The torments faced by top achievers

We often look at top achievers in a way as if they are the luckiest people alive. But we often tend to forget the ways in which they reached that position. Sure, its sweet to hold a top position, be the C.E.O , get first rank, earn millions of dollars, score over 10000 runs from just a few cricket matches, star in all the mega hit films, hold the mega share in the market but the amount of stress that these high achievers go through is often ignored.

The people are to blame up to a level for this kind of treatment. When a sports team wins 10 matches they are given every honor possible by the country not to mention the big bucks they earn. But lose one match and you are dead. All of a sudden the world goes upside down. The people who cheered for you suddenly start throwing stones at your home. Discussions arise on why you were unable to live up to your previous standards. Talk-shows show up discussing your downfall. All this mess just because you failed one single match?

Another example; take the case of a student who consistently scores very well. He might have been in that position for quite a while but people don’t give him the appreciation as in the beginning. But once he fails to score above certain bars, he’s kicked off. People suddenly turn against him. Teachers wonder whether the student is going off track. Again, all of this just because he failed once!

A lot of work and struggle is put in by these high achievers to get to a level. A lot of people participate. Out of that a mere fraction succeeds. Out of that an even tinier fraction is able to hold their positions at the top. But everyone might not be able to act consistently all their lives. Downfalls do occur and it just shows you are human.

People should take care not to pressure others. Yes, the intention may be for their own good but in that situation they might not be able to see it. If the entire world turns to you, some people might even lose hope. The best way is to stay silent and to encourage them. Instead of firing them, make them feel calm by soothing them. Kind words go a long way in helping a person recover. Remember mental illness affects us more than physical illness.

The high achievers should also take care not to get discouraged by one failure. Take it as a challenge to help you stride forward in your future endeavors. After all, failure is the stepping stone to success.

It’s tough to get the lead.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Butit’s Even tougher, to keep it!

-Unknown author