High achiever but with the cost of pressure
Remember those school days when you were always at the top of the class, the one everyone looked up to? Fast forward to your work life. You entered the company. And before you knew it, you were climbing the corporate ladder at lightning speed. It might seem like a dream, but deep down, you know it comes at a cost.
The grandeur of being a high achiever carries with it the heavy burden of expectations. Every step you take is scrutinized. Moreover, the pressure to meet those high standards is relentless. The dream job can quickly turn into a source of daily anxiety.
In this article, we aim to help you navigate the stress and pressure that accompany your high-achieving status. It is time to find ways to cope with the expectations and regain control over your well-being.
Turn to God
The biblical figure of Moses offers insights into the challenges faced by high achievers dealing with pressure.
The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, outline the challenges he faced as a leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Moses' journey begins with a divine encounter at the burning bush. Here, God appoints him as the deliverer of His people. Despite his initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, Moses becomes a charismatic and influential leader. However, the task of leading a vast multitude through the wilderness and establishing a new societal order was daunting.
The pressure on Moses was multifaceted – from managing the complaints and rebellions of the Israelites to making crucial decisions about their journey and sustaining their faith in God.
However, through prayer, seeking divine counsel, and relying on God's promises, Moses found the resilience to persevere.
You, like Moses, can find strength in challenging times by turning to God for guidance and support. Just as Moses leaned on his faith to navigate pressure, your reliance on a higher power can bring comfort and resilience in the face of life's demands.
Know you are enough
In the Bible, Psalm 139:14 reminds you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Reflect on these words. Understand that your worth is not solely determined by your achievements or others' expectations.
Take a moment to acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments without diminishing them. Understanding that your inherent value goes beyond external accomplishments can be a source of comfort amid pressure. Embrace the truth that you, like the psalmist describes, are wonderfully created, and your worth is not contingent on constant success.
Contribute to God’s Kingdom
You might find yourself grappling with anxiety as you try to meet the expectations of others, striving for awards, and seeking fame while always aiming to perform at your best. The pressure to excel in these worldly pursuits can be overwhelming, leading to a constant sense of unease. However, it is crucial to recognize that what matters most transcends these external validations.
In the grander scheme of things, your ultimate contribution lies in pleasing God and furthering His Kingdom. The pursuit of awards and fame, though tempting, often proves fleeting and unsatisfying. On the other hand, dedicating your efforts to something greater, to God's purposes, provides a lasting and fulfilling sense of purpose.
That being said, find solace in the truth that your ultimate significance is found in the service of God.
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