Black, Excellent, and Tired: Navigating Black Excellence Fatigue - A Guide for Racialized Individuals (Part 1)

Black excellence is a reality, not merely a notion.

The pressure to constantly strive for greatness is deeply ingrained in us as we navigate environments where we often face being overworked, underpaid, and disregarded. The sheer excellence of our work and our melanated presence can be intimidating to others, contributing to the need to excel continuously as a survival strategy in a world that is not designed for us.

Understanding Black Excellence Fatigue 

 Picture this: Cassandra, a dedicated supervisor with fifteen years of tenure at her current company, initially joined as a recent university graduate. She is often relied upon as the go-to person for various company needs. Even when she falls ill, her phone incessantly buzzes with emails for perceived "emergencies" that could be managed by others if given the opportunity. Vacations bring a sense of impending stress as she anticipates returning to an overwhelming inbox filled with 300 unread emails. 

Recently, a senior-level position became available—a role Cassandra is more than capable of handling effortlessly. Upon applying internally, she receives the disheartening email: she did not secure the position. Instead, it was granted to someone with less experience and seniority. Fearing being labelled as "the mad black woman" if she expresses her emotions, Cassandra grapples with feelings of injustice, disappointment, and fatigue. She ponders the financial responsibilities she carries and the people reliant on her paycheck. Ultimately, she swallows the injustice—a mixture of pain, disappointment, fatigue, anger, and justified rage—and perseveres. Can you relate to Cassandra's experience on some level?

In conversations with clients in therapy, I frequently encounter individuals who share similar experiences. They often feel scrutinized and pressured to deliver exceptional work (which they always do) while grappling with feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, fear, doubt, and exhaustion. This phenomenon, known as “Black Excellence Fatigue,” is a very real and taxing aspect of our daily lives and lived experiences.

I vividly recall instances when well-intentioned individuals advised me to ease up on my academic pursuits or professional endeavours, questioning why I put in so much effort. My response, both internally and externally, has always been rooted in the necessity to excel in order to claim my place in the world, have a voice in various spaces, and carve a path to sit at ANY table I choose. However, the weight of this constant pressure can be overwhelming and draining, and trust me, it has been heavy.

Reframing OUR Reality 

I recently attended a networking event called The Therapists’ Lounge, led by Roxanne Francis. It was there that I listened to the powerful speaker and bestselling author Celina Caesar-Chavannes, who highlighted the poignant words of Isabelle Wilkerson: “Caste is the bones, race is the skin.” I can still hear the echoes of these words in my soul. Celina reminded us that we need to go beyond merely existing in a system of oppression. Instead, we must break the bones of oppression to see and experience any level of change in our world. The most powerful message I heard was when she reminded us that WE are powerful, WE are light, and WE need to reframe the ways in which we see ourselves and each other.

When I reflect on this in light of how we treat ourselves and our bodies as racialized people in this world of oppression, we detrimentally submit to the systems that were created to keep us bound. We must do better, and change needs to be practically embodied. In her book, Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto, Tricia Hersey describes this dismantling of exhaustion so well. She states:

“We are not resting because we are still connecting to our rest in a capitalist, trendy, consumer-driven way—the way we have been trained under a capitalist system. Our work is not about a one-day-only event, where leaving your homes is necessary to rest in a fancy retreat centre or hotel. This work is about a slow unravelling that will require our participation for our entire lives. It is a cultural shift rooted in an embodied lens. This means that we must practice, engage, and push back against the dominant culture” (p. 61).

Journal Prompt

If you resonate with the experiences and challenges outlined in this blog post, know that you are not alone. It’s time that we acknowledge and address Black Excellence Fatigue in our daily lives. This first starts with us looking inward and reflecting on its impact. Let us embrace the journey of redefining what excellence means to us so that we can begin to prioritize our well-being together. 

Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences. 

1. Reflect on the story of Cassandra. What are the ways in which you resonated with her experiences? Have you experienced this personally? Did Cassandra’s experience reflect the experience of someone in your family of origin? How have you and your family coped with these experiences? 

2. In what ways has the pressure to achieve and excel affected your mental and emotional well-being? 

3. Reflect on a specific instance where you felt overwhelmed by the expectations placed on you. How did it make you feel, and what steps can you take to prioritize your self-care moving forward?

4. If you feel comfortable, consider discussing your reflections with a trusted friend or therapist. Remember, reclaiming your energy and redefining excellence starts with you. Let’s support each other in this important journey! 🌟

If you feel comfortable, share some of your experiences with us in the comments below! Thanks for reading

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About the Author: 

Felicia Fischhoff is a dedicated Jamaican-Canadian Registered Psychotherapist and the proud owner of Rooted in Resilience Psychotherapy & Wellness, a thriving group practice located in Markham, ON, with virtual services available throughout Ontario. As a mother of two beautiful boys, Felicia understands the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for families and individuals alike.

With over a decade of experience, Felicia has worked extensively with families in low-income communities and has specialized in supporting survivors of sex trafficking. Her diverse background equips her with a unique perspective and deep empathy for her clients. 

Felicia is passionate about addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, racial trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, intimate partner violence, relationship issues, and family of origin challenges. She is committed to empowering her clients to heal, grow, and thrive by fostering resilience and promoting self-discovery in a safe and inclusive space. Through her work, Felicia aims to cultivate a sense of connection and belonging for all individuals seeking support on their mental health journey.