If you feel like you’re constantly pushing yourself to do more, achieve more, and be more, you might just be an overachiever.
While being driven and ambitious are usually a good thing, there’s a fine line between healthy striving and pushing yourself to the point of burnout. Here are some subtle signs that might reveal if you’re an overachiever. If you recognise yourself in any of these, you might want to pull back a bit and engage in a bit of much-needed self-care.
1. You have an insatiable need to be the best.
Whether it’s at work, school, or even in your hobbies, you always strive to be at the top of your game. You set high standards for yourself and feel a sense of accomplishment when you exceed them. However, this relentless pursuit of perfection can also lead to stress, anxiety, and a fear of failure.
2. You struggle to say “no” to taking on more responsibilities.
Your plate is already overflowing, but you can’t resist the urge to say “yes” when someone asks for your help. You might feel guilty or afraid of disappointing people if you turn down a request, even if it means sacrificing your own time and energy. This can lead to burnout and resentment over time.
3. You have difficulty relaxing and enjoying downtime.
Even when you’re not actively working or studying, your mind is constantly racing, thinking about what you need to do next. You might feel guilty for simply relaxing and enjoying your free time, believing that you should always be productive. This can lead to exhaustion and a lack of balance in your life.
4. You constantly compare yourself to other people.
Source: Unsplash You’re always measuring your own achievements against other people’s, feeling a pang of jealousy or inadequacy when someone else succeeds. This constant comparison can fuel your drive for achievement, but it can also lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and never feeling “good enough.”
5. You have a fear of failure.
Source: Unsplash The thought of failing terrifies you. You might go to great lengths to avoid even the slightest possibility of failure, working tirelessly to ensure that everything you do is perfect. This fear can be paralysing and prevent you from taking risks or trying new things.
6. You tie your self-worth to your achievements.
Source: Unsplash Your sense of self-worth is deeply intertwined with your accomplishments. When you succeed, you feel validated and worthy, but when you fall short, you feel like a failure. This can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it can make it difficult to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
7. You don’t know how to delegate.
Source: Unsplash You believe that you’re the only one who can do things right, so you take on more than you can handle. You tend to micromanage people or feel frustrated when they don’t meet your high standards. This can lead to stress, resentment, and strained relationships.
8. You have a hard time setting boundaries.
Source: Unsplash You might say “yes” to every request, work late into the night, or sacrifice your personal time for the sake of your career or other commitments. You might feel guilty for setting boundaries or prioritising your own needs, believing that you should always be available for other people.
9. You have a hard time saying “good enough.”
Source: Unsplash Perfectionism is a hallmark of overachievers. You might spend hours tweaking a project that’s already excellent, or agonise over minor details that most people wouldn’t notice. While striving for excellence is admirable, it’s important to recognise when something is “good enough” and move on. Otherwise, you risk getting bogged down in minutiae and missing out on bigger opportunities.
10. You’re always looking for the next challenge.
Source: Unsplash Once you’ve conquered one goal, you’re already setting your sights on the next one. You thrive on the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of achieving something new. While this drive can lead to great accomplishments, it’s important to pause and savour your victories along the way. Otherwise, you might find yourself constantly chasing the next high, without ever truly appreciating what you’ve already achieved.
11. You’re highly self-critical.
Source: Unsplash Even when you achieve your goals, you might focus more on your shortcomings than your successes. You might dwell on mistakes or missed opportunities, rather than celebrating your accomplishments. This self-criticism can be a motivator, but it can also be destructive if it’s excessive or unwarranted. Remember to acknowledge your strengths and give yourself credit for your hard work.
12. You have difficulty asking for help.
Source: Unsplash You might see asking for help as a sign of weakness or incompetence, so you prefer to do everything yourself. However, this can lead to burnout and overwhelm. It’s important to recognise that everyone needs help sometimes, and there’s no shame in reaching out to other people for support. Delegating tasks and collaborating with people can actually be more efficient and effective than trying to do everything alone.
13. You have trouble prioritising your own needs.
Source: Unsplash You might put your work, family, or other commitments before your own well-being. You might sacrifice sleep, exercise, or social activities to achieve your goals. While dedication is admirable, it’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your energy, focus, and overall well-being.
14. You feel a constant sense of pressure and urgency.
Source: Unsplash There’s always something that needs to be done, and you feel a constant pressure to get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible. You might have trouble relaxing or enjoying downtime because you feel like you should always be working or accomplishing something. This sense of urgency can lead to stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.
