When Your Drive Becomes Your Downfall

#LeadandLift | Episode 138 | Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

You’ve always been the go-getter, the leader, the achiever, the one who delivers results no matter what.

You hit the targets, exceed expectations, and inspire those around you.

But lately… something feels off.

The late nights, the endless to-do lists, the constant pressure — it’s catching up. You feel like you’re sprinting a marathon that never ends.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

“Your drive, the very thing that made you successful can also be your downfall.”
— Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

You’ve probably said things like:
“I just need to push harder.”
“If I can just get through this week, it’ll get better.”

But here’s the truth: the very drive that got you to the top can also push you straight into burnout.

In this episode of the Lead and Lift Podcast, I uncover the hidden reason high achievers burn out and how you can reignite your energy without losing your edge.

Drive Without Awareness Leads to Burnout

Your ambition is like a race car engine — powerful, fast, and full of potential.
But without proper maintenance, even the best engines overheat.

Have you ever said:

• “I don’t have time to rest.”
• “If I slow down, everything falls apart.”
• “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

I once worked with an incredible leader who wore exhaustion like a badge of honor. She skipped lunch, powered through breaks, and took pride in working late. But despite all her effort, her performance was slipping not because she lacked skill, but because she was running on empty.

High performance isn’t about doing more.  

Brendon Burchard, my coach and the #1 high performance coach, defines high performance as "succeeding beyond standard norms consistently, over the long term, while maintaining positive well-being and relationships.”

As a Certified High Performance Coach, I teach my clients that true high performance means success without sacrifice. It’s built on six key habits that help you sustain energy, focus, and joy.

Action Step:

👉 Schedule intentional breaks. Even 10–15 minutes between high-focus tasks can prevent mental and physical overload. Think of it as refueling your engine, not wasting time.

Your Identity Is Too Tied to Your Achievements

Imagine a kite flying high and your drive is the wind. But if the string is tangled up in your self-worth, one strong gust can bring everything crashing down.

Have you ever said:

• “I am my work.”
• “If I’m not productive, I’m failing.”
• “I need to keep proving myself.”

That’s the trap many high achievers fall into.

I’ve been there too. When I was laid off from corporate, I realized how tightly my identity was tied to my job title. I had to rebuild who I was, not as an employee, but as a person. That journey led me to entrepreneurship and coaching, where I learned how to find balance, joy, and purpose again.

“Work is just one part of your life. Success is empty if you win alone or can’t enjoy what you’ve built.”— Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

John Maxwell says, “Yesterday ended last night."

Any success or failure ends that day, and then you start over. 

That mindset helps me create new wins daily, instead of clinging to yesterday’s achievements.

Action Step:

👉 Identify one non-work activity that brings you joy or fulfillment and protect it fiercely. Hobbies, relationships, and wellness routines keep your identity anchored beyond your results. Remember: You are a person, not a job title.

Sustainable Performance Requires Energy Management, Not Just Effort

Think of yourself like a smartphone. You can charge it to 100%, but if you keep running every app without closing any, your battery drains fast.

Many leaders believe rest is a luxury they can’t afford. But that belief is what drains them the most.

High performers don’t just manage their time; they manage their energy.

“Energy is a high-performance habit. The best leaders know how to protect, renew, and direct it where it matters most.” — Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

When you manage energy, you last longer in the race. You show up more present, productive, and purposeful not just at work, but in life.

Action Step:

👉 Conduct an energy audit. Track your energy highs and lows throughout the day. Schedule your most important work when your energy peaks and save admin or low-focus tasks for your natural dips.

It’s one of the simplest shifts that will transform how you lead and live.

Reignite Your Energy and Lead with Intention

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak.  It means your drive has gone unchecked.
You don’t need to lose your ambition; you just need to manage it better.

Most high achievers grow fastest when they:
✅ Reflect intentionally on energy and priorities.
✅ Seek guidance from coaches or mentors who can spot blind spots.
✅ Build routines that protect results and well-being.

If you’re ready to reclaim your energy and operate at your highest level — without burning out — I invite you to apply for High Performance Coaching.

Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you:
🌟 Lead with clarity and confidence
🌟 Reignite your energy
🌟 Achieve success that feels as good as it looks

👉 Apply now at LeadAndLift.com/coaching 

“You’re not doing too little — you’re just doing too much without intention.”— Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath 

Your drive and ambition are gifts but unchecked, they can become your downfall.

The secret to sustainable success isn’t doing more; it’s doing more intentionally.

So before you push through another late night or skip another break, remember:
You’re not a machine. You’re a leader and your energy is your greatest asset.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Chabidaye Facebook
• Chabidaye Instagram
• Chabidaye LinkedIn
• Chabidaye Website