The Final Stage Most Achievers Never Reach (But Desperately Need To)

Written By: Brad Pedersen

I shared in prior issues of this newsletter that I grew up the shortest kid in my family, and how I carried that as a chip on my shoulder. It wasn’t something anyone teased me about; but internally, I made it mean something. It was fuel that drove me and I felt like I had to prove myself.

It showed up in the way I pushed myself physically; taking on challenges that were intimidating and, at times, borderline reckless. Like the photo above, where in my mid-teens, I launched myself off this cliff; simply to prove that I could. I became obsessed and even craved the admiration and respect of others, by being willing to do hard things.

It also revealed itself in how I poured into my work; chasing accomplishments and recognition through the businesses I built. Outworking everyone around me became a point of pride; a way to prove my worth and earn my place.

Eventually, that doing paid off in the form of business and financial achievements. I reached a level of independence that I once only dreamed of. But then a new belief crept in: maybe it’s not just about doing anymore, but about having more. If I could collect the right things; a beautiful home, a vacation property, a high-performance car, and the recognition that I believed they would bring….then maybe I’d finally feel complete.

However after acquiring all that, again I found myself once again restless.

That’s when I began to realize something profound. Neither doing nor having could satisfy the deeper longing inside me. What I was really searching for wasn’t something I could gain from the outside; it was something that I had to cultivate from within.

This clarity becomes part of every high achiever's journey, as they hopefully do not just “go” through life but “grow” through it, by increasing their self awareness. There’s also a realization that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for every season of life. Each stage brings its own priorities and challenges, and the real work is learning to recognize when it’s time to adapt.

Stage One: Survive and Do

Most of us begin our life journey in survival mode. 

In this stage, we have little in the way of money, connections, or influence. Our most available resource is time; and we trade it in hopes of building the capacity and momentum we need to move forward.

We live close to the edge, often just staying ahead of monthly obligations. Identity tends to be externally shaped; we measure ourselves by what we do, how much we achieve, and how we compare. We hustle hard, chasing the next win, because time feels like the only leverage we have.

We’re focused on proving ourselves; striving to show that we belong, that we’re capable, and that we matter. Whether in our careers, relationships, or other pursuits, we search for significance through our performance and productivity.

This phase is exciting, but can also feel anxious and exhausting; it’s not wrong and in fact is essential to our development. This phase of ambition not only increases our competence but builds our early foundation of character: grit, resilience and discipline. It’s where we learn to push through, to grow through challenges, that forms the bedrock of who we become.

Survival isn’t meant to be a permanent state but it’s a necessary starting point that prepares us for what comes next.

Stage Two: Strive and Scale

As we gain ground, we begin to shift from surviving to striving. 

We’ve committed to discipline and consistency, learned how to adapt, and developed the ability to solve problems. As a result, we’ve built momentum and we’re beginning to see the outcomes take shape. 

The chaos of early effort starts to settle into something more strategic and focused. We create systems, hire teams, shape culture, and begin to lead not just from energy, but with intention. 

This phase is exciting as ideas gain traction, progress is visible, and a life we once imagined begins to feel within reach. The rewards of effort begin to compound, and a sense of control and possibility emerges.

But with this growth comes a different kind of pressure. In this phase, we’re still doing; but now the doing becomes more intentional. It’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. We begin to focus on leverage, systems, and strategy. 

However, just like in the early stage, it’s easy here to slip into the trap of tying our worth to our career success. As our effectiveness increases, so does the temptation to let performance define our identity. 

This phase plays an important role in building leadership strength and operational depth. We grow in confidence as we reinforce our competence, and because we can clearly see the results of our effort, it’s tempting to settle in. But while this stage is necessary, it’s not the final destination; it’s a stepping stone, not the summit.

Stage Three: Arrive and Have

This stage is where you find yourself standing in the reality of what was once just imagined on your vision board; something you mapped out as part of your life goals.  

For many founders and business leaders, it’s marked by a significant milestone, such as a business exit or a financial breakthrough that promises freedom and new possibilities. This phase at first feels like the reward you dreamed of. You’ve done the work, made the sacrifices, and now you’re in a place where you have options. 

Abraham Maslow called this stage “self-actualization;” where we arrive at the top of the pyramid, having already covered off our basic needs for survival, found companionship, and created meaning through work that is aligned with our purpose. 

But for many high performers, this is where an unexpected tension appears. After years of tying identity to the work, what happens when the work is no longer the focus? 

If you’ve sold a business, stepped away from day-to-day operations, or simply achieved financial stability, it’s not uncommon to start seeking validation in new ways; through possessions, status, or recognition.

Having means becomes the new proving ground.  Nice homes, luxury cars, exotic vacations; each carries a story, not just of success, but of desire to prove our significance. 

This is the stage where many end up stuck and being confused about their identity being tied to what they “do” or what they “have,” they simply cycle between striving and arriving, without moving forward. 

While it’s a meaningful part of the journey, it was never meant to be the final destination. It offers value, but will never lead to fulfillment on its own.

Stage Four: Self-Transcend and Serve

This is where the journey takes its most meaningful turn.