How to Be Awesome at Your Job

1036: Becoming a Happy High Achiever with Dr. Mary Anderson

Feb 27, 2025

Dr. Mary Anderson, a licensed psychologist and author known for her expertise in enhancing the well-being of high achievers, shares invaluable insights. She discusses why many high achievers struggle to enjoy their success and how to combat the cycle of negative self-talk. Dr. Anderson introduces the SELF care framework, emphasizing essential habits like Sleep, Exercise, Looking Forward, and Fuel. Additionally, she highlights the importance of self-compassion in achieving lasting happiness, encouraging listeners to embrace excellence over perfection.

42:58

Episode guests

Mary Anderson

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

High achievers often struggle with internal dissatisfaction despite external success, necessitating strategies to address self-doubt and burnout.

The SELF framework—Sleep, Exercise, Look forward, and Fuel—provides essential habits for maintaining well-being and enhancing performance among high achievers.

Deep dives

Inherent Worth and Happiness

Every individual possesses inherent worth that is unaffected by mistakes or achievements. Embracing this truth allows people to shed their fears and fosters a positive mindset, leading to increased happiness. Research demonstrates a strong link between happiness and success, indicating that individuals who maintain a positive outlook can enhance their performance and creativity. Cultivating happiness is crucial not only for personal fulfillment but also for achieving high levels of success in the workplace.

Intro

2min

The Paradox of High Achievement

5min

Essential Self-Care for High Achievers

10min

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Talk

23min

Harnessing the Power of Thought for Stress Management

3min

Embracing Self-Compassion for Sustainable Success

2min

Dr. Mary Anderson shares key habits to fuel your career and well-being.

— YOU’LL LEARN —

1) Why high achievers often don’t enjoy their achievements

2) How to break free from the cycle of negative self-talk

3) The SELF care framework for high achievers

Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1036 for clickable versions of the links below.

— ABOUT MARY —

Dr. Mary Anderson is a licensed psychologist, author, and sought-after speaker with over a decade of experience helping patients become happier, healthier, and sustainably high-achieving. Dr. Anderson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with a specialty in Health Psychology, from the University of Florida and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Boston Healthcare System, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine.

Her book, The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success––Without Losing Your Edge, was published by Hachette Book Group in September 2024.

• Book: The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success―Without Losing Your Edge

— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —

• Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Figure: William James

• Product: Oura Ring

• Product: Garmin watch

• Product: Fitbit

— THANK YOU SPONSORS! —

• Earth Breeze. Get 40% off your subscription at earthbreeze.com/AWESOME

• BambooHR. See all that BambooHR can do at bamboohr.com/freedemo

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.