How to Strive for Success the Healthy Way

Question for you.

Are you aware of the potential landmines and danger zones hidden along your path to success?

I’m asking because I want you to achieve all of your biggest goals and wildest dreams. But if you’re plowing forward with blinders on and your head down, you may actually be setting yourself up to fail.

If you find yourself…

Staying at work an hour later than you need to regularly

Working 7 days a week thanks to personal/professional development classes on top of your “day job”

Always on the move, rarely slowing down to rest (Sick days? Who needs ‘em.)

…then I want you to know that while success may seem like a good thing at face value, it can be a tricky beast.

If you’re not careful — ESPECIALLY as a high achiever — you’ll put yourself at risk of burnout.

Trust me, I would know. I’ve pushed myself to the brink, only to discover I was relying on my strengths — my drive, my passion, and my fervent desire to be the best version of myself I can — TOO much. That I was overusing them, which transformed them into weaknesses.

Below are the lessons I learned firsthand, and what you can do differently to stay in the safe zone. 

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Here’s what you need to know:

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

1. SUCCESS IS ILLUSIVE.

Success lies in the eye of the beholder. The dictionary doesn’t provide specific markers or qualifications that deem a person or thing successful.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

*TIP*: Remember that only YOU can decide what success means and looks like. Not your family, society, or the latest personal growth book you’re reading. Stay true to you.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

2. SUCCESS IS HARD.

It’s often thought that if you’re successful, life will be easy. Or at the least, easier. But the truth is, the more you “make it”, the less down time you have.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

TIP—

Too much on your plate creates anxiety and overwhelm. When you find yourself in this place, I want you to get quiet, and go within. Ask yourself, “What brings me the most joy and satisfaction?” Whatever that is, do more of it. Whatever doesn’t, cut it. 

And if reading that scares you and makes you think “Eek, but what if I cut out that part time position and nothing else comes through?”, that’s okay. Either option (staying where you are vs. cutting back) causes discomfort. Pick whichever route feels *less* uncomfortable, and go with it. Both are a choice, and owning it will make you feel more in control.

Truth is, one of my favorite qualities in all of my clients is their desire to succeed. To do more, be more, and achieve more*. 

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

*As long as they have some sort of balance.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

So keep getting after it! Just make sure to use these tips to check in and keep yourself on track.