DEAR HARRIET: Growing up, I was always the overachiever. I got straight A’s, ran and participated in various extracurricular activities, often leaving my siblings in the dust.
My parents and family always admired my dedication and ambition and praised me when I achieved something new.
Now, though, it seems like that same drive that propelled me to the top of my family has suddenly and inexplicably faded away. No matter how hard I try, I can’t find the motivation to achieve like I used to.
The success I’ve known has now become nothing but a distant memory, leaving me to wonder why this sudden and dramatic change has taken over my life. It’s a shocking realization, wondering how I went from an overachieving rock star to struggling to keep up.
So where do I go from here?
Feel lost
DEAR FEELING LOST: Instead of working overtime to recreate the past, focus your attention on the present and the future.
What do you want for your life? What are your personal and professional goals? Be specific as you develop these ideas so that you create space for them to manifest.
You may have burned yourself out a bit with your overachieving ways. At this point, you have the option to reset your rhythm. Determine what is important to you and make an implementation plan. It also doesn’t have to be on turbo. Design a manageable plan that allows for rest and relaxation. That plan may be more sustainable. It’s okay to change your pace.
DEAR HARRIET: I went to an event recently and really enjoyed it. I hadn’t been out with many people for what seems like forever, initially due to COVID-19 and then not necessarily feeling like I was “into” anything.
Frankly, I was starting to feel like I was old news. Not that I’m in the public eye or anything, but I used to be part of a pretty dynamic group of people in my industry’s community. The pandemic made it feel like that part of me was as good as dead. But during this event I felt better.
How can I get back into the game so I can feel connected to like-minded people?
Reconnect
BEST RECONNECT: Take an inventory of who you saw at this most recent event. Who did you notice? Who did you talk to? Who else would you like to talk to?
List people who interest you in your professional and personal communities. Find their contact details and get in touch. See if you can answer a call or a Zoom chat. Invite them for coffee or a drink.
Be proactive and reach out to people you want to get to know better. Then watch how things unfold. Understand that it may take a while to get back to the way you were.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people achieve and activate their dreams. Inquiries may be sent to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
