I’m a type A personality. Maybe an A+. I’ve tried to go into recovery, but I always get kicked out. 

I’m an addict. That’s just the way it is. Addicted to striving to be my best. Addicted to perfection.

For me, I’d hate to die with regrets. To feel like I could have but didn’t. Knowing I really wanted to do something but never really having the guts to go for it—that feels terrible. But even though I push hard in my own life to succeed, I know there are many out there who ride the wave of contentment.

And I get it. Everyone has the right to decide how far they want to push.

As humans, we are given the gift of intuition. We are able to visualize our potential and reach it if we desire.

But what happens when we push too hard? When the price we have to pay to get there is just simply too high? When does the consequences of proving yourself do more harm than good?

I always strive to be the best I can be. And for me, pushing myself comes easy.

I’m a warrior. Pushing myself to succeed is a joy not a job.

But for some people, it’s just too much.

Many people are content just to live life without being stuck in the vortex of achieving, proving, pushing, driving, or striving for excellence. In fact, some people actually get sick at the thought of always having to be better than they were the day before.

But no matter how much drive you have and how much you want to push, it’s imperative that you set boundaries so you don’t run yourself into the ground.

I haven’t always lived from my heart. In fact, for several years, I felt cut off from what I needed inside. I pushed myself like a slave driver to prove myself worthy. It took a major catastrophe in my life to realize success isn’t measured by what I am able to accomplish on paper.

Success for me is waking up when the sun comes up and living in alignment with my beliefs.
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If success is important to you, but you are afraid that the cost of success is beating you down, here are my three signs to watch out for:

1. Stress

Are you stressed out on a daily basis? If so, you need to re-evaluate your life.

We only live once, right? So what you’re doing on a daily basis should yield happiness and reward. It shouldn’t be keeping you up at night or putting you in the hospital. Think JOY not JOB.

Make sure your life is aligned with your dreams. Your career is your hobby. Your partner is your best friend.

2. Your Gut Is a Mess

Some say your gut is the real brain in your body. So if it’s talking to you, perk up and listen.

If you’re having digestive issues, it’s quite possible your body is letting you know you’re not really living your truth.

Ask yourself what it would take to live in harmony without intestinal distress.

3. You Feel the Need to Prove Something

If the sole intention of your actions is to prove something to someone or yourself, you’re living life for the wrong reasons.

What do you love doing? Once you nail that on the head, live like you mean it. Do because it speaks to your heart and your soul.

Because it makes you feel good.

Because you want to live your dream.

No success in the world should cost you your health and happiness. So, dream big and act big and treat yourself with love and kindness.

I have just shared three signs to look for when success is making you sick. What does success mean to you? What price are you willing to pay for it? I would love to hear from you. Please leave your comments below.

XO, Hayley

Hayley Hobson is an author, speaker, business coach, yogi, Pilates instructor, and holistic nutritional expert based in Boulder, CO. Her unique and intelligent style promotes strengthening while softening—empowering her clients to heal not only their physical bodies but their hearts and minds as well. To learn more about her nutritional courses, events, and custom programs, visit hayleyhobson.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

*Image courtesy of lastbeats.