A Common Over-Achiever's Clapback | The Odyssey Online
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A Common Over-Achiever's Clapback

Answers to the ones who say "you work too much"

Ashley A Powell
May 24, 2016
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
22
A Common Over-Achiever's Clapback
Pexels

You work too much!

When will you relax?!

A deep sigh takes over. Why can't people understand that I have goals, and I just want to do well?

"You stress too much!" They say.

Well, I care about my work, and I refuse to provide anything but quality. Seriously, I am tired of explaining why I want to do well. I thought that most people would want to do well anyway. When did it become okay for a person not to excel in something? (Do you feel a rant coming?)

I have always been an over-achiever. I've earned great grades, practiced until it became habit (or until committed to memory) and made sure my work was always handed in on time. I did not have time for obstacles or excuses to affect the kind of work I provided. Yes, I'm a perfectionist. It was surprising when I worked for some companies and attended some college classes where others did not give their best and were actually okay with it.

This may sound a little judgy, but why be lazy? Why limit your opportunities simply because you don't feel like doing the work? I have never understood this concept.

My concern is when these lazy people ask why I am working hard. My answer usually looks like this: I don't want to miss out on an opportunity or have to explain why I didn't do well in something. I don't want to get denied a great opportunity simply because something (whatever that something is) wasn't good enough. I want to have as many eggs as I can in my basket, and I would hope that you would too.

I also don't want to be forced to go to work when I'm 60. I want to grind in my 20's, build in my 30's and chill in my 40's. Okay, maybe not this exact timeline, but I don't want to do hard labor when my body can no longer take it. So yes, I'm choosing to bust my butt now.

I want to work as much as I can so I can build a legacy. I don't want to be broke all the time. I don't want to buy clothes that will go out of style quickly (not saying there is anything wrong with this). I hate debt. And if that means I have to grind now, then I will. There is a bigger picture that I am pressing for.

The only thing I have to say to you, though, is don't ask me why I am working hard and expect yourself to be uninspired. Seriously, get going. You owe this to yourself.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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