Why you need to stop obsessing about your potential

Feel like you're held hostage by the pressure of living up to your potential? Verity Johnson has put together a roadmap to victory.
Graphic illustration of a stressed woman

There are a few phrases in life that always make you adopt a mental brace position. Like if someone ever starts with, ‘Let me give you some feedback…’ then you’ll instinctively feel your buttocks clench and your lower back lean forward against the mental seat in front.

But I think the scariest phrase will always be: ‘You’re not living up to your potential…’  That’s the one that instantly makes you feel like your flight is trying to land in Wellington, on a particularly stormy day, just after you’ve necked a litre bottle of Fanta.

Unlock Padlock Icon

Unlock this content?

Access this content and more

The Big Idea | Te Aria Nui is New Zealand’s online hub for creative people. Our aim is to support talented, innovative individuals and organisations, back the creative industries and advocate for creativity as an essential ingredient in the cultural and economic wealth of New Zealand. The Big Idea provides resources for the whole creative sector, including those seeking to turn their ‘big ideas’ into viable projects, careers and businesses. We are the go-to destination for work opportunities, event listings, arts stories and creative inspiration. The Big Idea is a not-for-profit trust started in 2001 and is New Zealand’s longest running creative sector website.