by CJ McClanahan | Sep 5, 2024 | Blog
Stop chasing happiness. Start practicing presence. <> Making the shift from chasing happiness toward embracing presence doesn’t mean we stop setting goals or striving for success. Rather, it means we do so with a different mindset — one that prioritizes...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 29, 2024 | Blog
Happiness was never meant to be the goal. <> Over the years, I’ve asked many people – prospects, clients, audiences, family members, anyone who would listen – THE important question: What do you want from life? The varied answers all come back to...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 22, 2024 | Blog
It’s common for overachievers to have unrealistic expectations for themselves. <> There’s a gap in each of our lives that determines the amount of joy we experience. It represents the difference between what we expect out of life and how it actually turns...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 15, 2024 | Blog
An Overachiever’s natural problem-solving spark is powerful— but stressing about the future can snuff it out. Instead of worrying, here’s how to refocus that energy into something more valuable. <> We’ve all said to ourselves: “As soon as I get this...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 8, 2024 | Blog
Your plan may be perfect. But life is not. <> For 20+ years, I’ve been a planning machine. I’ve had goals, objectives, Gantt charts, and every other tool you can imagine. It’s led to a lot of achievement but not to what I was really chasing… certainty. As I’ve...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 1, 2024 | Blog
When it comes to success, do you focus on fundamentals or get distracted by shiny, new tactics? <> Many years ago, a client asked if I could recommend a good book on leadership. I told him I had read many excellent books over the years. However, instead of...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 25, 2024 | Blog
When success equals “achievement,” it’s nearly impossible for your brain to focus on the current moment for very long. <> How come? It’s too busy thinking about what you’ve got to do next or regretting past mistakes you might have made. Make it your goal...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 18, 2024 | Blog
The only way to calm the raging flames of political fury is to take away the oxygen that fuels the fire – our unsolicited opinions. <> My first job out of college (after I dropped out of law school) was in politics. After a brief stint, it was clear that...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 11, 2024 | Blog
I have a theory when it comes to the core belief of every overachiever on the planet… <> I have a theory that goes like this… The more we believe the phrase, “I am enough,” to be true, the more joy we experience. This inner...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 4, 2024 | Blog
Overachievers believe joy, peace, and contentment will come “as soon as…” <> Many people live their lives following the “As Soon As” Principle. They believe that “I’ll spend more time with my family as soon as I have more time.” Or maybe...
by CJ McClanahan | Jun 27, 2024 | Blog
Two tactics to find some balance in a hyper-achieving world. <> The Overachiever’s Trap begins early in life. A little success feels good. We get recognized, and maybe win an award or two. Soon after that, though, the feeling goes away, and we teach ourselves...
by CJ McClanahan | Jun 20, 2024 | Blog
As achievers, it’s natural to assume in an argument that we’re always right. <> I like to think of myself as “enlightened” – open to the thoughts and opinions of others even if they’re completely different from my own. Unfortunately, this version of...
by CJ McClanahan | Jun 13, 2024 | Blog
Ever assume the best way to find happiness is the achieve more? <> More recognition, more stuff, more financial security, etc. I have. I assumed a direct correlation between my sense of contentment and my resume/bank statement/LinkedIn profile. This focus led to...
by CJ McClanahan | Jun 6, 2024 | Blog
Ever find yourself asking this question on vacation? <> This past weekend, I was on a trip with my family. More times than I’d like to admit, I found myself looking to the future and asking, “what’s next?” Like most overachievers, I...
by CJ McClanahan | May 30, 2024 | Blog
Curious why those “5 simple steps” aren’t working for you? <> You may have heard that there’s a direct correlation between the amount you eat and your weight. In addition, it’s been rumored that spending less time scrolling through social media...
by CJ McClanahan | May 23, 2024 | Blog
Overachievers are constantly in denial. <> “I can take 50 more clients.” “I can sleep 4 hours a night.” “I can work 90 hours a week. Repeatedly.” Let’s say you do that.If you hit every goal and make more money than...
