4 Things You Should Avoid If You Want To Enjoy Your Career

High-performers are known for their drive, dedication, and ability to get things done. (Often seen as the "go-to" person & strive to exceed expectations.)

They're often viewed as the ones who are most likely to succeed in their careers, but that success can come at a cost. As they strive to be the best, high-performers can become so focused on work that they forget to enjoy their lives outside of it.

Here are five things high-performers should avoid if they want to truly enjoy their career.

Neglecting Yourself

High-performers often prioritize work over their own well-being, leading to burnout and decreased job satisfaction. This is because they often have a sense of urgency, and they feel like they need to accomplish as much as they can in a short amount of time. They also may not realize the long-term consequences of neglecting self-care and may be too focused on short-term gains.

This is further compounded by the fact that their peers and superiors may also reward and reinforce their behavior, leading to a cycle of overworking and neglecting self-care. This can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which can have lasting effects on their performance and career.

To avoid this, it's important to take time for yourself. It's important to understand that you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time away can help to reduce stress and provide an opportunity for you to reflect on your current situation.

It can also help to give you a sense of balance and perspective, so that you can better assess your priorities and make more thoughtful decisions.

Dwelling on failures

High-performers often have a perfectionist mindset, which can lead to harsh self-criticism and dwelling on past failures. This can create a vicious cycle where the fear of not being perfect keeps them from taking risks, which can prevent them from achieving success. This in turn can lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, it's important to learn from mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Perfectionists may have a hard time letting go of mistakes and forgiving themselves, so it's key to practice self-compassion and recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process. It's also important to focus on the positives rather than dwelling on the negatives.

Micromanaging Colleagues

High-performers are often perfectionists and may struggle to delegate tasks or trust their colleagues to handle them. This can lead to micromanagement and a lack of trust in others. Perfectionists are often reluctant to let go of control, and they may be overly critical of their team members.

This can lead to an unproductive work environment and cause team members to become disengaged and unmotivated. To avoid this, focus on building strong relationships with colleagues, providing clear expectations, and giving them the freedom to complete tasks in their own way..

Failing to prioritize relationships

High-performers can sometimes become so focused on their work that they neglect their personal relationships. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, and can cause people to become disconnected from their community. It can also lead to stress and burnout, as people feel like they have to succeed in all aspects of their lives, and the pressure is too much.

Strong relationships, both inside and outside of the workplace, are good for mental and emotional well-being, as well as for building a strong professional network.

High-performers are driven individuals, but it's important to remember that success doesn't have to come at the cost of personal happiness and fulfillment. By avoiding these five pitfalls, high-performers can find more balance and enjoyment in their career.

If you're a high-performer looking for more guidance on how to achieve career success without sacrificing personal happiness, check out this eBook, "The Freedom of Having Nothing to Prove: How to Break Free from Burnout & Own Your Career". This is revolutionary eBook that will change the way you approach your career and the way you value yourself.

If you're looking for practical guidance and actionable strategies to help you break free from the cycle of overworking and start valuing yourself as a crucial asset to the company, this is for you. Grab yours here.

📌Whatever you do, Don't Settle!📌

Alicia Perkins

Career & Professional Development Educator | Speaker | Trainer | Podcast Host

Alicia Perkins is a former Recruiting & HR leader who is now helping professionals take control of their careers & land careers they love. Alicia has helped over 2k professionals gain career clarity, regain their voice & go after what they deserve unapologetically.

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