Many times, when we don’t feel good enough, there is an imbalance—overachieving and needing to be the best at something becomes a driving force. Overachievers are people who, despite already achieving a great deal, still feel compelled to do more, which creates an ongoing imbalance in their lives. This behavior often arises from trying to compensate for deeper feelings of insecurity and doubts about self-worth. For some, these efforts are attempts to resolve past issues; by placing emphasis on select areas of achievement, they may miss seeing their lives as a whole, judging themselves based only on small parts of their existence.

The term “overachieving” can be applied to describe certain lifestyle choices, and it’s worth examining in the interest of finding balance for a more rewarding life. When we find ourselves unable to fully experience and enjoy the present moment—constantly pushing off pleasure into a distant future—it may be a sign that we are too driven to achieve more than is necessary or expected. This relentless push, especially to the point of exhaustion or at the expense of important people in our lives, ultimately robs us of true and meaningful joy.

Connecting with our external experiences can nourish us and help shift our priorities from endlessly chasing an elusive feeling to being grounded in the present moment, which is essential to truly living. Sometimes, it takes looking at those we love and admire to realize how much we value our lives with them. By noticing what we appreciate in others, and then reflecting that understanding inward, we may start to see ourselves in a kinder, gentler light. Redirecting the energy devoted to unrealistic standards of achievement allows us to find satisfaction in other, perhaps quieter, aspects of our lives. Only then can we restore balance between our inner and outer worlds and experience genuine peace of mind.