The Dark Side of Success: Why High Achievers Struggle with Burnout

High achievers are celebrated for their success and dedication. They are seen as role models for others to follow.

However, there’s also a dark side to this success - intense burnout.

Whether you’re an employer or a high achiever struggling with burnout at work, read on, as we break down what causes burnout and how to recover from burnout while still working.

Why Do High Achievers Struggle with Motivation?

It seems ironic that high achievers struggle with motivation because they are seen as ones with a relentless drive to achieve more. That said, burnout is real.

For these high achievers, burnout feels like an emotional numbness that never goes away, even after tons of rest and therapy sessions. So, why does burnout happen?

Perfectionism

One of the most common reasons for burnout is perfectionism. High achievers set high standards for themselves and keep raising the bar because they believe it is possible to achieve. In some way, their constant need for perfection motivates them to continue doing the things they do.

At the same time, this perfectionism also takes up a lot of time and effort. For example, an author who has set a high bar will review a draft multiple times to ensure that even the smallest of mistakes are fixed to create that perfect book. Imagine the hours that would go into this perfectionism.

At the end of the process, the author will feel drained physically and mentally. If this person keeps pushing more, it will eventually lead to burnout with work.

Constant Challenges

When someone is seen as capable, they are given more responsibilities at work because they can complete the job quickly and efficiently. In today’s corporate world, where deadlines are tight, these high achievers are much sought after for this ability.

For the individual, though, this translates to a barrage of constant challenges. While the work can bring them joy, non-stop work and challenges can also lead to burnout and fatigue.

Maintaining the Reputation

High achievers have earned a name and reputation, and they feel pressured to maintain them. There is a social pressure to always be at the top. More importantly, these successful people believe their work motivates others and continues to push them ahead. Unfortunately, this strategy can backfire and result in a complete breakdown of mental and physical health.

Lack of Understanding and Support

Often, high achievers don’t have the support and understanding that may be available to others. This lack of support can stem from a misunderstanding that these successful people are more than capable of managing themselves and don’t need others to support them.

But nothing could be farther from the truth. This lack of support can lead to emotional fatigue, eventually leading to burnout.

Now that we know what causes burnout, let’s see how to identify it.

Symptoms of Burnout

High achievers are the pillars of any organization. Hence, it’s important to recognize what these people go through, so you can provide the required support to help them recover from burnout without taking a break.

Some common symptoms to look out for are:

• Emotional exhaustion, where the individual is unable to rise to the occasion.
• Distancing oneself from work.
• Not participating in group activities.
• Physical exhaustion.
• A decline in performance.
• A cynical approach to work.
• Unwilling to take on more responsibility.
• Exhibiting a sense of loneliness.

The earlier you notice these symptoms, the better it is for the individual, as the problem of burnout can be addressed quickly. In general, handling burnout is easy when in the initial stages, and keeping an eye out for these symptoms can protect high achievers from an intense breakdown.

How to Recover From Burnout While Still Working?

The most common answer is to take a break from work and focus on completely unrelated things. Psychologists opine that breaking existing schedules and doing new things can reset memories, so the employee can come back to work rejuvenated.

However, for many people, taking a break is not an option. This is where it helps to know how to recover from burnout while still working.

Below are some options to consider.

Talk About Burnouts

One of the biggest barriers for high achievers is accepting that they are heading for burnout. Given their continuous motivation and success, they are more likely to be in a state of denial.

Organizations must normalize conversations about burnout. It’s important to create a culture where there is openness and acceptance to acknowledge stress and exhaustion. More importantly, exhaustion must not be seen as a sign of weakness.

Address the Workloads

Never give high achievers the “resilience tag.” On the contrary, train managers and supervisors to constantly be on the lookout for signs of burnout, especially among high achievers.

Handling burnout in the early stages is easy. One way is to reduce the workload by eliminating the tasks that add no value to the organization. Make sure the managers have an open conversation with the concerned employees on the need for this downsizing.

Above all, reassure employees that this reduced workload is not due to performance issues or any weakness. Furthermore, explain the downsides of burnout and help them understand that this is a temporary move to help them recover quickly.

Provide Control Over Time

Offer high achievers who are facing burnout better control over their time. Provide flexible work schedules and even the option to work remotely if needed. Give them the choice to say no to some meetings when they are not up to it.

Such simple changes to their work schedule can empower them to control their schedule better. Eventually, they are more likely to take the required steps to recover from their burnout.

Build a Support Network

Organizations must build a support network that ensures that employees don’t feel isolated. Encourage team collaboration in formal and informal environments to boost camaraderie among employees.

Also, provide the option to tap into mentors or therapists at any time. Consider even bringing resilience speakers regularly to talk about this issue.

Such proactive measures can go a long way in reducing the chances of burnout and recovering from it.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, burnout can impact everyone, including high achievers. Factors like social pressure, striving for perfection, and a lack of support greatly increase the chances of burnout.

As an organization, you can implement strategies like building a support network, offering a flexible schedule, and downsizing the workload to help employees recover while at work.