Chapter 1: Understanding the Post-Achievement Experience

At the age of 21, I reached what I considered one of my most significant goals: securing a graduate position after a year and a half of hard work. So, when I heard the words, "we would love to offer you a place on our graduate scheme," I was taken aback by my muted response. Instead of joy, I felt a sense of disappointment, almost as if I was worse off than before. It was astounding to achieve something I had long desired, yet I found myself feeling low.

This prompted me to delve into research, and I stumbled upon the phenomenon I now refer to as "post-achievement blues." Although the term might not be entirely fitting, it captures the essence of the post-Olympic depression experienced by athletes. This feeling often arises from the daunting question of "what's next?" or when the reality of success doesn’t align with the grand vision we had in our minds.

Consider the dramatic Formula 1 finale of 2022, where Max Verstappen celebrated his first championship victory. As he stood on the podium amid cheers and confetti, the image projected behind him was one of triumph. However, moments later, the scene shifted to him sitting in a bare control room alongside his father, surrounded by wires and lacking proper seating. While this moment might not directly lead to post-achievement blues, it’s likely that young Verstappen didn't envision this backdrop while dreaming of becoming a world champion.

I first learned about "post-achievement blues" during an episode of the Diary of a CEO podcast featuring Stephen Bartlett. He recounted feeling an overwhelming sense of emptiness after receiving a £300 million offer for his business, a goal he had pursued his entire life. This profound sense of disappointment in the face of success is striking. On the same podcast, Jordan Peterson noted that humans are wired to pursue ever-greater challenges. We may pause to admire our accomplishments briefly, but naturally, we seek the next mountain to climb.

"Competing in the Olympics can be associated with highly positive experiences such as national and international recognition, fulfilment of life-long goals, and attainment of financial benefit."

Athletes like Naomi Osaka have increasingly highlighted the importance of mental health within the sports community. This scrutiny prompts a critical reflection: why do we assume that success automatically resolves mental health issues? In fact, for some, like myself, success can even lead to unexpected emotional turmoil.

This trend is perhaps most evident in the life of Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history. If he, despite his monumental success, has faced post-Olympic depression, it underscores why others might experience similar feelings. "Really, after every Olympics, I think I fell into a major state of depression," Phelps has stated. His description of Olympic victories as "explosions" serves as a metaphor for the inevitable darkness that follows such bright moments.

If elite athletes can experience these feelings, it stands to reason that anyone might grapple with feelings of dissatisfaction or sadness after reaching their goals. Anecdotally, such feelings can also be accompanied by guilt, as we question why we should feel this way when our biggest issue stems from success. However, it’s important to recognize that these feelings are valid and should not be dismissed.

This experience is shared by professional athletes who have reached the pinnacle of physical achievement, as well as entrepreneurs whose businesses are valued far beyond what one needs for a comfortable life. Personally, I found my way back to normalcy after about a week. It turned out I was grieving the conclusion of a significant chapter in my life. As cliché as it may sound, it was the journey that brought the real joy. I failed to grasp that a new journey was on the horizon, filled with opportunities tied to my new job and relocation.

I encourage you to reflect on whether you’ve considered the next chapter that begins amid the shadows of a previous journey’s conclusion. Embrace the shared nature of this experience, acknowledging that many successful individuals worldwide have navigated similar emotional landscapes after achieving their dreams.

Chapter 2: Embracing New Journeys

Find solace in the understanding that the emotional complexities surrounding achievement are part of the human experience.