Individuals who overachieve tend to set extremely high standards for themselves, yet never feel satisfied with their accomplishments.
Even if they do great things, they always strive to do more.
What Does It Mean to Be an Overachiever?
There is no scientific agreement as to how to define ‘overachiever.’
Although achievement is generally a good thing, overachievement can lead to an imbalanced life.
This imbalance stems from the sacrifices a person must make to reach and maintain a high level of accomplishment.
They are often contrasted with underachievers or students who perform less well than educators expect.
Both terms are commonly used in educational contexts, but not without controversy.
Theirleadership stylemay be seen as overly demanding and coercive rather than supportive.
Research suggests that overachievers in the workplace may be less happy than people who are not classified as such.
When an overachiever does reach their breaking point, theadmission of defeat or failurecan be devastating.
Other configs
School and work aren’t the only areas in which overachievement is common.
People can engage in this jot down of behavior in a number of options.
Parenting, housework, and hobbies are a few additional areas in which overachievement can take place.
Signs of an Overachiever
Being labeled an overachiever isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
It may simply mean that others consider us to be smart, successful, and hard-working.
How do we know if we may be an overachiever?
Here are 11 signs.
They judge themselves by their ability to reach a specific goal and believe that others do the same.
Failure is not part of thelearning processfor an overachiever.
Poor outcomes can be devastating, so they will often do whatever it takes to avoid such failings.
A Perfectionist Mindset
Overachievers may beconcerned with being perfect.
To them, not being perfect is a sign of failure.
So, they go to almost any length to maintain a perfect image.
Just as achievement is usually a good thing, being somewhat of a perfectionist isn’t always bad news.
It means that good work is valued and there’s a commitment to doing one’s best.
Are You a Perfectionist?
Overachievers, however, have a tendency to berate themselves for failing to live up to excessively high expectations.
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This creates issues because they regularly neglect the here and now.
They’re unable to enjoy things as they happen because they are concerned about what is yet to come.
It’s when they are chronic or consistent that overachieving is a concern.
Taking Dangerous Risks to Reach Goals
Overachievers have a tendency to set goals that are unrealistic.
As a result, they may be willing to do almost anything to avoid failure.
This can become dangerous when it leads to engaging in unethical orrisky behaviorsin an effort to reach their goals.
Unrealistic weight loss goals, for example, can lead to cutting too many calories to receive proper nutrition.
This stress can contribute to emotional outbursts when things don’t go according to plan.
Aloss of temperonce in a while is normal.
Inability to Deal With Criticism
Critical evaluations of performance can be tough for anyone.
For overachievers, they can be especially devastating.
Never Feeling Satisfied
Overachievers aren’t able to settle down and just enjoy the present.
Even after accomplishing some important goal, they don’t take the time to reallycelebrate success.
All that matters is what comesnext.
They aren’t satisfied with being skilled in just a few areasthey want to succeed ateverything.
At work, they volunteer for as many projects or tasks as they can become involved with.
Motivated by Fear
Many differentsources of motivationcan compel people to work toward their goals.
Yet, overachievers are often motivated out of fear.
High performers are focused on their goals, but they care much more about how well they perform.
Their success doesn’t just mean finishing on time or ticking certain tasks off a list.
It’s about doing something, doing it well, making something better, andlearning something from the experience.
What’s behind the drive to reach that goal?
What if the goal isn’t achieved?
How would that feel?
Does the goal have a realistic outcome?
It also serves as a checkpoint formaking sure the goal is realistic and attainable.
We mustn’t overlook our mental or physical well-being in the name of doing great things.
Implementing these types of strategies can alsomake it easier to manage stress.
Connect With Others
Overachievers are known to let their relationships suffer in the pursuit of their goals.
However, maintaininghealthy social connectionsis actually more likely to support long-term success.
Take the time to connect with others.
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Eldad K.The superstar paradoxHow overachievers miss the mark in life and at work.Psychology Res.
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