In this post, I want to talk about something that often stirs up mixed feelings: the term "high performer." As a coach for heart-centered high performers, I frequently encounter people who get triggered by this term. Let's explore why that happens and how we can reframe it to support our growth and expansion.

Firstly, let's address the elephant in the room - why do so many people get triggered by the term "high performer"? The root cause often boils down to feelings of unworthiness and past traumas. When we hear "high performer," some of us might immediately think of intense competition, stress, or unattainable standards. These reactions are often rooted in old wounds or societal pressures that tell us we're not enough unless we're constantly achieving.

But let's take a step back and redefine what it means to be a high performer. To me, a high performer is simply someone who aspires for something greater than they are now and is willing to take action towards that aspiration. It's about having an orientation to life that is towards growth and expansion. Maybe it's through working out, eating better, learning new skills, or any other form of personal development, really.

High performance is not about suffering or pushing through endless hurdles. It's about expansion and thriving. It's about recognizing that you have the potential to be more and do more, and then taking the steps to move in that direction. This journey is deeply personal and unique to each individual. It's not about comparing yourself to others or meeting external standards. It's about your own path and your own growth.

If we resist the idea of being a high performer, we might actually be cutting ourselves off from growth. By not adopting this mindset, this heartset, we're energetically defining ourselves in a limiting way. Think about it — if you believe that striving for high performance means stress and burnout, you're likely to avoid it altogether. But what if we could see it as a path to greater joy, fulfillment, and self-discovery?

Training and learning are essential parts of this journey. Just like an athlete trains their body, we can train our minds, our emotions - even our nervous system. This could mean setting aside time for meditation, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that nurture our well-being. It's about creating conscious habits that support our aspirations and help us become the best version of ourselves.

Imagine if you approached your goals with the mindset of a high performer, but without the negative connotations. Picture yourself working out not to meet some arbitrary standard, but because it makes you feel strong and vibrant. Think about eating better not as a punishment, but as a way to honor your body and give it the nourishment it deserves. Envision learning new skills not as a chore, but as a way to keep your mind sharp and engaged.

When we shift our perspective in this way, high performance becomes a joyful journey rather than a stressful race. It becomes about thriving in every aspect of our lives. It's about creating a vision for ourselves and taking aligned actions that bring us closer to the outcomes we want to create in our lives.

High performance is a long game. If we're working to burnout, or our energy often follows a pattern of intense bursts followed by deep crashes…that's not true high performance...at least not how I define heart-centered high performance. We have to care about the inner emotional states we know day by day, effectively managing our energy, and overall wellbeing. This ensures sustainable success and a balanced life, allowing us to thrive in every aspect. For example, if we’re achieving external success at work, but our bodies are falling apart, or the inner emotional quality of anxiety is what we operate inside of every day, that clearly is not going to be sustainable over the long term.

Let's also touch on the concept of resistance. When we resist the idea of being a high performer, we're often resisting our own potential. This resistance can manifest in various ways — procrastination, self-doubt, or even physical discomfort. But when we acknowledge and release this resistance, we open ourselves up to incredible possibilities.

One powerful way to overcome resistance is through self-compassion. Recognize that your feelings of unworthiness or past traumas are valid and deserve to be acknowledged. But also remind yourself that you are capable and worthy of growth. Give yourself permission to aspire for more and to take the necessary steps to achieve it.

Being a high performer is about embracing a mindset and heartset of growth and expansion. It's about moving beyond our fears and limitations and stepping into our full potential. It's about creating a life that feels aligned with our deepest desires and values.

So, next time you hear the term "high performer," I invite you to see it through a new lens. See it as a call to step into your power, to honor your aspirations, and to take actions that support your highest good. Remember, you are worthy of all the joy, success, and fulfillment that life has to offer. Embrace the journey and thrive!