Why High Performers Can Be Excellent at Work and Still Feel Unclear About Their Own Lives

The paradox can be surprising, but it is true. High performers who are outstanding at work may be struggling with personal clarity. They may be chasing one milestone after another. But they may be devoid of emotions or feel a sense of emptiness in their successes. Why does it happen that people who know what decisions to make at work may be confused about what they really want for themselves?

Clarity in Goals

The obvious answer might be that life and career are not the same. Life does not lay out metrics and statistics that help in gauging and finding success. There are no KPIs, reviews or awards that set a target or goal to achieve. High performers may take a team or project forward. But they may be unclear about the purpose of their life or what it is that they want to do that can bring meaning and fulfilment.

Also, pursuing goals is an ongoing process. A high performer does not stop after accomplishing a single target. In fact, the range of possibilities only increases as he/she rushes towards newer objectives. But the goal may not align with the values or needs of the performer. When the pursuit of ambition is disconnected from the inner needs, success feels hollow. 

Fast-Paced Chase

High performers are constantly involved in their work environments. They are fixated on strategising and executing plans for the growth of the business. Taking a break or a step back is not for them. However, finding clarity about life and its meaning is not a race. You have to pause and find time for reflection and questioning. Also, interestingly, a leader or high-performer who is unclear about their own life decisions tries to distract themselves by working more. 

Instead of deliberating and trying to find ways to address the deeper concerns, they turn towards work to find a solution. But the remedy often lies elsewhere. It lies in not only pondering, but also seeking help. A life clarity coach is an excellent resource that can guide high-performers and leaders to find clarity in making decisions for their lives. 

Quick Read – Clear Clutter for Clarity and Creativity 

Defined by the Role

High performers often box themselves in their professional titles. They start viewing and identifying themselves as a CEO, VP or TL. Thus, the role itself becomes their main identity, rather than their own identity taking centre stage. Since the job title or professional achievements mask their inner reality, they find it difficult to make life decisions that are unrelated to their work. 

Again, finding a life clarity coach can help in identifying the fundamental and main values, desires and fears of the individual. Through careful questioning, the coach can help the leader understand himself or herself better.

Driven by Success

This may sound strange, but the strengths of a high performer are also often the biggest hindrances. Leaders are driven, hard-working, disciplined and resilient. But in the pursuit of success and stature, they often do not realise what they are chasing is what they truly want. They are so devoted to not failing or making mistakes that they continue to work for external validation. This is why they fumble when it comes to understanding their real or inner life requirements. 

Why Seek Help from a Life Clarity Coach?

Unfortunately, just being aware may not solve the problem. The disconnect that high performers feel, or the confusion over life decisions, is hard to resolve by itself. A life clarity coach is the best person to help leaders and performers understand themselves outside their professional lives. 

The coach asks meaningful questions that help the client find out the core values and priorities in life. A life clarity coach does not give direct answers or chooses on the behalf of the leader. But the coach helps the individual figure out for themselves the right decisions to take. 

The world often thinks that high performers have it all. Success, fame, awards and recognition. However, it is equally true that though they are great at their jobs, they may be grappling to understand themselves better. What should be done next? What is the purpose of life? What can be done more with this success? These are some of the many questions that high performers may be struggling with. A life clarity coach can help them find clarity and better decision-making skills. Thus, enabling them to positively steer and control both their personal and professional lives.