Is the drive to achieve a powerful motivator for you?

If so, it’s likely been a positive force in your life–that drive, along with grit and hard work, has likely brought you acclaim and success.

But, I’ll bet that no matter how hard you work, or how much you’ve achieved, you’re still pushing for more.

Achieving creates real rewards

I used to believe that achievement is everything. When I achieved, I felt fulfilled.

In school, I was proud of my grades. In the workplace, I want my projects to succeed, so I can get promoted and have more influence and greater opportunities to make an impact, succeed, and achieve.

Owning my own business amplified this dynamic. I have an even more direct connection between hard work, great earnings, and success, influence, and status.

It is exhilarating!

But there’s a dark side

Over time, I noticed that I was neglecting some of the most important and valuable parts of my life. Friends I love, hobbies I’m passionate about, and even my health, atrophied in the face of my achievement addiction.

In the rare quiet moment, I noticed a subtle longing for something more. I caught glimpses of a more alive and authentic version of myself underneath that desire for success.

Those thoughts were threatening to me, so for a long time, I ignored them.

I was sure that if I gave up my overwhelming drive for success, if I took time for introspection, or even took time away from work, I’d “lose my edge” and it would all fall apart.

I was afraid that if I put down the syringe of success, I’d end up alone, living in a box under a bridge!

Thankfully, those quieter longings didn’t go away. Instead, they saved my life.

Another possibility

I now know that I can accomplish my goals in a very slow, fun, and easy way. I don’t have to rush, worry, or overwork. I can take care of myself, have fulfilling relationships, and accomplish everything that’s important to me.

I found a richer, more successful, and fulfilling life, full of love and connection, on the other side of my infatuation with my drive to achieve. I am continually surprised by how much I enjoy the more sober, spacious, and alive version of my life.

So I’ll ask: Who would you be without the drive to achieve?