Why High Achievers Still Feel Unseen — and What to Do About It

R3ciprocity.com - Prof David Maslach: Innovation; Research Life; Striving Towards Happiness · Jul 3, 2025 · 12m

I used to believe that if I just perfected myself, people would love me. That if I worked hard enough — became successful enough — I’d finally earn their respect.

That belief drove me to get a PhD, to become a professor, to keep pushing every single day. But it never gave me what I really wanted.

I’ve learned something else. Something harder. No matter how much you try, some people just won’t like you. Some will quietly shut you down with looks you can’t describe — subtle moments of exclusion no one else will notice. Others will actively try to sabotage you. Most just won’t care.

This episode…