The Mask of Success
High-Achievers, Anxiety and Perfectionism. How Are They Connected?
You are driven, motivated, goal-oriented and successful. You confidently turn your ideas into reality. You see an obstacle and you attack it so that any barrier you encounter quickly becomes a jumping-off point for future accomplishment.
You are eager to learn. Challenge is exciting. You value mastery, competence and discipline.
You are a high achiever, and high achievers rise to the top in many fields; business, engineering, academics, medicine, athletics and the arts. Depending on where you are in your life and career, you may have already begun to notice that these traits which have led to such success can be, at times, a double-edged sword resulting in perfectionism, high anxiety, self-criticism, difficulty with intimacy and avoidance of acknowledging past traumas or losses.
Your Therapist, The High-Achiever
I understand, and I believe not every therapist will truly understand. For years, I have been helping high achievers through the therapy process as they deal with alcohol abuse, addiction, trauma, relationship problems and shame.
Early in my career as a therapist, I started to recognize these unique traits of the high achiever and I was uncomfortably confronted with a few of my own issues I hadn’t yet addressed. It’s a common experience for a therapist to sit across from a total stranger and see herself, in some ways. Though anxiety-provoking, I did what any good therapist is supposed to do- I went to therapy and dealt with my shit. Having worked hard to resolve these newly discovered core issues, I learned I have a special aptitude in helping other high achievers, for lack of a more accurate phrase, “deal with their own shit.”
THE MASK OF SUCCESS
For many high achievers, success functions as a mask. Remove this mask and what likely emerges are common themes; high anxiety, issues related to sense of self-worth, fear of failure, imposter syndrome, the “More Monster” (see me to learn about the More Monster) and finally, authenticity.
If you’re a high achiever and find yourself struggling with high anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety, relationship problems, feeling detached from yourself or you’re unable to be honest with yourself and others, authenticity is probably a theme that needs to be addressed in therapy.
HOW I HELP HIGH ACHIEVERS
When I say, “I work well with the unique needs of high achievers,” what I mean is this, “I know how to help you take off the mask and live the authentic life you deserve to live.”
Removing the mask is more than anxiety-provoking. It is terrifying. It feels like jumping off of a cliff. It requires willingness on your part, skill on my part and a solid therapeutic relationship between us as the foundation.
Once the mask is off, though, you will find a comfort with yourself you’ve probably never known. You’ll be able to move through any past traumas, no longer feeling the need to ignore or avoid them. You’ll find your problems with anxiety, self-esteem and relationships are much easier to address. Your relationships with others will be more honest, fulfilling and meaningful.
Once the mask is removed, you’ll be able to look at yourself in the mirror and finally be able to say with the confidence that has brought you such success, “I am enough.”
Interested in Moving Towards Your More Authentic Self?
Schedule your phone consultation with Jess to learn how her therapy process helps high-achievers, professionals and entrepreneurs overcome their self-imposed barriers and reach their full potential.
Jessica Bennett, MA, LPC, CAADC is the Founder of Collaborative: Psychotherapy & Self-Discovery in Troy, Michigan. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor who has completed Levels 1 & 2 IFS Training through the IFS Institute. Jessica specializes in treating young and aspiring professionals who wish to fully heal from trauma and anxiety.