You know that rush you get when you hit a goal—the quick dopamine spike that makes you feel unstoppable… until it fades, and you’re already chasing the next thing?

In this episode of The Happy Stack Podcast, I dig into what I call achievement addiction—the hidden dependency high performers develop when their self-worth gets tied to results instead of identity.

I break down the neuroscience behind why achievements stop feeling fulfilling, the real cost of living in constant overdrive, and how to build what I call identity wholeness—so you can strive from a place of peace, not pressure.

If success feels good for only a moment, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

Achievement addiction is a dopamine loop that keeps high performers chasing temporary highs

It’s not a productivity issue—it’s an identity issue

Rest can feel uncomfortable because your nervous system links safety to achievement

Seven signs you may be in the loop: overworking, avoiding rest, downplaying wins, and tying your mood to output

Five steps to break the pattern:

Name your narrative – Identify the beliefs driving your worth

Celebrate with a pause – Let your nervous system feel the win

Create non-productive joy – Practice doing things without outcomes

Detach self-worth from numbers – Track integrity, kindness, and presence

Anchor in wholeness – Use mantras like “I am not what I do. I am who I am becoming.”

Links and Resources:

Follow Terri-Ann Richards: https://terriannrichards.com/

The Happy Stack Newsletter: https://happystack.substack.com/

Success Takes Courage Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Success-Takes-Courage-Inside-Out-Achievement-ebook/dp/B0BKWNT142

If this episode hit home, share it with a fellow high achiever who’s stuck in the chase.

Subscribe, leave a review, and remember: your worth isn’t measured in metrics—it’s rooted in who you are, not what you do.

Let’s keep stacking wins that actually mean something.