If you’re someone who’s always pushing to do more, achieve more, and be more, you’re not alone. We live in a world that celebrates overachievement, and we’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we should always be striving for the next big goal, the next level of success. It’s easy to get caught up in this cycle, but when does it stop? When do we get to take a breath and just enjoy the process? If you’re constantly running on overdrive, it might be time to break the cycle of overachieving and start embracing the journey instead of just focusing on the destination. Here’s how to do it.
1. Recognise that “doing more” isn’t the answer.
The first step in breaking the cycle of overachieving is recognising that constantly doing more doesn’t equate to happiness or success. Sure, you might feel proud of ticking things off your to-do list, but if you’re not enjoying the process, what’s the point? Overachieving often stems from a fear of not being enough or not doing enough, but learning to recognise this mindset is key. It’s about realising that your worth isn’t measured by how much you accomplish in a day, but by who you are, not just what you do.
2. Embrace the concept of “good enough.”
Perfectionism is a huge driver of overachievement. We think that unless something is flawless, it’s not worth doing. But here’s the thing: perfection doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for “good enough.” You’ll save yourself so much time, stress, and mental energy by letting go of that unrealistic standard. Embracing imperfection allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing that doing your best is good enough. This shift in mindset can take the pressure off and help you enjoy what you’re working on rather than stressing over every detail.
3. Reframe failure as part of the process.
One of the biggest things that fuel overachieving is the fear of failure. We think we have to get everything right the first time, but this is simply not how growth happens. Failure is part of the process, not something to avoid at all costs. When you stop fearing failure, you start to enjoy the journey because you realise that every misstep is a lesson, not a setback. Every mistake brings you closer to understanding what works, and that’s something worth celebrating, not dreading. Allowing yourself the freedom to fail and learn from it takes away so much of the stress that comes with overachieving.
4. Set process-based goals, not just outcome-based ones.
We’re all familiar with outcome-based goals—like hitting a target, completing a project, or achieving a specific result. These goals are great for measuring success, but they also put a lot of pressure on us to achieve something specific in a set amount of time. Instead, try setting process-based goals. These are goals focused on how you want to go about doing something, rather than just focusing on the end result. For example, instead of setting a goal to “lose 10 pounds,” set a goal to “move my body for 30 minutes each day.” This way, you’re focusing on the process of doing something, which takes the pressure off and allows you to enjoy the journey. The outcome will come, but it’s the process that makes the experience enjoyable and sustainable.
5. Learn to celebrate small wins.
If you’re used to constantly pushing for the next big thing, it’s easy to overlook the small victories along the way. But small wins are what keep you motivated and help you stay grounded. Instead of waiting until you’ve reached a huge goal to celebrate, take time to acknowledge every little milestone. Did you make progress? Did you learn something new? Did you get one step closer to your goal? Celebrate that! It’s these small wins that make the process enjoyable and remind you that success isn’t just about the end result—it’s about everything you’ve learned and accomplished along the way.
6. Practise self-compassion.
Overachievers tend to be their own worst critics. We beat ourselves up over every mistake, no matter how small, and constantly feel like we’re not doing enough. But this inner dialogue can be exhausting and counterproductive. Instead of focusing on what you’re doing wrong, offer yourself a bit of compassion. Be kind to yourself. Recognise that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. Acknowledge your hard work and take breaks when you need to. You’re not a machine, and you don’t need to be perfect to deserve rest or kindness. Self-compassion helps you move away from the constant need to achieve and towards a healthier, more balanced way of living.
7. Learn to say no.
One of the biggest traps for overachievers is saying yes to everything. We take on too many commitments, thinking that doing more will prove our worth. But saying yes to everything is a surefire way to burn out. Learning to say no doesn’t make you lazy; it’s all about preserving your energy and making room for the things that truly matter to you. It’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t align with your goals or your well-being. Saying no helps you focus on what you value most, and it allows you to invest your time and energy in things that truly deserve it.
8. Stop comparing your progress to other people’s.
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to our peers, especially with social media constantly showing us people who seem to have it all together. But comparing your progress to someone else’s is one of the quickest ways to undermine your own journey. Everyone has their own path, and everyone moves at their own pace. Instead of comparing, focus on your own growth and celebrate where you are right now. Progress is personal, and it’s not a race. Embrace your journey, knowing that everyone’s path looks different.
9. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt.
Rest is not a reward for working hard; it’s an essential part of the process. But as overachievers, we often feel guilty for taking time to rest, thinking that we should always be doing something productive. The truth is, without proper rest, your brain and body won’t function at their best. Rest is necessary for creativity, problem-solving, and long-term success. By giving yourself permission to rest without guilt, you’ll recharge and return to your tasks feeling more focused and motivated. Remember, you’re human, not a robot.
10. Focus on what brings you joy, not just what brings success.
At the heart of overachievement is often the desire for external validation, whether it’s recognition, success, or praise. But when we focus solely on the end result, we forget to enjoy what we’re doing along the way. Self-care and joy are integral parts of the process. If you’re constantly chasing success, you might forget to stop and appreciate the things you actually enjoy. Take time to reconnect with activities that bring you joy, not just those that bring accolades or results. Whether it’s a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply having a lazy day, these moments are what make the journey worthwhile.
11. Practise mindfulness to stay present.
Being in the moment is one of the most powerful ways to enjoy the process, but overachievers often struggle with it. We’re so focused on the end goal that we miss out on the little details and experiences along the way. Mindfulness is the practice of staying present, paying attention to what’s happening right now without judgement. Whether it’s during a work task, a walk in the park, or a conversation with a friend, mindfulness helps you stay grounded and appreciate the process. By practising mindfulness, you can bring a sense of calm and clarity to your daily life, making it easier to enjoy the journey.
12. Set realistic, sustainable goals.
Instead of aiming for lofty goals that feel impossible to achieve, focus on setting realistic, achievable goals that you can work towards at your own pace. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps so they don’t feel overwhelming. Setting goals that align with your current abilities and energy levels makes the process more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you hit these smaller milestones, and that keeps you motivated to keep going without burning out.
