Just Cannot Face New Challenges/Get Going
First, it is perhaps a feeling of just not being able to get going, face a new challenge, start a new position, talk to a new colleague, or do something new.
This can often be because you are gripped by uncontrollable fear in some situations or around certain people where you feel fearful to the point of not being able to face whatever it is – maybe you freeze and cannot handle it.
Anxiety in this way over time can often lead to a loss of interest in anything outside of your comfort zone, and you may keep your distance from everyone else, input less into work conversations, and just get through the day with as little fuss as possible – does this sound familiar? The lack of interest can limit your exposure to new ideas and create a barrier between you and colleagues that could help further your career.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Second, you may also have a loss of confidence as anxiety creates strong feelings of worry. This can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem, leading to a total lack of confidence. It’s hard enough to compete with other people for recognition, find solutions to overcome new challenges, and speak up when you aren’t confident. A loss of confidence leads people to hide in the shadows, trying not to be noticed, just getting by until the end of the day. Any negative reviews, criticism, or negative input from others further erodes the confidence, causing even further withdrawal in a vicious cycle.
Missing Opportunities
When people are anxious and afraid, opportunities are often perceived as threatening situations that should be avoided. Rather than seek a promotion, try for a higher-paying job, take classes, or change careers, anxiety sufferers prefer to remain in a safe spot. They settle for the pay they can get and don’t make any waves or draw attention to themselves.
Left untreated, anxiety can increasingly hold you back, impact your health, put your career in jeopardy, and it can have a negative effect on your relationships both at work and at home and on the fulfillment of your life!
So, to summarize, here are some suggestions for how anxiety may be holding you back from doing in your working life. I’m sure you have your own things holding you back:
- Not being able to face new challenges
- Not being able to really enjoy moving forwards with confidence
- Missing out on opportunities to progress your career
Symptoms of anxiety, worry, feeling scared, not feeling good enough, etc., often accompany and fuel feelings of imposter syndrome. You might have imposter syndrome if you find yourself consistently experiencing self-doubt, even in areas where you typically excel. Imposter syndrome may feel like restlessness and nervousness, and it may manifest as talking negatively to yourself.
Impostor syndrome is an issue faced by many professionals who are successful in their careers and have the expected things in life, but their happiness, relationships, and health are so often sacrificed, undermined by feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and not experiencing success internally.
If you’re fed up with anxiety holding you back in your career and life and want some help, just email or click here to book your free 15-minute clarity call. I’d love to chat about where you are and what you need to do to get to where you need to go fast!
Email: steveandserena@expressingyourauthenticself.com
Calendar: https://calendly.com/expressing-your-authentic-self/clarity-up-call
