Have you ever paused to question what’s fueling your relentless drive? For many high-achievers, the roots of their work ethic go deeper than ambition—they’re tied to unresolved trauma. The pursuit of perfection and the fear of failure may feel like necessary ingredients for success, but over time, they can take a serious toll on your well-being.

High-functioning anxiety can be a double-edged sword. While it might drive success, it often comes at the expense of your well-being. The constant overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing can lead to burnout if left unchecked.

When it comes to therapy, psychotherapy, and counseling, people often use these terms interchangeably, but they do have some key differences.

Close your eyes and imagine it’s December 2025. What would make you look back and say, “Wow, that was an amazing year”?

Think about how you want to feel, how you want to show up, and what you want more (or less) of in your life. Words like “joy,” “focus,” or “freedom” might bubble up as you picture your ideal year.

When we think of self-care, it’s usually the spa-like activities that come to mind—long baths, quiet nights, candles. And while these moments of calm are important, there’s another side of self-care that tends to get left out: intellectual self-care. It’s about exercising and nourishing the mind, staying curious, and giving our intellect the attention it deserves. For professionals who find themselves tackling challenges and navigating complex situations daily, this side of self-care can be a game-changer.