Because self-care means much more than a day at the spa!
High achievers often find themselves overworking, over-giving, and over-serving at their own expense. Unfortunately, this can also lead to feeling like imposters, worrying about what others think of us, judging ourselves and others, avoiding challenging conversations, saying yes when we want to say no, and being mentally "absent" when with family and friends because we can't disconnect from work. These self-sabotaging tendencies can generate stress and negative emotions, which drain our energy from higher levels of success, happiness, and more fulfilling relationships.
Self-care for high-achievers is essential for maintaining optimal performance and well-being. As high-performers, we tend to dedicate most of our time and energy to our goals and aspirations, leaving little room for self-care and personal growth. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and a lack of fulfillment despite achieving success.
One of the main barriers to self-care for high-achievers is the belief that working under stress is necessary for optimal performance. However, this is not the case. In reality, there are two types of performance: performance under pressure and performance in the flow. The former is characterized by exhaustion and burnout, while a sense of ease and fulfillment describes the latter. To achieve the latter, it is essential to take the time to care for ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Mental self-care:
Practice self-compassion: Accept that you are human, and it is normal to make mistakes and sometimes feel overwhelmed. Be kind and understanding towards yourself, and don’t beat yourself up for not being perfect.
Your self-worth is not determined by your accomplishments or by other people. It is the value you give yourself and your faith in your innate qualities and gifts.
Set healthy boundaries: Learn to say no and be mindful of how much you take on at work and home. It's great to be the go-to, but at what cost?
Be conscious of energy-draining people or situations; make conscious choices of how and with whom you spend your time.
“Self-compassion is giving yourself a break after a failure. It is acknowledging that failure is another way to learn, grow, and pave the way for others”.
Emotional self-care:
Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Don’t stuff them away or suppress them. Instead, embrace them and give them the space they need to be acknowledged and processed. Some of us believe it is a waste of time to dwell. But dwelling is very different from feeling. Allow yourself to experience feelings and emotions, even uncomfortable ones. It makes you relatable and helps you connect with others and become more empathetic.
Know your worth. Remind yourself that you are valuable and that your contributions are essential. This will help to boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Physical self-care:
Take care of your physical well-being. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. These are essential for maintaining optimal energy levels and preventing burnout. It is important to remember that you can only perform or support others if you are taking care of yourself.
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for high-achievers. By taking the time to care for yourself emotionally and physically, you will be able to achieve your goals and aspirations in a flow state of performance rather than feeling exhausted and burnt out.
“Self-care is part of my business plan and monthly schedule. It is not an "if I can fit in" maybe. I schedule it on my calendar and show up as if it was a client waiting for me”.
Self-care is not a one-time event but a daily practice. It's not just about taking care of our physical well-being but also our emotional and mental well-being. This means being mindful of our thoughts and emotions and consciously shifting our mindset when necessary. For me, self-care is part of my business plan and monthly schedule. It is not an "if I can fit in" maybe. I schedule it on my calendar and show up as if it was a client waiting for me.
In conclusion, high-achievers self-care is crucial for optimal performance and well-being. By practicing self-compassion, allowing yourself to feel your emotions, knowing your worth, and taking care of your physical well-being, you can achieve success in a fulfilling and sustainable way.
I would love to hear your thoughts; comment below...
How do you self-care?