We Must Overcome The Overachiever Epidemic

For some time now social media has become central in everyone’s life, bonding people not only through shared interests but also through trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms and our idea of success. 

Generation Z, well known for their chronic addiction to social platforms, is redefining the meaning of being successful—normalizing academic validation in feeds and trends. 

The Illusion Of Success

Nowadays, the image of achievement is being framed by perfect test scores, acceptances at high-ranking college institutions, long resumes and impressive extracurricular involvement.

High school and college students are constantly fed the idea that in order to succeed we must follow a specific step-by-step formula. 

Beneath this facade lies a deeper truth: students really put themselves through this pressure to feel seen. 

A lack of social life, attention at home or success in other aspects has led many to cling on to their academic aspirations as their only source of identity. 

This drive stems from a desperate need to prove worth instead out of genuine interest in learning. 

Trying one’s best has turned into having to be the best. 

The Double-Edged Prize

On one hand, being an overachiever has its perks: praise, money and status. As well, the pursuit of excellence shapes individuals into resilient and determined characters. 

To some it comes naturally. It’s not about receiving recognition but for the love of the craft. 

In either case, it can be easy to exhaust yourself in this lifestyle.

Burnout has a close link to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and reduced cognitive functioning.

And the scariest thing is you can endure all this while society deems this mindset acceptable and educational institutions encourage it. 

High achievers often get addicted to the high of accomplishments, falling into the trap of imposter syndrome in an endless chase for perfectionism. They corrupt themselves, fall into sleep deprivation and become endlessly overwhelmed. Not realizing they’re burning out until they’ve already been consumed by it.

There Is No Right Way 

Somewhere along the way, we forgot that it’s okay to want different things. That part of being human is being imperfect. That value should never be tied to accomplishments. 

We are so much more than what we can do. 

Those growing in the digital age need to comprehend that everyone has to experience life on their own terms.

Life is brighter when you give yourself permission to be authentic. There’s so much more to life than being perfect, there’s so many books to read, movies to watch and foods to taste.

Our time on earth is limited, use it doing the things you love. Do what fulfills you, not what drains you.