When High Achievement Becomes Self-Destruction: My Journey Through Burnout and Rediscovery

Let’s get real: many of us, especially high achievers, don’t always recognize when we’re inching dangerously close to burnout. We’re so good at pushing ourselves, showing up, and powering through that it becomes almost impossible to see the warning signs—until it’s too late.

For me, it took six years. Six years of running on empty before I finally realized just how far burnout had taken me from myself. Each time, I told myself, "Keep going; you’re almost there," or "They’re counting on you; don’t let them down." Sound familiar?

In 2017, I finally recognized the toll burnout had taken on me. I had just transitioned out of a position, and for the first time, I realized how much of a workaholic I’d become. My identity had merged entirely with my role, my career, my professional accomplishments. I had poured so much of myself into work that any downtime left me feeling anxious, uneasy, and even guilty about resting.

But because we’re so often taught that our value lies in our work, I didn’t pause. Instead, I jumped right back into the workforce, taking on a challenging C-Suite role. I knew from the start it wouldn’t be easy, and I recognized the challenges. But about a year in, I felt my body telling me it could no longer keep up. I was exhausted, physically and mentally. My desire to fight for change in an unproductive work environment or to navigate the internal politics was gone. I had nothing left to give.

When I finally left that position, something inside me cracked open. All those years of pouring myself into work without pouring anything back into myself came crashing down. I had defined myself entirely by my responsibilities and achievements, and now that those were gone, I felt lost. I didn’t know who I was without them.

It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially for high-achieving women. We’re celebrated for our drive, our dedication, our relentless ability to “get things done,” but rarely do we hear praise for resting, setting boundaries, or simply saying, “Enough.”

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps in slowly, one project, one late night, one skipped vacation at a time. Adrenaline keeps us going, but eventually, the drive catches up to us, leaving us feeling depleted, disconnected, and doubting ourselves in ways we never thought possible.

If I could go back, I’d remind my past self—and any other high-achieving woman who needs to hear this—that no accomplishment is worth losing yourself. The work may feel fulfilling in the moment, but it’s not worth sacrificing your mental health, your sense of self, or your well-being.

So if any of this resonates, take a moment to ask yourself: Am I resting as hard as I’m working? Because if you’re not careful, burnout will eventually force you to rest—whether you’re ready or not.