Success and anxiety may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the truth is that many high achievers are no strangers to the challenges of anxiety. In the pursuit of their ambitious goals, they often grapple with feelings of instant negativity, worry, and doubt. These are the dreaded “thought traps” identified by psychologists, and they are as common among the high-achieving crowd as they are among the rest of us.
The Silent Struggle
Anxiety disorders are, in fact, the most common mental illnesses worldwide. It should come as no surprise that high achievers are not immune to this prevalent issue. However, the surprising aspect is that anxiety in the workplace often remains hidden in plain sight, overlooked, and brushed aside. This silent struggle can significantly impact the well-being and performance of those who should seemingly have it all together.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
To combat these thought traps, many anxious high achievers resort to various coping mechanisms, some of which can be quite detrimental. Overwork is a common strategy. The relentless pursuit of perfection and the constant drive to excel lead to an unhealthy cycle of overworking, often at the expense of personal well-being. This can be rewarding in the short term, but if left unchecked, it can eventually result in burnout and underperformance.
Others may turn to substances, avoidance, or passive-aggressiveness as ways to manage their anxiety. These coping mechanisms offer temporary relief but are far from sustainable solutions. High achievers need more effective strategies to thrive both personally and professionally.
Turning Anxiety into Strength
On Tuesday, April 11, Morra Aarons-Mele, host of the renowned podcast “The Anxious Achiever,” led an enlightening HBR video webinar. During this session, she shared valuable insights into how high achievers can successfully confront and overcome anxiety. Here are some key takeaways from her discussion:
Recognizing and Avoiding Thought Traps and Triggers: The first step in managing anxiety is to recognize the negative thought patterns and triggers that lead to anxiety. By identifying these, high achievers can learn to proactively address them and prevent their escalation.
Confronting Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: It’s crucial to acknowledge and confront any unhealthy coping mechanisms that high achievers may have developed over time. Whether it’s overworking, perfectionism, or other destructive habits, confronting these issues head-on is essential for progress.
Resisting Perfectionism and Managing Social Anxiety: Perfectionism is often a driving force behind anxiety among high achievers. Learning to resist the relentless pursuit of perfection and finding balance is essential. Additionally, managing social anxiety and setting healthy boundaries can alleviate anxiety-related stress.
Modeling Healthy Behavior: As high achievers, the way we handle stress and anxiety sets an example for those in our organizations. By modeling healthy behavior and demonstrating resilience, we can create a positive and supportive work environment.
Turning Stress into Strength
While anxiety may feel overwhelming, especially for those with leadership responsibilities, the good news is that there are effective strategies for transforming stress and worries into sources of strength. High achievers who understand the secrets of managing anxiety are better equipped to succeed not just in their careers but in their overall well-being.
In conclusion, anxiety among high achievers is a reality that should not be overlooked or underestimated. The prevalence of anxiety disorders in this group underscores the importance of addressing this issue openly and proactively. With the right strategies and a commitment to personal growth, high achievers can turn anxiety into a stepping stone to even greater success and fulfillment.