If you're a high achiever like those I work with, you've been climbing metaphorical mountains your whole life. You thrive on the adrenaline of new challenges and the satisfaction of success. You've amassed degrees, promotions, accolades, and family responsibilities that add weight to your pack. But recently, you might have felt drained, frustrated, and burdened by the very achievements that once fueled your ascent.

Imagine yourself stopping on the side of a mountain, catching your breath, and asking, "What mountain is this? Where am I? Do I even want to climb this mountain?"

Just then, a guide appears. You turn to them, seeking clarity. "What mountain are we on?" you ask. The guide replies, "The better question is, what mountain do you want to be on?"

The Challenge for High Achievers

This moment captures the dilemma many high achievers face. You work tirelessly, yet often find yourself stuck in a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction. Despite your efforts, your hard work still hasn’t led you to the life you envisioned for yourself. You might be grappling with the weight of expectations, responsibilities, and the constant pursuit of more, leading to burnout and a lack of clarity about your true purpose.

As a business owner, high-level leader, or entrepreneur, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of running a business while trying to balance family responsibilities, business strains, and personal aspirations. You could be feeling:

The pressure to perform and achieve in both your career and personal life.
A sense of disconnection from your passions and values amid your many obligations.
The burden of juggling competing priorities, leading to stress and exhaustion.

The good news is that there is a way forward. In the following sections, I’ll outline a process and practical tools that I use with my high-achieving clients to help them navigate these challenges and find success.

Creating Space for Clarity
Finding Direction in Your Journey
Building Momentum for Lasting Change

Creating Space for Clarity

To begin your journey, you need to create space in your life. This involves examining your commitments, habits, and distractions. Then, intentionally identify what no longer serves you, and start to lighten your load to make space for new opportunities.

What burdens are holding you back? Reflect on the aspects of your life that drain your energy. Maybe it’s a time-consuming obligation, chasing the next shiny object, a strained personal or professional relationship, or self-limiting beliefs that you’ve carried for too long.
Practical exercises:
- Roles Reflection- List out the top 10 roles you have (CXO, Parent, Spouse, Friend, Board Member, etc.). Think through how those roles fulfill you, and how they burden you. Create an Eisenhower Matrix, with one axis labelled “Impact”, Low to High, and the other labelled “Resources” (Low to High) Think through how much impact that role provides you (based on your own qualifications), and how much resources (time, energy, money) it takes. The higher the impact and the lower the resources, the better, but figure out which roles are no longer serving you, and how you can remove them.
- Timeblocking - A schedule is telling your time where to go, instead of asking it where it went. There are many methods out there, find the one that works for you. The key…be INTENTIONAL about what fills in the newly found free time.

Once you've identified these burdens, take actionable steps to release them. This might mean saying no to a project that no longer excites you or letting go of past achievements that have become sources of pressure. By creating mental and physical space, you’ll set the stage for clarity and focus, allowing you to prioritize what truly matters.

Finding Direction in Your Journey

With space cleared, the next step is to establish direction. This means uncovering your core purpose and aligning your actions with your values.

What do you truly want? This question is essential for defining your passions and motivations. Articulating what drives you will create a framework for decision-making.
Practical Exercises
- Purpose Statement - Check out Simon Sinek’s Find Your Why for a step by step process for developing a purpose statement. Once it’s created, reflect on and lean into it regularly.
- Values Creation - Develop your top 4-5 values, and the methods and means (the Whats, Hows, and Whys).

It’s equally important to identify your core values. These values will serve as your compass, guiding you through decisions and challenges. Consider what principles are non-negotiable for you—integrity, connection, innovation, growth, empathy, responsibility, etc. By ensuring that your daily actions align with these values, you create a more intentional and fulfilling path forward.

Building Momentum for Lasting Change

As you gain clarity on your purpose and values, the final stage is about translating these insights into action. This is where you start to build momentum toward achieving your goals.

What steps will you take? Think about specific goals you want to pursue, whether personal or professional. Choose one significant goal to focus on, and develop a plan to take intentional action.
Practical Exercises:
- Traction - While there are many books out there on business optimization, one that I’ve found effective is the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework, which helps streamline your business operations and personal goals. Review the book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman to learn how this system can provide clarity and structure to your objectives.
- Journaling + Weekly Reflection - Set aside time each week for reflection—evaluate your progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust your plan as needed. My journaling includes three gratitudes, a stream-of-conscious portion for emotional regulation, and Power 3, the top 3 things I need to do that day to be successful. You can include in this a weekly reflection, like the page shown here.

As you implement your plan, you may encounter obstacles along the way. Approach these challenges with resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Reflect on your decision-making process: How can your purpose and values inform the choices you make when faced with difficult decisions?

Connecting with Community

Throughout this journey, the value of community is paramount. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your aspirations provides support, accountability, and encouragement. Seek out groups or networks that resonate with your goals, or consider forming a tribe where you can share experiences and insights.

As you reflect on your journey, remember to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Acknowledge the growth you’ve experienced and the steps you’ve taken toward a more fulfilling life.

What support do you need? Consider what kind of community can help you stay accountable and motivated. Who are the people in your life that inspire you or understand your journey?
Practical exercises:
- Join a Networking Group - Research and join a local or online group that aligns with your professional interests and values. Engaging with others can provide fresh perspectives and new ideas.
- Schedule Accountability Check-Ins - Reach out to a friend or colleague and set up regular check-ins to discuss your goals and progress. This can create a sense of accountability and encourage ongoing support.

You Are What You Do...

My clients often see success because they're action-oriented. A quote that resonates with them is, "You are what you do, not what you say you'll do." If that speaks to you, here’s how to get started, depending on where you are:

Stage 1 - Learning: If the idea of pursuing a fulfilling life is interesting but new to you, start here.
- Commit to doing the practices listed above within the next two weeks. Put it in your time block for creative work, and get it done.
Stage 2 - Prepping: If you know this is the right path for you, but still need to think through how to approach it, start here.
- Sign up for the Next Better Podcast (on YouTube or wherever you listen) and my newsletter to continue getting valuable advice as you plan to make a change in the next six months.
Stage 3- Commit: If you’ve been thinking about finding your purpose and creating a fulfilling life and doing meaningful work, start here.
- Reach out for a 30-minute discovery call to discuss 3, 6, or 9-month one-on-one coaching options, or a 5-month small group coaching program (starts January or July)

If you're ready to take action and find clarity on your next mountain, let's embark on this journey together. Remember, the first step to climbing your next mountain is deciding what mountain you truly want to be on.

When High Achievers Get Lost on the Mountain