‘Overachiever’ has lack of motivation

Dear Harriette: Growing up, I was always the overachiever. I got straight A’s, ran track and took part in various extracurriculars, often leaving my siblings in the dust. My parents and family always admired my dedication and ambition, praising me whenever I achieved something new.

Now, however, it seems as though that same drive that took me to the top of my family has suddenly and inexplicably faded. I can’t seem to find the motivation to achieve the way 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 a rock star overachiever to struggling to keep up. So where do I go from here? — Feeling Lost

Feeling Lost: Instead of working overtime to replicate the past, turn your attention to the present and the future. What do you want for your life? What are your personal and professional goals? Be specific as you detail these ideas so that you create space to manifest them.

You may have burned yourself out a bit with your overachieving ways. Right now, you have the opportunity to reset your rhythm. Determine what is important to you and make a plan of execution. It doesn’t have to be set on turbo, either. Design a manageable plan that allows for rest and relaxation. That plan may be more easily sustainable. It is OK to change your pace.

Dear Harriette: I went to an event recently and had a great time. I hadn’t been out with a lot of people for what seems like forever, due at first to COVID-19 and then to not necessarily feeling like I had an “in” anywhere anymore. Honestly, I had begun to feel like I was old news. Not that I’m anybody in the public eye or anything, but I used to be part of a pretty dynamic group of people in my industry’s community. Because of the pandemic, it felt like that part of me had pretty much died. But at this event, I felt better. How can I get back in the game more so that I can feel connected to like-minded people? — Reconnecting

Dear Reconnecting: Take inventory of who you saw at this most recent event. Who caught your eye? Who did you talk to? Who would you want to talk with more? Make a list of people who interest you in your professional and personal communities. Find their contact information and reach out. See if you can jump on a call or a Zoom chat. Invite them for coffee or drinks. Be proactive and reach out to people you would like to know better. Then see how things unfold. Understand that it might take a little bit of time to get back to how things were.