Why High Performers Struggle to Slow Down

We all know FOMO—the anxiety of missing out on fun, adventure, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I thought that was my problem. But after walking nearly 100 miles through Madrid and Seville, balancing work, fitness, and exploration, I wasn’t feeling victorious.

I was exhausted.

Physically? Sure. But mentally? Completely drained.

I had planned the third week of my trip as a reset—an escape to the Canary Islands to slow down and recharge. But instead of basking in the moment, I found myself wondering:

Could I have done more? Should I have pushed harder?

That’s when I realized—this wasn’t about travel. It was about me.

‍

The High Achiever’s FOMO

People like us—COOs, entrepreneurs, leaders—don’t just set goals; we move the goalpost every time we get close. Hard work isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

That’s why slowing down feels uncomfortable. Because the moment we stop moving, the questions start creeping in:

‍

• Am I making the most of my time?

• Should I be doing more?

• What if I’m falling behind?

‍

This isn’t regular FOMO. It’s not about missing out on events or places. It’s the fear of missing out on our own potential.

Then, my friend Carolyn Lodge said something that stopped me in my tracks:‍

‍

“It’s easy to underestimate the progress you’ve made when you’re always raising the bar.”

‍

Read that again.

‍

The Myth of More

We’ve been taught that success is about maximizing every moment. That the highest achievers wake up at 4 a.m., hit the gym, lead meetings, network over lunch, build an empire, and still have energy for cocktails with friends.

But here’s the truth: the people who sustain success know that energy is a finite resource. If you spend recklessly, you end up bankrupt.

My time in Spain is teaching me that pushing harder isn’t always the answer. Real success isn’t about doing more—it’s about making sure what you do actually matters.

And sometimes, what matters most is allowing yourself to breathe.

‍

The Real Challenge

If you’re wired like me, you don’t need another strategy to squeeze more into your day. You don’t need a reminder to push harder or aim higher.

You need a reminder that what you’ve already done is worth something. That pausing isn’t the same as falling behind.

So here it is—permission to believe that your progress counts, even if you’re not sprinting toward the next goal. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll take my own advice too.

If this resonates, you’ll appreciate my friend Carolyn’s take on 20 years in the agency world. In point #7, she puts it perfectly: “It’s easy to underestimate the progress you’ve made when you’re always raising the bar.” Check out her full list of 20 lessons in 20 years here.

‍

At StringCan, we help leaders focus on what truly moves the needle—without burning out in the process. Let’s build something that lasts. Reach out today.

‍