Burnout, Comparison, and the Cost of Chasing Someone Else’s Goals

One of the most underrated causes of burnout? Trying to live out someone else’s definition of success.

Whether comparing salaries, chasing promotion timelines, or mimicking someone else’s leadership style, we often forget to ask the most important question: Do I even want that version of success?

The moment you stop asking that, you risk losing your direction entirely.

When we chase someone else’s goals:

• We speed up beyond our natural pace

• We lose track of our values

• We become more reactive, less reflective

We can be inspired by others and learn from mentors, but we need to filter everything through our lens.

Leadership isn’t about staying in your lane. It’s about knowing which lane you want to run in and why.

Here’s your reframe: If your success doesn’t feel fulfilling, it might not be yours.

Before you chase more, pause. Ask yourself if what you're chasing aligns with how you want to lead, live, and show up.

Knowing our TRUE values can help us determine our definition of success. Download this list of values and see what your Top 5 would be. For me, some of my biggest values are around solitude and nature. While I appreciate honesty, commitment, and family, which people often describe as “good” values, I also need nature and solitude regularly. I’m a better person when I can have that time alone to recharge.