Nicole Baker

Something that has been rattling my head for the past two weeks is this question:

How do we manage self acceptance without going into the fear of becoming complacent and mediocre?

What is the line between being a high achiever and a striver and not falling into self hatred and perfectionism? 

How do we as high achievers manage daily self acceptance while simultaneously honoring our striving/goal driven nature? 

I kid you not, it feels like these questions have taken over my life.

Because this feel like the pinnacle question.

and I believe I’ve found my answer.

You can have both self acceptance and a high achiever drive.

One doesn’t live without the other.

But so many of us live in the high achiever mindset of a place of self loathing, push harder, you’re being, you’re failing… etc.

and the thought of loving who you are, accepting your flaws, enjoying your strengths and basking in gratitude for your life…
well then you’ll become complacent.

I call bull.

Now I used to live this way for years, dancing between tolerating myself and beating myself up - thinking THAT was what would get me to my goals.

It only led me to continue looking at how I was never enough.

In the last year, I’ve dove into falling in love with myself, my brain, my creativity, my drive, my quirks, my rest, my guilty pleasures.

And my high achiever drive hasn’t left me. In fact, i get more ideas that send goosebumps up my spine, I’ve impacted more people because I’m speaking from my heart not my head, and I feel this radicle shift in just enjoying the present moment.

THIS is the key, High Achievers.

and it is possible for all.

- Nicole