How many times do we hear this, right?

“That person is a high-achiever.”
“Are you a low or high achiever?”

People often take pride in being high-achievers—or feel low self-esteem when the opposite is perceived. We throw these labels around like they mean something absolute, as if they define our worth, our potential, even our identity. But what if they don’t?

What if the drive to achieve—or the struggle to act—isn’t a reflection of who you are, but of the wounds you’ve carried, often without realizing it? Before you wear a badge of pride or shame, take a breath. There’s a deeper story beneath the surface—and it’s time we told it.

The Truth About High and Low Achievers

Let’s get this straight: Being a person who can accomplish and achieve their goals is great. But please, let’s deconstruct the wording and really look at what's beneath it.

There’s nothing intrinsically good about being a “high-achiever.” Likewise, there’s nothing inherently bad about being the opposite. What’s often hidden beneath these labels is a deeper issue—a childhood wound.

Hidden Wounds Behind the High Achiever Label

• When we don’t feel accepted unless we show extraordinary behavior and results.

• When we aren’t seen, and the only way to be noticed is by becoming the best.

• When we can’t stand being who we think we are and need to prove ourselves.

• When we feel rejected and unappreciated, and the only way to regain our self-worth is through grand accomplishments.

Let’s be clear: There’s nothing honorable or great about this. These are coping mechanisms we learn to adopt in order to survive. It’s a response to stressful and less-than-ideal situations, pushing us to do more than we normally would if we were at peace with ourselves—seen, loved, accepted.

This is a subconscious mechanism and a coping pattern we need to become aware of.

We must understand the true drive behind certain actions and directions. When that drive stems from inner wounding, it's important to recognize it.

Low Achievers and Hidden Struggles

The same applies to those who consider themselves low-achievers. The lack of action, implementation, and completion of tasks often comes from unresolved wounds and self-doubt, such as:

• Imposter syndrome

• Low self-esteem

• Procrastination

These are hidden coping mechanisms of a subconscious nature.

So, Where Are We Getting At?

What’s the antidote to both high and low achievers? You might have already guessed it. It comes down to one simple idea:

Action is meaningful only when it's driven by purpose.

For years, I got a lot of things “done” and was drowned in action—but that action was movement devoid of meaning. It was absolutely empty.

The Empty Action Trap

How many of us feel like most of our day is filled with tasks that have zero value?

Many of my actions were devoid of meaning because they were mechanical—and, most importantly, because they didn’t resonate with me, deep down.

Understand this: Intrinsic meaning exists only when we live in alignment with who we truly are.

We know, deep down.
We all have that voice.

The Hidden Weight of Inaction

Conversely, how many of us feel a deep resistance to action—despite knowing we carry a message, a purpose, and so much meaning within us? It can feel like hitting an invisible wall. Sometimes it's fear. Sometimes it’s the belief that we’re not good enough. And other times, staying unseen simply feels safer.

Inaction isn’t always laziness; often, it’s self-protection. It’s the result of old wounds whispering, “It’s better not to try than to be rejected.” But just like empty action, this too disconnects us from our essence—because something within us is still yearning to be expressed.

Reconnecting with What Truly Matters

So, what motives are guiding our actions—or the absence of them?

• Is it unresolved trauma or emotions?

• Is it the pride attached to your ego?

• Or is it the lack of self-worth your ego clings to?

If your actions—or inaction—are driven by anything other than inner alignment, it’s time to rethink the labels of "high achiever" and "low achiever." These labels are illusions that hold no real meaning. True achievement begins within—not in the external world. It requires facing your pain, and connecting with yourself until you're walking your true, authentic path.

The Path to True Fulfillment

Until we realize this, it’s easier to stay stuck in the cycle of high or low achievement. Most of us stay there because it feels safer.

But when your actions come from your essence, your true excitement—that’s when the story changes.

• Do more of what you love.

• Contribute as much as you feel inspired.

• Serve others.

• Share your voice, your playfulness, your joy.

More is more.

Achieve all you desire from a place of alignment. When you’re aligned, you inspire others simply by being yourself. And that’s what true success looks like, because it’s paired with true inner strength.