An overachiever has an intense desire to succeed and often goes above and beyond in their studies or work efforts. The classic overachiever is usually a [perfectionist](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-overcome-perfectionism) who has a fear of failure. Overachievers set higher-reaching goals for themselves than those of their peers or coworkers. 

Overachievers might be known as workaholics in professional settings or know-it-alls at college or in high school. Being an overachiever is not necessarily harmful, but prioritizing [self-worth](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-love-yourself-and-be-confident) and mental health is ultimately more important than devoting yourself entirely to a single effort.
Overachievers and high performers are both people who objectively succeed in their academic and professional settings, but their attitudes differ. Overachievers may favor their professional life over their personal life, putting in many hours to be a step ahead, which may cause resentment amongst coworkers and peers. Overachievers may also experience [burnout](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-burnout) because of all their extra work.

High performers, however, might have more of a natural knack for their field or put in effort in an unshowy way to attain success. Teachers, students, managers, and coworkers often respect high achievers at schools and offices.
There are a few ways to tell if someone is an overachiever. Consider the following common traits:

1. __Burnout__: Overachievers may burn bright but fast; the extra effort to get ahead and succeed can drain and take a toll on one’s mental health and self-esteem.
2. __Expansive knowledge__: Overachievers are studious and knowledgeable in their field. They usually put in more effort than others to attain this know-how.
3. __Strong drive__: A passion for succeeding in the workplace and climbing the corporate ladder or being an A student in the classroom through long study sessions are indicators of an overachiever. 
4. __Unhealthy work-life balance__: Overachievers typically work long hours, which can adversely affect their personal life and strain relationships with loved ones.
If being an overachiever comes at a cost, you may take the following steps to alleviate this stress:

1. __Connect with others__. Find time to refresh your mind with other people away from work. Going out for meals or walking with friends and peers opens your mind and relieves stress.
2. __Take breaks__. Overachievers often prioritize work over wellness. Taking breaks to stretch, walk, and eat healthy snacks throughout the day is essential.
3. __Look at the bigger picture__. Overachievers should zoom out and analyze which efforts are most important and which are superfluous. Learning how to cut out unnecessary work can save you stress.
4. __Set time aside for hobbies__. Find what makes you happy—reading books, sewing, watching a favorite TV series—and lean into those activities. Scheduling time for pleasure activities can help relieve stress and prevent burnout.
Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.
Overachievers are workers and students who set very high standards to yield the best results, sometimes to the detriment of their well-being. Learn how overachievers can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Overachievers are workers and students who set very high standards to yield the best results, sometimes to the detriment of their well-being. Learn how overachievers can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Overachiever Meaning: 4 Sign You’re an Overachiever

An overachiever has an intense desire to succeed and often goes above and beyond in their studies or work efforts. The classic overachiever is usually a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-overcome-perfectionism' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-overcome-perfectionism","linkCopy":"perfectionist","category":null}'>perfectionist</a> who has a fear of failure. Overachievers set higher-reaching goals for themselves than those of their peers or coworkers. Overachievers might be known as workaholics in professional settings or know-it-alls at college or in high school. Being an overachiever is not necessarily harmful, but prioritizing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-love-yourself-and-be-confident' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-love-yourself-and-be-confident","linkCopy":"self-worth","category":null}'>self-worth</a> and mental health is ultimately more important than devoting yourself entirely to a single effort.

What Is an Overachiever?

Overachievers and high performers are both people who objectively succeed in their academic and professional settings, but their attitudes differ. Overachievers may favor their professional life over their personal life, putting in many hours to be a step ahead, which may cause resentment amongst coworkers and peers. Overachievers may also experience <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-burnout' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-burnout","linkCopy":"burnout","category":null}'>burnout</a> because of all their extra work.High performers, however, might have more of a natural knack for their field or put in effort in an unshowy way to attain success. Teachers, students, managers, and coworkers often respect high achievers at schools and offices.

Overachiever vs. High Performer: What’s the Difference?

There are a few ways to tell if someone is an overachiever. Consider the following common traits:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Burnout: Overachievers may burn bright but fast; the extra effort to get ahead and succeed can drain and take a toll on one’s mental health and self-esteem. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Expansive knowledge: Overachievers are studious and knowledgeable in their field. They usually put in more effort than others to attain this know-how. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Strong drive: A passion for succeeding in the workplace and climbing the corporate ladder or being an A student in the classroom through long study sessions are indicators of an overachiever. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Unhealthy work-life balance: Overachievers typically work long hours, which can adversely affect their personal life and strain relationships with loved ones. </li></ol>

4 Signs of an Overachiever

If being an overachiever comes at a cost, you may take the following steps to alleviate this stress:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Connect with others. Find time to refresh your mind with other people away from work. Going out for meals or walking with friends and peers opens your mind and relieves stress. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Take breaks. Overachievers often prioritize work over wellness. Taking breaks to stretch, walk, and eat healthy snacks throughout the day is essential. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Look at the bigger picture. Overachievers should zoom out and analyze which efforts are most important and which are superfluous. Learning how to cut out unnecessary work can save you stress. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Set time aside for hobbies. Find what makes you happy—reading books, sewing, watching a favorite TV series—and lean into those activities. Scheduling time for pleasure activities can help relieve stress and prevent burnout. </li></ol>

4 Ways Overachievers Can Alleviate Stress

Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.

You’re Worth It

Overachievers are workers and students who set very high standards to yield the best results, sometimes to the detriment of their well-being. Learn how overachievers can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Overachievers are workers and students who set very high standards to yield the best results, sometimes to the detriment of their well-being. Learn how overachievers can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.


Female in a black blazer walking on a city sidewalk with her cell phone in her hands. 