WB.27: Case Study – The High Cost of High Achievement – Kenji’s Journey with Type A Behavior

Approximate reading time: 3 minutes

Kenji is an individual who clearly exhibits a Type A behaviour pattern. From childhood, he has always been intense and driven. Excelling at school, Kenji was the captain of the swim team and graduated with honours from an Ivy League college. He never seems able to relax, constantly working on something, even during weekends. However, Kenji often feels overwhelmed by time, believing there are not enough hours in the day to achieve everything he sets out to do.

At work, Kenji is known for volunteering at the local food bank, taking on extra tasks, and frequently bringing work home. He often goes to bed late, frustrated by a feeling of not having accomplished enough. Quick-tempered with colleagues, Kenji becomes noticeably agitated when dealing with coworkers he perceives as too slow or substandard in their work quality. Interruptions at work typically trigger a hostile reaction from him.

Kenji’s relentless work ethic strains his personal relationships, particularly due to the limited time he spends with family. His daily commute is another source of stress; caught in traffic, Kenji is known to pound on the horn and loudly express his frustration at other drivers. This high-stress lifestyle takes its toll when, at the age of 52, Kenji suffers his first heart attack.