How would you feel if you took the pressure off yourself to constantly strive for achievement after achievement? What would it feel like if you instead switched your focus to how you feel? Do you notice a shift? Can you feel the difference between force and flow?

 

While I LOVE pushing myself to achieve more than I think I’m capable of, last week I gave myself a break from gauging my success based on my achievements. Achievement has been a big part of my life since I was young. I’d constantly strive to do the best in school – from primary school all way through to university. I was often recognised in high school for my academic achievements. Wanting to be better and rise to the top was something I worked hard for…my inner perfectionist will attest to that.

 

But one lesson I’ve come to learn is that my value isn’t in my output. I’m not a machine. Humans are not built to be machines. We have thoughts, feelings and emotions. We are wired for connection and community.

 

I’ve realised the need to distance myself from determining my worth based on my achievements. Yes, accolades and acknowledgements are important, but how you feel in the process is vital. The praise, awards and recognition might seem to be your driver, but if you dig deeper, you’ll find the way you received love as a child (achievement + praise + recognition = love) might still be driving how you subconsciously behave in the present… You can change that belief.

 

You are so much more than what you achieve. Your value is so much more than a number. Your value is so much more than how much work you can produce in a day or which deadline you meet. Achievements don’t mean so much if you don’t love who you are. You are loved regardless of what you do (or don’t) achieve. Take the pressure off yourself, you are loved unconditionally and your to-do list can wait.