Recently I read a comparative study on high performer research that found a common trait among the studies: high performers get things done. It’s no surprise that accomplishment has become a recognized criterion in determining high performance.

This one factor caught my attention because, as a professional, you must take control of getting things done. You need to prioritize, deal with crises, delegate work and inspire others. But you’re not a machine. You also have to take responsibility for keeping yourself in high-performance mode.

You have to learn how to self-regulate. That means you know when to put it into high gear and when to throttle down for rejuvenation. You must recognize when you are wearing down and make (and keep!) plans to renew. When you do that, you are so much more effective and experience renewed fulfillment in what you do.

Here’s the problem: no one is going to do it for you. As a high performer, if you don’t take control, it won’t happen. You shouldn’t have to be told to accelerate or slow down. No one is going to say that you’re working too hard or too much. No one will tell you to take some time off.

If you don’t self-regulate, you will operate in the red zone for too long. Then you burn out. You already know the early signs when you’re approaching the edge:

Your motivation is waning.

You’ve lost your ability to focus.

You are physically weary.

You are mentally weary.

You find yourself going through the motions.

I know it’s more easily said than done. But it doesn’t change the fact that it’s yours to do. What constraints do you face over which you must prevail?

Take care of yourself: mentally, physically and relationally. Be responsible for yourself. Self-regulate. Too many are dependent on your accomplishments and contributions. Ineffectiveness is not becoming of you.