Better Than This Ep. 3: Show Notes

🎙 Episode Overview

The Achievement Trap: Why So Many High Achievers Aren’t Thriving (and How to Break Free) 

We live in a culture that celebrates striving—the titles, the productivity, the relentless chasing of the next milestone. But what happens when the very thing that drives our success is also driving our burnout?

In this episode of Better Than This, host Meghan French Dunbar explores the dark side of achievement and why so many high performers still feel deeply unfulfilled. She unpacks the research behind what it really means to flourish—and why true success requires more than just accomplishments.

Through storytelling, science, and soul, Meghan offers a new blueprint for ambitious people who are ready to thrive on their own terms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why chasing achievement often leads to burnout, not fulfillment
  
  
• How our addiction to external validation sabotages mental health
  
  
• What the research actually says about long-term well-being
  
  
• How to reframe success around flourishing, joy, and purpose
  
  
• Three simple shifts to help you break free from the achievement trap

Resources Mentioned:

• Harvard Human Flourishing Program
  
  
• Daniel Pink’s Drive
  
  
• Research by Edward Deci & Richard Ryan on intrinsic motivation
  
  

If you're ready to redefine success and create a life that feels good on the inside—not just one that looks good on paper—this episode is for you.