I'm involved. I work hard. I spend way too much time color-coding my over-sized planner and taking joy in writing matching color-coded sticky notes to go with my planner. I'm the one that takes charge in group projects and sets deadlines for weeks in advance, and I'm usually the only one who isn't afraid to call you out on not pulling your weight. So here are my top ten confessions as an overachiever, which I know some of you will relate to (and if you don't, maybe it'll help you understand me and people like me better).
10. There's no such thing as being over-committed.
If I'm capable and I have 20 minutes of free time, sign me up.
9. Eight hours of sleep isn't possible.
Because at least three of those eight hours could've been spent being productive.
8. On time means you're late.
I'm time-sensitive, and I expect you will be too. The five minutes that I spent waiting on your lazy self could've been well-spent actually achieving something and now you've put me five minutes behind in my planner. Forgive me for being a little upset with you, but try to understand that I operate on a strict time schedule. I'm like your doctor's office- I wish I could charge a fee for being late, and I hate to reschedule.
7. I start group projects when they're assigned, not the night before they're due.
As ridiculous as group projects are, I know I'm more invested in this than you are, and I'm sorry for staying on your backside about getting your part done. I apologize in advance for nagging you, but I'm not sorry that we'll get a better-than-average grade. You're welcome.
6. It bothers me when you get a condescending tone with me about being an over-achiever.
Don't rag on me for the way I choose to live my life. Just like I won't rag on you for yours.
5. My mom loves me.
Therefore I don't need your approval.
4. Don't hate me 'cause you ain't me.
No explanation needed.
3. Success is my top priority.
Because being successful makes me happy.
2. No, I'm not an overachiever because of some pent-up feeling that I'm not worthy of being loved, or that I have to have a laundry list of accomplishments to feel like I am worthy of belonging.
I'm perfectly fine and mentally very healthy. Don't whisper about some conjured up diagnosis that you think you're qualified to make just because my resume looks better than yours.
1. I care.
I'm a student just like you are, but I care so much about my resume and my GPA that I'm willing to give up absolutely anything to be the best. I've decided to live the over-achiever life because it gives me the security of knowing I did my best. #noregrets
So the next time you're paired with someone like me for a group project, try to be a little more understanding, and then I will be too.
