Feeling Left Behind? What Top Performers Know That You're Missing

Description

In this Q&A video, Harrison Barnes addresses the feelings of discouragement that arise when attorneys see their former classmates achieving high-profile roles while they are still searching for the right opportunity. Barnes explains that comparing oneself to others is a common pitfall, especially for those who have attended prestigious schools. He acknowledges that seeing peers succeed in notable ways can be disheartening, but emphasizes that such feelings often signal a lack of value being produced to reach the desired level of success. He advises that instead of focusing on others' achievements, attorneys should focus on rising to their own level of productivity and success.

Question:
When I see former classmates making partner or getting high-profile roles, but I'm still searching for the right opportunity, what mindset shifts or strategies can help? How can an attorney stay focused on their own path while feeling discouraged by others' success?

Answer:
There's this phenomenon where people go to top colleges, like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others, and then they graduate, and their careers fizzle out. They see their classmates becoming Secretary of State, billionaires, and other high-profile figures, which can be very discouraging. When this happens in your career, it’s usually a sign that, for whatever reason, you're not producing enough value to reach the level you desire. The first thing to recognize is that comparing yourself to others is not helpful. When you attend a prestigious school, you're surrounded by high achievers, and the environment is designed to push you to be productive. The goal is to rise to the level of the people around you, but it’s important to focus on your own path and stop measuring your success against others'.