Review of "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It" by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

If you have subscribed to this newsletter for a bit, you likely know that one of my New Year's resolutions was to read at least 12 books focused on helping my career. I've had a lot of fun picking books that were relevant to my career personally but also have broader appeal for all healthcare professionals. This month's book powerfully resonated with me, and I think it has been my favorite so far.

Jennifer Breheny Wallace ’s Never Enough offers a sobering and timely exploration of achievement culture, particularly in the context of parenting, while delivering lessons that extend far beyond the family unit. It is a must-read for anyone navigating high-pressure environments, including healthcare professionals, who often feel trapped in a relentless pursuit of success measured by external metrics. Wallace makes a compelling argument: rather than defining success through awards, accolades, or material outcomes, we should focus on fostering a sense of "mattering."

Achievement Culture and Parenting

Wallace examines the growing societal obsession with achievement, particularly in affluent communities where children feel pressure to excel in every sphere—academics, athletics, extracurriculars. This culture, she argues, can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, as children internalize the belief that their worth is tied to performance. The antidote, Wallace proposes, lies in helping children feel that they "matter"—that they are valued not for what they accomplish, but for who they are and how they contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

This reframing is essential, not only for children but also for adults, particularly healthcare professionals. Achievement-based thinking can permeate all aspects of life, resulting in individuals chasing goals without fully understanding why those goals matter. Wallace’s insights push readers to ask: Are we teaching our children (and ourselves) to find fulfillment in who we are becoming or merely in what we achieve?

Lessons for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare is a field where the toxicity of achievement culture runs deep. Success is often defined by numbers—how many patients we treat, how many procedures we perform, the research papers we publish, or the certifications we collect. There is a never-ending pressure to do more and be more, which, while driving excellence, also risks eroding our sense of purpose and well-being.

Wallace’s emphasis on "mattering" resonates strongly within healthcare. In medicine, we have a rare privilege: we work in a profession where making a difference—mattering—can and should be central to what we do. When healthcare professionals feel like they matter—both to their patients and within their organizations—they are more likely to experience meaning, avoid burnout, and remain motivated even in challenging times.

Balancing Achievement and Purpose

Never Enough acknowledges that ambition and career advancement are not inherently bad. As Wallace points out, it’s okay to strive for success, whether in parenting or in healthcare. But we must be mindful of the cost when our aspirations are rooted in perfectionism and external validation. Perfectionism has its place—catching rare diagnoses, ensuring precise surgical outcomes—but it is also "the thief of joy."

Wallace encourages readers to strike a balance between striving for excellence and embracing the inherent meaning in their work. Healthcare professionals need to remember that while money, promotions, and KPIs matter, they cannot be the sole markers of success. Our impact on the lives of others—our ability to matter—should be just as central, if not more.

Conclusion

Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s Never Enough is a thought-provoking and insightful read for anyone navigating high-pressure environments, especially those in caregiving professions. It offers a powerful reminder that our worth is not defined solely by achievement but by our ability to matter. For healthcare professionals, who operate in a culture steeped in perfectionism and achievement, Wallace’s message serves as a timely call to shift focus. Success should not come at the cost of well-being or joy. We should embrace the unique privilege of working in a field where the opportunity to matter is woven into the very fabric of what we do—and let that become the foundation of both our careers and our personal sense of fulfillment.

Financial Health Matters, Too

Just as Never Enough encourages readers to rethink success in life and work, it’s equally important to rethink financial health. For healthcare professionals seeking to build financial independence without sacrificing well-being, White Coats of the Round Table offers an invaluable Financial Literacy Course . This course, developed in collaboration with Caleb Pepperday of Advanced Practice Planning, provides over 6 hours of education along with handouts and downloads to help healthcare providers gain control of their finances. It’s designed to be affordable—less expensive than a single session with a financial advisor—while equipping participants with the tools they need to reduce financial stress and focus on what truly matters in their careers and personal lives.