Success can be a tricky thing. On one hand, you’re at the top of your game, achieving goals and smashing targets. But on the other hand, sometimes the higher you climb, the lonelier it gets.

Strangely enough, many highly ‘successful’ people often struggle to truly enjoy life. There’s a paradox in reaching your ambitions and yet feeling unsatisfied or unfulfilled.

I’ve noticed that these individuals usually display certain behaviors that seem to be common amongst them.

In this article, we’ll explore these 7 behaviors that are often found in successful people who struggle to actually enjoy their accomplished lives. It’s an interesting dichotomy and one that might give some insight into the balance between success and happiness.

1) Constant craving for more

Success can sometimes be an insatiable beast. No matter the feats already accomplished, there’s always a burning desire for more.

This is a common behavior among people who are highly ‘successful’ but struggle to truly enjoy life. Despite their accomplishments, they’re perpetually chasing the next big thing, never pausing to appreciate what they have achieved.

Perhaps it’s another milestone in their business, or an even more polished version of that crucial document. It’s like they’re on a treadmill, continually moving but never truly reaching their destination.

This constant craving for more can often lead to feelings of discontentment and restlessness, overshadowing the joy of their success. And while ambition is not a bad thing, failing to find contentment in one’s achievements can lead to a lack of enjoyment in life.

So, if you notice an unending desire for more accomplishments without taking a moment to appreciate your current success, you might be displaying this behavior.

2) Struggling to switch off

Now, this is a behavior I can personally relate to.

In my pursuit of success, I found myself unable to switch off from work. Whether it was late-night editing sessions for a client halfway across the world or brainstorming new strategies for business growth on weekends, work was always on my mind.

I realized that my dedication to work was spilling over into my personal life. Weekends were no longer about relaxation and rejuvenation. Instead, they morphed into extended workdays with a different office setup.

The result? Burnout and a lingering feeling of dissatisfaction despite all the professional success. I was successful, but I wasn’t actually enjoying life.

It took some time and introspection for me to understand that not being able to switch off from work was preventing me from savouring the fruits of my labor.

It’s a lesson well learned and a behavior I am consciously working on changing. If you’re doing the same, remember: it’s okay to switch off sometimes.

3) Lack of mindfulness

In the whirlwind of success and constant achievement, it’s easy to lose touch with the present moment. And this is a common behavior that successful individuals who struggle to enjoy life often display – a lack of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, simply put, is the practice of being fully engaged in the present moment. It’s about appreciating the now, rather than incessantly worrying about future goals or dwelling on past achievements.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into this concept and share practical exercises to cultivate mindfulness. Because embracing the present moment can significantly enhance our ability to enjoy life.

When we neglect mindfulness, we miss out on the simple joys that life offers right now. We’re so engrossed in our own world of aspirations and achievements that we forget to live in the moment and savour our current successes.

If you find yourself constantly on autopilot, rushing from one goal to another without truly experiencing your journey, it might be time to slow down and embrace mindfulness. It could be your key to not only achieving success but also enjoying it.

4) Neglecting personal relationships

Balancing a high-flying career or business with personal relationships can be a real challenge. Often, the successful people who struggle to truly enjoy life are those who’ve let their work take precedence over their personal relationships.

Between meeting tight deadlines and striving for perfection in every project, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of nurturing relationships with family and friends.

There was a time when I’d often miss family dinners or catch-up sessions with friends because of work commitments. The result? Not only did I end up feeling lonely at times, but I also missed out on the joy and support that comes from strong personal relationships.

Success is undoubtedly important, but it’s the people in our lives who help us celebrate our achievements and pick us up when we stumble.

If you’re finding your relationships taking a backseat to your work, it might be time to reevaluate your priorities. After all, what’s success without loved ones to share it with?

5) Fear of failure

Now, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive. How can successful people be afraid of failure? But often, it’s the fear of losing their success that haunts them.

Highly successful individuals often put immense pressure on themselves to maintain their success. The thought of making a mistake or experiencing a setback can be terrifying.

This fear of failure can become all-consuming, preventing them from taking risks or trying new things.

Ironically, this fear can rob them of their ability to enjoy their success. They’re so worried about falling from grace that they don’t allow themselves to truly relish their achievements.

So, if you’re constantly living in fear of making a mistake or losing your success, you might be displaying this behavior. Remember, failure is just a stepping stone to success, and taking calculated risks can open up new avenues for growth and enjoyment.

6) Ignoring self-care

In the quest for success, self-care often takes a backseat. Many successful individuals put their personal well-being on hold as they focus on achieving their goals.

This can involve sacrificing sleep, ignoring a healthy diet, or skipping exercise. Over time, neglecting self-care can lead to physical and mental health issues such as chronic fatigue, stress, or even burnout.

Moreover, when we ignore self-care, we also tend to lose touch with our own needs and desires. We become so focused on external achievements that we forget to listen to our own bodies and minds.

So, if you find yourself neglecting your physical or mental well-being in the pursuit of success, it’s crucial to step back and reassess. Prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success and enjoyment in life.

7) Neglecting personal growth

Personal growth and learning are lifelong processes. They enrich our lives, broaden our perspectives, and contribute to our overall happiness.

Yet, some successful people become so engrossed in their careers or businesses that they neglect their own personal growth. They stop learning new skills, exploring new interests, or stepping out of their comfort zones.

This stagnation can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, despite professional success.

So remember, never let your thirst for knowledge dry up. Continually strive for personal growth, not just professional. It’s this constant evolution that keeps life interesting and enjoyable.

The essence of true success

At the heart of it all, life is about balance. Success, while rewarding, can sometimes blind us to the simple joys that make life truly worth living.

The underlying thread that ties all these behaviors together is the lack of mindful presence in one’s own life. It’s about being so caught up in achieving and maintaining success that one forgets to truly live and enjoy the journey.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve into how embracing mindfulness can transform our approach towards success and life in general.

Because at the end of the day, true success isn’t just about achievements and accolades. It’s also about enjoying the journey, appreciating our accomplishments, nurturing relationships, and growing as individuals.

As you navigate your path to success, remember to pause, breathe, and take in the scenery. After all, life isn’t a race to the finish line; it’s a journey to be savored. Because what good is success if we can’t truly enjoy it?