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...
by CJ McClanahan | May 16, 2024 | Blog
There’s only one reason you should ever have to send this type of email. <> Recently, I received the following message from a friend: “Sorry it took me 2 weeks to get back to you. I’ve been buried in my inbox and just got to your email.” We’ve all received...
by CJ McClanahan | May 9, 2024 | Blog
I often ask groups for the names of shows they would never let their young kids watch. <> While the answers vary, they all share the same the same mature themes – too much violence, offensive language, sex, etc. My follow-up question – “What harm do you think...
by CJ McClanahan | May 2, 2024 | Blog
2.5 minutes is about as long as I can sit in a room full of people without judging others. ….. Believe it or not, that’s an improvement. It took me a while to realize that judging others is simply an attempt to compare my situation/achievements to others. I scan...
by CJ McClanahan | Apr 25, 2024 | Blog
I’ve been an overachiever since the second grade. ….. I remember vividly when my teacher announced a competition to read the most books every week. The winner got a gold star next to their name on a large board at the front of the classroom. I won. And I...
