Ethan Sterling
We all have secrets, especially those who constantly strive to be at the top.
You might look at high achievers in your workplace and wonder how they manage to consistently excel or what their secret formula to success is.
How do you know what’s really behind that curtain of achievement, or what mechanisms they use to maintain their edge?
After observing numerous successful individuals in various professional environments, I’ve compiled a list of 7 things high achievers never reveal about themselves at work. If you’re ambitious and looking to climb the ladder, understanding these could be your ticket to the top.
1) They’re not immune to self-doubt
You might perceive high achievers to be invincible, with an unwavering self-belief that never falters. But here’s the hidden truth – they, too, grapple with self-doubt.
Just like everyone else, they have moments of uncertainty about their abilities and decisions. They question themselves constantly, but what sets them apart is how they handle these moments of doubt.
High achievers use self-doubt as a tool for growth. They don’t let it paralyze them; instead, they harness it to critically assess their performance and identify areas for improvement. This relentless pursuit of perfection is what drives their success, but it’s a secret they rarely share.
2) Success isn’t their only motivation
It’s easy to assume that high achievers are solely driven by the thirst for success. After all, they’re always pushing boundaries and setting new records, right?
However, contrary to popular belief, success isn’t their only motivation. In fact, it’s often not their primary motivation at all.
High achievers tend to be motivated more by the journey than the destination. They relish the challenges, the learning, and the growth that comes with striving for a goal. They appreciate the process as much as, if not more than, the outcome.
Achieving success is just a byproduct of their love for what they do and their commitment to constant improvement. But admitting this can make them appear less ambitious or driven, so they often keep it under wraps.
3) They value failure
You might think high achievers only have a series of victories under their belt. But, beneath the facade of seamless success, there’s a different story.
In reality, high achievers have failed more times than most people even try. They’ve faced setbacks, disappointments, and outright failures on their path to the top.
However, what sets them apart is their unique perspective on failure. Instead of viewing it as a roadblock, they see it as an integral part of the journey towards success. They use their failures as stepping stones, learning from each one to improve and innovate.
This is a story they often keep hidden, not because they’re ashamed of their failures, but because showing vulnerability can be viewed as a sign of weakness in competitive environments.
4) They don’t work non-stop
It’s a common misconception that high achievers are always working, burning the midnight oil and sacrificing their personal lives for professional success. But, that’s not entirely accurate.
Interestingly, high achievers understand the importance of balance. They know that in order to maintain their performance and productivity, they need to take regular breaks and ensure they have downtime.
In fact, research from Stanford reveals that taking a walk has a remarkable impact on creative inspiration. The findings showed a significant increase in creative output, with an average boost of 60 percent observed during walking sessions.
Hence, don’t be misled by the busy exterior of high achievers, assuming they work incessantly. Truly productive individuals understand the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge their energy between work sessions.
5) They struggle with balance
High achievers may appear to have it all together – they’re successful, driven and seem to have mastered the art of balancing their professional and personal lives. But the reality is often far from this polished image.
Behind the scenes, high achievers grapple with finding a balance between their work and personal lives. They struggle with managing their time, prioritizing tasks, and often feel like they’re walking a tightrope.
They miss family dinners, cancel plans with friends, and sometimes feel guilty for not being there for their loved ones as much as they’d like to be.
It’s a constant battle to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. But they rarely reveal this struggle, afraid it might tarnish their image of competence and control.
6) They don’t know it all
When you think of high achievers, you probably imagine them as experts in their fields, always having the right answers and solutions at their fingertips. But the truth is, they don’t know it all.
Yes, they are knowledgeable and skilled, but they’re also constantly learning. They’re aware that the world is continuously evolving, and staying stagnant means falling behind.
Counter to what many may believe, high achievers are often the first to admit they don’t have all the answers. They’re not afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed. But this isn’t something they broadcast openly, fearing it could be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence.
True high achievers recognize that admitting they don’t know something is the first step to learning something new.
7) They battle with imposter syndrome
High achievers seem to exude confidence and competence, but beneath the surface, many grapple with a nagging feeling of being a fraud, according to research. This phenomenon, known as imposter syndrome, is surprisingly common among successful individuals.
They often feel like they don’t truly deserve their achievements or that they’ve only succeeded due to luck rather than their abilities. Despite their impressive accomplishments, they fear they’ll be exposed as a fraud.
What sets high achievers apart, however, is how they handle these feelings. They don’t let imposter syndrome stop them from taking on new challenges or striving for more. They push through the self-doubt and continue moving forward.
But admitting to feeling like an imposter can be seen as a sign of weakness or insecurity, so it’s a secret they rarely share.
Understanding the high achiever’s mindset
In conclusion, high achievers aren’t superhumans. They are ordinary individuals with a distinctive approach to life and work. They understand that success is not an overnight phenomenon but a result of consistent effort, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude.
They also value relationships and understand that no one achieves success in isolation. They are not afraid to seek advice or help when needed and are often generous in sharing their knowledge and insights with others.
However, as we’ve seen, high achievers also have their struggles. They deal with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, work-life balance issues, and more. But they don’t let these challenges deter them; they use them as fuel to drive further success.
Understanding this mindset can be immensely beneficial for anyone aspiring to achieve high levels of success in their own life. It highlights that success isn’t about being perfect but about persisting in the face of imperfection.
