The Addiction to Being Busy: Why High Achievers Struggle to Slow Down

Most of us think that financial freedom is just about hitting the next big goal — paying off debt, buying the practice, finally retiring. But what happens when you get there and still feel restless, overwhelmed, or unsatisfied?We sat down with Dr. Stacey Elliott, integrative psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician, to unpack why so many high performers (especially in medicine and law) seem addicted to being busy. We get into the psychology behind overworking, the real cost of analysis paralysis, and what actually drives lasting happiness when external markers no longer cut it.Key moments:(04:59) Balancing parenthood and psychiatry(17:58) The achievement cycle leads to a craving for “busyness”(27:31) The litmus test for knowing if you’re actually ready for change or just avoiding discomfort(40:08) Making decisions when everything feels urgent(52:29) The true hourly cost of staying for the benefitsConnect with Stacey Elliott, D.O.: Integrative Psychiatry of CNY. Stacey sees patients at her office in Manlius, NY, and virtually throughout New York State. She is also a licensed telehealth provider in Florida. You can schedule a phone consultation through her website.There’s no one-size-fits-all for wealth. Get the plan that fits you. Try SLP Wealth risk-free!Like the show? There are several ways you can help!Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon MusicLeave an honest review on Apple Podcasts