Think You're Not an Achiever? Here's Why You Might Be Wrong

It’s fascinating to be in midlife and still discovering new things about myself. I recently completed a program that focused on personal strengths, and we all took the CliftonStrengths assessment beforehand. To my surprise, my #1 strength was "Achiever." At first, I was confused—I didn’t see myself as an achiever! If I were, I thought I would’ve been valedictorian back in high school with scholarships lined up and by now, I’d be running a company and raking in money. My idea of an achiever was someone at the top, relentlessly crushing everything in their path.

Then I started reading about the Achiever strength—and to my amazement, it felt like they were describing me to a T. I realized my brain had twisted "Achiever" into "Overachiever," which led to a completely inaccurate stereotype.

During the course, I felt inspired to help others like me recognize and embrace their Achiever strength, as well as navigate the challenges that often come with it. After all, 31% of people have this strength in their top five! So, why not celebrate this powerful ability for what it truly is?

Here are a few descriptions that resonated deeply with me. Do any sound like you?

• You work hard and have great stamina.

• You thrive on being busy and productive.

• Every day feels like a clean slate and you need to accomplish something meaningful to feel satisfied—even on weekends or holidays.

• After a tough project, instead of taking a break, you're already thinking about the next challenge.

• You’re often the hardest worker on the team and lead by example.

What Fuels You: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of checking off tasks, hitting milestones, and getting things done. It’s the thrill of progress and the joy of accomplishment that keep you energized.

What Drains You: On the flip side, you find it challenging when faced with a lack of diligence from others or a finish line that keeps moving. It’s disheartening when progress feels elusive and goals seem out of reach.

As I reflected on my life, I realized I’d always been living the Achiever way, just without recognizing it. For example, I’ve always had a daily chore routine—bathroom cleaning on Monday, laundry on Tuesday, vacuuming on Wednesday etc. People often commented on how I seemed to always be cleaning. In reality, I just tackled one task a day, allowing more time for my family.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What resonates with you? Have your stereotypes about Achievers changed? If you’re curious about your own strengths, I highly recommend the CliftonStrengths assessment. In my opinion, it’s a game-changer and well worth the $25!

High Five!

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