If there was a poster child for being an overachiever, it would be me. I was born a smart kid, and every straight A+ report card, 100% score on an exam, and even skipping a grade (it was the 80s!) just fuelled my desire to be the best. In fact, it wasn’t until I took the Positive Intelligence course that I realized being an overachiever could be a bad thing.
In the Positive Intelligence program, these tendencies are identified as “inner saboteurs.” Perfectionists are called “Sticklers,” and overachievers are labeled “Hyper-Achievers.” Understanding the subtle difference between them is key to managing their negative impact.
Perfectionists (Sticklers): The Drive for Flawless Quality
- The Downside: Maintaining perfection spreads them far too thin and they burn out. The constant need for perfection can create significant stress and anxiety.
Overachievers (Hyper-Achievers): The Need to Win to Feel Worth Worthy
Signs of a hyper-achiever are that they also value high standards, however their reason is focused on winning more so than perfection. They feel worthy because of the achievement.
- The Downside: This relentless focus on winning means they miss out on all the joy of the journey along the way. This can lead to feelings of emptiness or a constant need for external validation through new achievements.
Finding Freedom from Negative Feelings
- Identify Your Saboteurs: Learn to recognize when your inner Stickler or Hyper-Achiever is influencing your thoughts and behaviors.
- Understand Their Roots: Explore why these saboteurs developed and how they’ve impacted your life.
- Develop Strategies to Weaken Them: Discover effective ways to quiet the negative voices of these saboteurs and choose a more positive, empowering response.
This isn’t about stopping striving for excellence or achievement altogether. It’s about freeing yourself from the negativity and pressure
