidable consequence of success. You don’t have to succumb to the high achiever’s curse anymore.
As a high achiever myself and a psychologist for over 20 years, I aim to get you past the burnout trap by guiding you toward resilience. I want to make sure your success doesn’t come at the expense of your mental and emotional well-being.
So, here is my call to action for your mental health and well-being:
A lot of my work is helping high achievers to get back on track and recover. I love helping go-getters like you achieve their goals while still enjoying the life they are here to live. If you are the type of personality who always wants more from life but often feels something is still missing, then I would love to help you find a better balance. Here are two ways I can help you:
One-To-One Coaching
We can work together on a weekly or fortnightly basis using psychological tools, tips and strategies to build the life you desire (call Monique to organise your first appointment). I’ve been doing this for years. And whatever your situation, I know I’ll be able to help you
The Optimum Performance Program for High Achievers
A high performance online course that will transform how you think about and manage your mental health, physical well-being, emotional resilience, career, and relationships (personal and work).
Honestly…
I would recommend you do the online program in conjunction with coaching calls.
Why?
Because I know it will push you through the course and accelerate your results even faster.
Whatever you decide, the fact is that if you are here, you understand the value of having the right people on your team. So, why not let me support you starting today?