Burnout studies have illuminated a concerning trend: individuals identified as high achievers, perfectionists, and people pleasers are exhibiting increased susceptibility to burning out. The relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with an inherent desire to meet external expectations, often leads to chronic stress and eventual exhaustion.
A 2024 article by the American Psychological Association highlights the mounting pressures young people face to succeed, noting that this high-stakes culture contributes significantly to mental health challenges, including overwhelm and chronic stress.
Recognising the early signs of burnout is crucial. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, emotional numbness, and a decline in work performance should not be ignored. Early intervention through specialised treatment and prevention coaching can be instrumental in mitigating the adverse effects.
Transactional Analysis (TA), a psychotherapeutic approach, has shown promise in addressing chronic stress and decline. By analysing and improving interpersonal interactions, TA helps individuals understand and modify behaviour patterns that contribute to stress. A study published in the International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice discusses the development of a diagnostic tool for addressing this issue, emphasising the utility of TA in both individual and organisational contexts.
How Transactional Analysis Helps People-Pleasers, Perfectionists, and High Achievers Avoid Stress & Overwhelm
Burning out is a common struggle for people-pleasers, perfectionists, and high achievers, yet they often push themselves beyond their limits before recognising the signs. TA is a psychological framework developed by Eric Berne, offers powerful insights into the unconscious patterns that drives one to burn out and provides practical strategies for change.
Understanding the Drivers Behind Chronic Stress & Overwhelm
TA identifies five unconscious “drivers” that shape behavior:
- “Please Others” – Common in people-pleasers, this driver fuels an endless need for approval, leading to overcommitment.
- “Be Perfect” – The hallmark of perfectionists, it fosters unrealistic expectations and chronic self-criticism.
- “Be Strong” – Frequently seen in high achievers, this driver suppresses vulnerability, making it difficult to rest or ask for help.
These drivers are rooted in early life scripts—internalized messages about what we must do to be accepted or valued. When left unchecked, they lead to overworking, stress, and eventually chronic health problems .
Rewriting the Script for a Healthier Approach
TA helps individuals identify their personal “script” and rewrite it for greater well-being. By working with the three ego states—Parent (learned rules), Adult (rational thinking), and Child (emotional responses)—people can break free from automatic behaviors that lead to exhaustion.
- People-pleasers can challenge the belief that their worth depends on making others happy and practice setting healthy boundaries.
- Perfectionists can shift from rigid self-criticism to self-compassion, recognizing that good enough is often more sustainable than perfect.
- High achievers can reconnect with their needs and emotions, learning that success doesn’t require constant self-sacrifice.
From Awareness to Action
TA offers practical tools like recognizing ego-state shifts, reframing internal messages, and developing a healthier internal dialogue. By integrating these insights, individuals can work smarter—not harder—reducing the risk of burning out while still achieving success.
For those struggling with relentless pressure, TA is a roadmap to lasting change—one that fosters achievement without self-destruction.
If you identify with traits of high achievement, perfectionism, or people-pleasing, it’s essential to be vigilant about your mental health. Seeking support from professionals experienced in chronic stress prevention and treatment can be a proactive step toward maintaining balance and achieving long-term fulfilment.
Institutions, like The Mind Institute, led by Dr. Matt and Francesca Shorrock, specialise in providing tailored interventions for prevention and recovery. By leveraging approaches such as evidence based approaches like Transactional Analysis, they offer clients effective strategies to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and foster sustainable success without compromising well-being. Services are available in person (at their practice in Vienna) or online. In any case, you can reach them here.
