Why Being Still May Be the Superpower High Achievers Are Missing
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Written by Bill Bloom, Founder/Retirement Purpose Coach
Bill is the founder of Bloom Financial and Diane Money, where he helps people prepare for a confident and meaningful retirement. Drawing on decades of experience in financial planning and retirement education, he empowers individuals to align their finances with the life they want to live.
A year ago, I began my spiritual journey, a journey that has me questioning everything in life. All my life, I have been able to perform at high levels in sports, school, and other areas. I always felt that if I performed, I would be accepted or loved.
That same mindset carried over into adulthood. I made MDRT in my first year in the biz. My goal was to get a Rolex. Boy, was I proud to accomplish this back in the day. I was 23 at the time.
I think I’ve always been self-reliant, too, helping others and being there for them. That comes at a cost. You do not get the chance to just be unless you allow yourself to. You are always looking to fix a problem or find a solution.
The brain runs through an array of situations that probably do not need fixing. I have felt like this for the past two years, really. I would get something that I thought would make me happy, but the shiny object syndrome wears off pretty fast.
Having the ability to be still and not look for things to fix is such a skill for a high-achieving person. Almost a superpower.
Giving up a part of yourself to keep the peace will never work in the end. I saw my own pattern of this almost play out again today, and I stopped it. My internal self was screaming at me to stop.
And it felt so good to listen. Does making others happy, or making yourself happy, really make a difference in life? Letting go to the beat of growth and happiness can be ever fleeting.
I definitely do not have all the answers at this point. At 40, it is almost as if quiet surroundings have invited me to pause, stop, and breathe. To question what I thought life should be about and let others be in their own heads as well.
As I tell my kids, you do not have to prove others right. Follow your heart. Follow your soul. Listen to yourself. It is okay to let others be in their own worlds.
As I read my journal from a year ago, it is fascinating to see how I have accomplished certain things, lost interest in others, and allowed myself to be okay with it all.
When a person searches for meaning, sometimes not searching is what brings it to them when they are ready.
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Read more from Bill Bloom
Bill Bloom, Founder/Retirement Purpose Coach
Bill is the founder of Bloom Financial and Diane Money, where he has spent decades helping individuals and families prepare for retirement with confidence. His work extends beyond financial planning, focusing on helping people navigate the emotional and lifestyle transition into retirement with purpose and clarity. Through his writing, speaking, and educational programs, Bill equips readers with practical strategies to make informed financial decisions and build a fulfilling life after work. His mission is to help people retire with confidence, purpose, and peace of mind.
