Four Concepts That Position High Achievers for Exhaustion
Many creatures naturally slow down following the intense energy expenditures of spring, summer, and fall. Yet, high achievers frequently strive to maintain an endless state of 'blooming', disregarding the essential metaphorical period of winter - a time for introspection, decision-making, and rest.
I label this recurring trend "persistently avoiding winter."
Persistently avoiding winter is characterized by four fundamental ideas:
Concept One - Perpetual availability is a must
Your constant duty to be "on" even during your less-than-optimal times is essential to keep up. Any form of downtime might result in your being outshined.
Concept Two - Proving productivity is crucial
With technology in our grasp, demonstrating productivity becomes key.
Concept Three - Clear work is more prioritized than unseen activities
Visible accomplishments (or "blooming") hold more importance than hidden efforts. Being unseen can hinder your progress.
Concept Four - Reflection and planning are elective
Making time to reflect, plan, and scheme for our future is unnecessary.
In the event that these beliefs have led you to exhaustion, consider these four alternative perspectives to curb your behavior:
Alternative Perspective One - You deserve a break.
The opportunities meant for you will not slip away. You do not have to compromise your mental, physical well-being, or relationships to maintain a false facade of productivity.
Alternative Perspective Two - You can control the exposure of your work.
Technology is a valuable resource to enhance and expedite your tasks. How you utilize technology is dependent on you, to ensure you're utilizing it as a tool that aids rather than a means to display your every moment's activities to other people. Set your communication standards regarding your work as required.
Alternative Perspective Three - Vital work occurs behind the scenes.
The essential aspects of brand or career development that unfold in the background are crucial for your long-term success, even if others cannot comprehend your hidden strategies. Dedicate the requisite time to nurture these quiet and less noticeable aspects that reinforce the elements visible in the foreground.
Alternative Perspective Four - Reflection and planning are cornerstones of your growth.
It is your responsibility to allocate time for self-reflection, planning, and strategic development for your future. Your career or lifestyle is not something you merely allow to unfold; instead, you are steering this ship and plan to make regular time, at least annually, to review your objectives, assess where you stand, and make adjustments to your methods if necessary.
Have you been persistently skipping winter? Which of these four beliefs might you consider relinquishing?
- Amanda Miller Littlejohn often warns against the 'limiting beliefs' that high achievers hold, such as the belief that downtime may lead to being outshined, which contributes to the trend of 'persistently avoiding winter'.
- Overwork and burnout are common consequences of high achievers consistently living in a state of 'blooming', disregarding the importance of rest, as noted by Littlejohn in her work on 'the rest revolution'.
- In her book 'The Imperfectionist', Littlejohn encourages readers to adopt the perspective that 'reflection and planning are cornerstones of your growth', providing an alternative to the limiting belief that reflection and planning are elective.
