The High Achiever’s Guide to Guilt-Free Rest

As high achievers, we are conditioned to push ourselves to the limit, often equating success with the amount of grind, pain, and suffering we endure. But I’ve come to realize that this mindset is not only harmful but utterly unsustainable. Let’s look at the simple yet profound shift we can make in how we view rest and productivity.

For the last few weeks, I have been on a summer sabbatical. Although the ‘vacation’ was planned, I assumed I’d be working through parts of it. I didn’t plan to take time off, but once I slowed down, it became apparent how much I needed to fully disconnect. I had been falling into that old overwork pattern, so I had to be intentional to fight against those old patterns.

I spent two weeks in Philadelphia, the vacation capital of the world, soaking up family time, English, indulging in cheesesteaks, and enjoying baseball games. What I initially thought would be a mix of work and relaxation quickly turned into a much-needed complete disconnect from work. No calls, no emails, no obligations. Just me, my family, and the freedom to simply be.

This break was refreshing in ways I hadn’t anticipated. But it also meant letting go of my regular work routine, including this podcast. And that’s where the guilt crept in. I found myself worrying about disappointing people. What would it mean about me? But the truth is, while some of my loyal fans might have missed an episode, it didn’t alter their life in any significant way. So why did I feel so much pressure?

It’s because, as high achievers, we struggle with letting go. We tie our worth to our work and the feedback we receive from it. We’re driven by the need to be seen as competent, reliable, and excellent at what we do. We work tirelessly, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, because we fear that if we stop—even for a moment—everything will fall apart. But here’s the harsh truth: that mindset is a recipe for burnout.

I’ve seen this pattern not just in myself but in many of the clients I work with. High achievers often find it hard to take a break because they’re worried about how it might look, both to others and to themselves. The idea of resting, of stepping back, feels like a betrayal of the very values that define us: hard work, perseverance, and excellence.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of our health and well-being. It’s possible to achieve great things without grinding ourselves into the ground. We can still be high achievers and give ourselves permission to rest. In fact, rest is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

When we constantly push ourselves without taking time to recharge, we start to see the negative effects in all areas of our lives. Our relationships suffer, our health deteriorates, and our work—even the work we’re so dedicated to—starts to show signs of strain. We lose the balance that makes us truly effective.

I know it’s hard to believe that taking a step back could actually make you more successful, but it’s true. When we allow ourselves to rest, we come back stronger, more focused, and more creative. We perform better because we’re not running on empty.

So, here’s a challenge for you: the next weekend, set aside your to-do list. Don’t worry about being productive. Instead, focus on what feels good in the moment. If that means lounging on the couch with a cup of coffee, do it. If it means taking a walk, do that too. The point is to break the cycle of constant productivity and give yourself a chance to just be.

This isn’t about becoming lazy or losing your drive. It’s about recalibrating your life so that you can continue to be the high achiever you are, without the burnout. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Remember, success doesn’t have to come with a side of pain and suffering. It can come from a place of balance, health, and well-being. And that’s the message I want to leave you with today. You have the power to make this shift, to redefine what success looks like for you. And when you do, you’ll find that your life—and your work—will be richer, more fulfilling, and ultimately more successful.

So, take that break. You’ve earned it. And in doing so, you’re not just taking care of yourself—you’re setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Jaime Bancroft Gennaro is a business coach, a leadership coach and a consultant. She helps people realign with their talents and skills to have successful, fulfilling careers and businesses.

Registration is open for the Fall High Achievers Program. If you are ready to finally shift those old patterns of overworking and grind, set up a call with Jaime to see how you can create lasting change in your life and business.