Navigating the High Achiever's Quest for Greener Grass

Simone-Ellen Keller

I want to dive into a topic that might resonate with many high achievers. You know that constant itch to find the 'next big thing'? It turns out that it might not be as simple as it seems, and there's a deeper issue at play.

I've seen it repeatedly—a significant chunk of the workforce, around 20%, is always on the lookout for the elusive "greener grass" on the other side of the fence. But let me tell you, after years of working with high performers, I've come to realize that this never-ending quest for something better often leads to frustration and disappointment.

It's a common misconception among high achievers to believe that the grass is always greener elsewhere. They think the key to happiness and satisfaction is constantly seeking new opportunities. However, they must understand that true fulfilment comes from understanding and aligning with their intrinsic motivations.

Studies tell us that about 20% of employees fall into the high-performer category, contributing significantly to their organization's success. However, many of these individuals are trapped in a relentless cycle of job-hopping, personal dissatisfaction, and even burnout.

They often say, "If only I could find a better job, a better relationship, a better place to live..." But here's the thing: high performers often struggle to grasp themselves fully. Instead, they tend to see external factors as the root of their problems or believe the next opportunity is their ticket to happiness.

The consequences of this perpetual dissatisfaction are profound. They may complain, disrupt, or even quit their current situations, only to repeat the same cycle elsewhere. They push harder, relying on their strengths, which only exacerbates issues when things inevitably go wrong, leading to even more chaos. 

This phenomenon isn't limited to the business world; it affects athletes, sports stars, and other high achievers. We often look at celebrities and think their lives are chaotic, but in reality, their struggles are more visible due to the spotlight. 

High performers feel things intensely and translate their experiences with equal intensity. When they make a wrong move, the mess comes later. They need a deep understanding of what's good and not so good in their current lives. With this self-awareness, changing their environment will bring the satisfaction they seek. 

So, what's the solution? It starts with recognizing that the issue might be a personal pattern if it keeps repeating. That's the first step to addressing the root cause. Seek balance through support—whether from a person, coach, or program that helps you maintain your equilibrium between high functionality and avoiding "carnage."

Implement structured systems to keep yourself on track and prevent impulsive decisions. Whether it's a financial structure or a commitment to staying in a role for a certain period, these systems can be a lifesaver.

The journey to understanding and working with their own nature is crucial for high performers. It's not about constantly changing your environment; it's about changing your perspective and approach. Do that, and you can begin to find fulfilment and balance, transforming your fence-hopping adventures into a journey of self-awareness and growth.

Remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side; sometimes, it's about making your grass greener right where you are.