In today’s episode, we discuss the psychology of high achievement and sustainable success with Dr. Mary Anderson, who has helped countless professionals break free from burnout while maintaining their edge. She is the author of The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success Without Losing Your Edge. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Mary Anderson as she unpacks the psychology of high achievement and the hidden mental traps that hold ambitious professionals back. Why do so many high achievers struggle with burnout, stress, and self-doubt? How can we shift from relentless perfectionism to sustainable excellence?  What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 Why do high achievers often feel unfulfilled despite their success? What are the most common self-sabotaging behaviors that high performers struggle with? The S.E.L.F. Formula: Four Pillars of Sustainable Success – 00:04:10 How does exercise directly impact cognitive function and productivity? What simple habit can boost your motivation and prevent burnout? The Troublesome Trifecta: Cognitive Distortions Holding You Back – 00:14:29 What are cognitive distortions, and how do they undermine confidence and success? How does perfectionism limit growth, and what’s a better alternative? Breaking Free from Perfectionism and Impostor Syndrome – 00:26:27 How can high achievers reframe mistakes to fuel progress instead of anxiety? What practical mindset shift helps overcome the fear of failure? The Power of Small Victories – 00:35:01 How can high achievers reframe negative self-talk to break the cycle of avoidance? What simple litmus test helps identify harmful thought patterns? Rewiring Your Brain for Success with the "Thank You, Maui" Practice – 00:47:55 How can high achievers reprogram their thinking to enjoy both success and happiness? What is the one mindset shift that immediately lowers stress and enhances performance? A Word From Our Sponsors Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities! Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy! Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. Upgrade your space with Thuma—where modern design meets craftsmanship and functionality. Get $100 off your first bed purchase at thuma.co/charm. Curious about your influence level?  Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Resources from this Episode Dr Mary Anderson’s website The Happy High Achiever: 8 Essentials to Overcome Anxiety, Manage Stress, and Energize Yourself for Success Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices