School can cause many individuals to strive to be high achievers. They tend to have a mindset in which one wants to exceed the expectations that have been set for them. Many people may attempt to do well, yet high achievers go further by setting standards for themselves and refusing to settle for the average results. They tend to look ‘perfect’ from the outside, yet are usually exhausted and overwhelmed from the constant standards they hold themselves to.
Sophomore Taylor King stated, “When I am overwhelmed, I split things up into sections, and think about what I want to be and the future I want.”
The pressure to constantly succeed can create stress and anxiety throughout their lives. This can lead to burnout, so breaking down tasks can not only make the work feel more manageable, but it may also help with procrastination.
Senior Kylie McGrogan said, “Always stay positive if it’s hard or even if it’s not something you’re proud of. Always have a growth mindset; you’re not going to be perfect in any way, shape or form.”
Having a positive mindset as a high achiever can be difficult but remembering that you are just a human and can never achieve perfection can help release some of the pressure.
“You can’t overachieve without learning how to manage your time. I’ve learned that the little extra effort most people skip is usually what makes the difference. I set my goals high on purpose because I would rather chase something big than wonder ‘what if’,” said McGrogan.
High achievers can be mistaken as people who want bragging rights, as onlookers may believe they only work this hard to show others how smart they are. Yet, in reality they’re trying to prove to themselves that they have the ability to achieve things bigger than themselves. When they can balance realistic expectations with their determination, they can succeed in every aspect of their lives.
