Are you a chronic overachiever?
that will move you toward this broader definition of success.
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b969&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Today’s Tip
Are You a Chronic Overachiever?
It’s good to be ambitious in your career. But a relentless drive to achieve can lead to burnout, hurt your relationships, and create an unhealthy work-life imbalance. How can you dial back your overachieving instincts? Start with these steps:
* Do some self-reflection. When did your pattern of overachievement begin? Was it through high performance in school or sports? Be honest with yourself about how your identity and self-worth got hooked on achieving. Those insights will help you begin the process of undoing what is likely decades of programming.
* Challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself: What might happen if I were to take my foot off the gas? Am I afraid of failing? Looking incompetent? Letting people down? Our fears are typically based on faulty assumptions and, left unexamined, these assumptions keep us stuck in old patterns.
* Redefine success. Take a holistic view. Life isn’t just about professional accomplishments. What else do you want in terms of your health and wellbeing, family, social life, and community? Then choose one small and simple action that will move you toward this broader definition of success.
This tip is adapted from “How to Dial It Back When You’re a Chronic Overachiever<https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-dial-it-back-when-youre-a-chronic-overachiever?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Dina Smith
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96a&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96b&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96c&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_MagazineArchive_Aug2021.png]<https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Smart business advice never goes out of style. <https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
The HBR magazine archive houses thousands of past articles — and subscribers have access to them all.
Browse the Magazine Archive <https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/newsletters/NewWorldWork_EMAIL_NEWSLETTER_PROMO_1200.png]<https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Newsletter
The New World of Work <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Candid conversations on talent, tech, and the future of business. A special email series for subscribers.
Sign up now <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/products/10230E_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
Ebook or paperback
How Finance Works: The HBR Guide to Thinking Smart about the Numbers <https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
by Mihir Desai
$35.00
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96d>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96e>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96f>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b970&p1=@C3kmloh5jrunPHVTlyKh02b5Q9uaDWzzXoV6XuOs3UbKcCO5KkDLjhj1kFukIDAP-Rlh9fgr0a3JJNiJFM-EXAUOPLEPLb4zLHPTx4NzFJ7ZoIDM>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b971&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b972&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b973&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b974&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2021 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b969&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Today’s Tip
Are You a Chronic Overachiever?
It’s good to be ambitious in your career. But a relentless drive to achieve can lead to burnout, hurt your relationships, and create an unhealthy work-life imbalance. How can you dial back your overachieving instincts? Start with these steps:
* Do some self-reflection. When did your pattern of overachievement begin? Was it through high performance in school or sports? Be honest with yourself about how your identity and self-worth got hooked on achieving. Those insights will help you begin the process of undoing what is likely decades of programming.
* Challenge your assumptions. Ask yourself: What might happen if I were to take my foot off the gas? Am I afraid of failing? Looking incompetent? Letting people down? Our fears are typically based on faulty assumptions and, left unexamined, these assumptions keep us stuck in old patterns.
* Redefine success. Take a holistic view. Life isn’t just about professional accomplishments. What else do you want in terms of your health and wellbeing, family, social life, and community? Then choose one small and simple action that will move you toward this broader definition of success.
This tip is adapted from “How to Dial It Back When You’re a Chronic Overachiever<https://hbr.org/2021/12/how-to-dial-it-back-when-youre-a-chronic-overachiever?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Dina Smith
ADVERTISEMENT
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720421&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96a&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720422&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96b&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://sli.hbr.org/imp?s=720424&li=%7bLIST_ID%7d&e=jarrazola@cste.org&p=DM165660]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96c&p1=jarrazola@cste.org&p2=DM165660>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/marketing/email/NewsletterPromo_MagazineArchive_Aug2021.png]<https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
Smart business advice never goes out of style. <https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
The HBR magazine archive houses thousands of past articles — and subscribers have access to them all.
Browse the Magazine Archive <https://hbr.org/magazine?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&utm_content=signinnudge>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/newsletters/NewWorldWork_EMAIL_NEWSLETTER_PROMO_1200.png]<https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Newsletter
The New World of Work <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
Candid conversations on talent, tech, and the future of business. A special email series for subscribers.
Sign up now <https://hbr.org/email-newsletters?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&movetile=newworldofwork>
[https://hbr.org/resources/images/products/10230E_500.png]<https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
Ebook or paperback
How Finance Works: The HBR Guide to Thinking Smart about the Numbers <https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
by Mihir Desai
$35.00
Learn more <https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle&sku=10230E-KND-ENG>
[triangle icon]<https://store.hbr.org/product/how-finance-works-the-hbr-guide-to-thinking-smart-about-the-numbers/10230?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge&utm_term=subben_buyeracq_nsubarticle>
Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase*
*Use promo code HBRORGREG4.
View details here.<https://hbr.org/registration-details>
[twitter]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96d>
[facebook]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96e>
[instagram]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b96f>
View in browser <https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b970&p1=@C3kmloh5jrunPHVTlyKh02b5Q9uaDWzzXoV6XuOs3UbKcCO5KkDLjhj1kFukIDAP-Rlh9fgr0a3JJNiJFM-EXAUOPLEPLb4zLHPTx4NzFJ7ZoIDM>
Contact us<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b971&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Privacy policy<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b972&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Manage newsletter preferences<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b973&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Unsubscribe<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h9754464d,1203b967,1203b974&p1=%40t6p7L4VyTOGTCdqZdBCfGpvOsjDPku9z06x_xAqkXoUTyQlBAI1RCPXFUHIlRv-4bd6IUX5VvSkAlDsCcrkcKJEhxVs>
To ensure email delivery, add noreply@a.email.hbr.org<mailto:noreply@a.email.hbr.org> to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list.
Copyright © 2021 Harvard Business School Publishing,
an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved.
Harvard Business Publishing
20 Guest St, Suite 700
Brighton, MA 02135