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Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
Saturday 10th May 2025
Explore cognitive distortions affecting high achievers and learn strategies for balancing success with mental health.
29 minutes
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Encouraging
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Educational
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ABC Radio
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Balancing Success and Mental Health: Insights from Dr Mary Anderson
Episode Overview
- High achievers often face cognitive distortions that impact their mental health.
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help reframe unhelpful thoughts.
- Self-care is crucial for maintaining both happiness and productivity.
- Celebrating achievements can boost confidence and motivation.
- Setting realistic goals helps avoid the trap of perfectionism.
"I often say use your memories of past successes as fuel for when you're climbing your next mountain."
Imagine being the picture of success on the outside, yet grappling with self-doubt and anxiety internally. This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the paradox faced by high achievers, where psychologist Dr Mary Anderson shares her insights from years of clinical practice. Dr Anderson noticed a recurring theme among her clients, who despite their outward accomplishments, often battled burnout, imposter syndrome, and harsh self-criticism. Her goal?
To offer a framework that helps these individuals maintain their success without sacrificing mental health. Dr Anderson highlights the cognitive distortions common among high achievers: all-or-nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions, and the infamous 'should' statements. These patterns can undermine confidence and create a pressure cooker environment, where perfection is the unattainable goal. Through cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), she guides her patients to recognise these thoughts, challenge their validity, and replace them with healthier perspectives.
A compelling example involves Tina, a client who was anxious about an upcoming presentation. By focusing on evidence of past successes and crafting new, believable self-talk, Tina transformed her mindset from "I can't do this" to "I've done this before". This approach not only eased her anxiety but also bolstered her performance.
Dr Anderson emphasises the importance of self-care using the acronym SELF – Sleep, Exercise, Look Forward, and Fuel – as fundamental pillars for sustaining both happiness and high achievement. She argues that celebrating wins and setting realistic goals can help high achievers move forward without getting stuck in a cycle of self-criticism. Whether you're a high achiever yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety while maintaining your edge.
Are you ready to explore ways to enjoy your excellence?