The Achievement Hangover

In this episode of "Frustrated and Exhausted," I dive into the concept of the "achievement hangover"—that letdown or slump in energy and mood after reaching a major professional milestone. They explore why, after striving hard for a goal and achieving it, you might not feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. The discussion also covers societal and organizational expectations, particularly for women, and offers practical advice for processing these feelings and navigating the aftermath of achievement.Timestamps & Topics00:00:22 – What Is the Achievement Hangover?Description of the phenomenon: achieving a goal but feeling let down afterward.Personal experiences with intense goal focus.00:02:12 External Success vs. Internal FulfillmentThe discrepancy between what success looks like from the outside versus how it feels inside.The neuroscience behind the short-lived dopamine hits from achievement.00:03:54 Conforming to External ExpectationsHow working towards goals set by others—especially in hierarchical or traditional environmentscan mean sidelining personal values and creativity.The impact of performance mode versus genuine embodiment of leadership roles.00:07:03Advice: Pausing and ReflectingEncouragement to sit with feelings after achieving a goal rather than jumping to the next one.Suggestions to reflect on expectations versus reality, reconnect with personal values, and envision success on your own terms.00:08:40 Processing the Gap Between Expectation and RealityPermission to grieve the disappointment and recognize it's a common experience.  Framing the experience as a turning point, not a failure.If you’ve got stories, questions, or thoughts about the achievement hangover, don’t hesitate to reach out!Connect with Ruth:Instagram LinkedIn Website