When was the last time you reached a goal, or got a result you were working towards? Fulfilled a dream after persistence and dedication?
Maybe, for a moment, it felt good. But before you had the chance to really take it in, your mind jumped ahead. What’s next? What needs fixing? Where could I be better?
Sound familiar?
This is a pattern I see often among highly driven professionals— people who are excellent at achieving, but not so great at acknowledging. These successful, motivated individuals are always moving forward, but rarely stop to look back with pride or satisfaction. And while that drive can get you far, it can also leave you feeling strangely empty, no matter how much you accomplish.
In the Positive Intelligence framework, this is the influence of the Hyper-Achiever Saboteur. It’s the voice that ties your worth to what you do — always striving, always performing, never quite satisfied. It keeps you chasing success without letting you enjoy it.
The result? A constant sense of restlessness. Wins that barely register. A life that looks full, but often feels just a step out of reach.
So how do we start shifting that?
A few small, powerful ways to interrupt the cycle:
1. Learn how to actually feel the win
If you’re someone who struggles to connect with the feeling of success, even when you know you’ve done something significant — you’re not alone. Start by getting still. Close your eyes, take a breath, and recall the moment you achieved what you set out to do. Where were you? What did it take to get there? What might someone you trust say to you about it? Notice any sensation in your body — even if it’s subtle. This is about training your nervous system to recognise and stay with positive emotion, really letting in the feeling of the win.
2. Build in moments of pause
Make space for stillness before moving on. The simplest way to start is to pause at the end of a project, a week, or even a day, and consciously acknowledge what went well. You don’t need a grand celebration — you need intention.
3. Reflect on progress, not just outcomes
We often forget how far we’ve come because we’re so focused on what’s next. Shift the lens: what did you learn, overcome, or do differently this time? Give weight to the growth, not just the goal.
4. Get curious about your drivers
Sometimes we chase things we don’t even want. When you notice the pattern of constant striving, ask: Is this mine? Knowing what truly matters to you can make success feel far more satisfying — and easier to connect with emotionally.
5. Celebrate
Whether it’s a dinner, a walk, a message to a friend — mark the moment. Let it be something that helps your body and brain recognise: This matters. I did this.
You don’t have to lose your drive. But you can learn to stay with joy a little longer, and let satisfaction take up more space. You’ve earned it — truly.
Positive Intelligence techniques aim to lessen the influence of voices like the Hyper-Achiever. To find out how significant yours is, and get a full assessment of your most powerful saboteurs, take the free test now.
And if this is something you’re ready to shift, I’d love to support you. Connect with me in a free 30 minute session to take the first step.