Top 5 struggles of the high-achieving empathetic man

Being a man who is naturally empathetic and a high achiever can be a real doozy for some, including me.

On one hand we want to lead mankind into a better world and strive towards our extremely lofty goals, but on the other hand we don’t want to piss anyone off, and we carry everyone’s suffering on our shoulders.

If this is you, you’re not alone.

Here are the top 5 struggles empathetic high-achieving men deal with, which only empathic high-achieving men will understand.

1. Highly sensitive

You are naturally attuned to the emotions of others, and deeply affected by them, especially those you care about. Compassion becomes second nature, but so much so, you feel the need to take others emotions on yourself and carry it around with you, in attempt to protect them. Often your happiness is dependent on whether those around you are happy. The heavy energy stops you from taking bold action.

2. Need for solitude

Sometimes feeling everyone’s emotions becomes overwhelming, so you isolate yourself to recharge. However, sometimes isolation becomes lengthy avoidance, creating stagnation. E.g. Avoiding conflict, withdrawing love in relationship, suppress expressing needs and emotions, and procrastination.

3. Introverted tendencies

Many empathetic men prefer one on one interactions rather than be in a large group due to overwhelm. This can prevent showcasing one’s ideas, talents and wisdom to a larger audience, and contributes to an unfulfilled potential, never being recognised for the value these men bring.

4. Fear of being seen

To have the full attention of a room, take up space and be seen is another overwhelming and uncomfortable prospect. It’s easier to deflect attention, blend into the background or let others shine instead. These men remain playing small or keep themselves small in order to make others feel more comfortable or deflect attention from themselves. Again, this man never meets his true potential.

5. Prone to over-giving

These men struggle to say no and will be more forthcoming to support others, often at their own expense. Easily distracted by others requests and pays the price of loss in focus, time and energy for their own needs and desires.

If this is you, you’re more common than you may realise.

The key to transforming yourself and move towards your potential is to:

• Embrace your empathy as a gift, one that can serve others greatly if used with discernment.

• Learn to set boundaries around your time and energy, so you choose when to share your care and nervous system with others.

• Create a consistent practice of processing and releasing your emotions e.g. Breathwork, exercise and time in nature.

When the high-achieving, empathetic man learns to protect his energy and confidently reveal his gifts, he can finally free himself from burden, experiencing deep fulfilment in his work and the freedom to be his true self.